admin
Scan your passport or reservation barcode, confirm passenger name and number of pieces, pay any excess fees, then affix the produced adhesive identifier to the main handle and retain the receipt. Having passport and booking reference ready reduces transaction time to under 90 seconds; if you have one checked piece per passenger expect 45–60 seconds on average.
Most units employ direct-thermal label mechanisms at 203–300 dpi, generating a barcode that encodes the airline’s 10-digit bag reference (commonly using Code 128 or a compact 2D symbology). The terminal exchanges the reservation record with the carrier’s back-end via secured airline links (SITA/ARINC or carrier API), then formats and issues an adhesive identifier sized for conveyor readers. Label output typically takes 1–3 seconds; a poorly adhered or smudged barcode will fail automated sorters.
Operational recommendations: use the integrated scale before confirming weight; delete or peel off prior identifiers to avoid scanner confusion; thread the adhesive strip through the handle and secure the plastic loop or cable tie provided; photograph the front of the adhesive identifier and keep the numeric reference (10 digits) visible for claim purposes. If fees apply, complete payment at the unit using the card slot or contactless terminal to avoid delays at the counter.
If the unit cannot produce a readable adhesive identifier, proceed to the staffed check-in desk with passport and booking confirmation so staff can generate and attach a replacement. For carriers supporting mobile bag references, generate the code in the airline app and show it to an agent or use a staffed printer to convert it into a physical identifier.
Self-service terminals issuing baggage labels
Scan your airline mobile boarding pass (QR or 2D barcode) before using a self-service terminal: scanning typically auto-fills PNR and flight data and reduces label generation to ~5–20 seconds.
- Access: choose language → scan passport or boarding pass (barcode reader or NFC) or enter confirmation code manually.
- Bag count & weighing: built-in scale measures up to common maxima (typically 40–50 kg) with manufacturer-stated accuracy ~±0.1 kg; step off the platform between measurements to avoid offsets.
- Fees & payment: excess-baggage charges processed via integrated EMV contact/contactless readers; authorization completes in under 2 seconds on average.
- Data exchange: terminal sends reservation + bag metadata over a TLS-secured link to the airline system, which returns a unique numeric baggage identifier (standard 10-digit IATA number) and routing info.
- Label generation: thermal-transfer or direct-thermal printers dispense die-cut adhesive labels (common size ~89×127 mm); adhesives rated for −40°C to +70°C and designed to resist conveyor abrasion and scanning.
- Application: either automatic applicator arms attach the label and confirm successful placement via optical sensor, or the passenger receives the label for manual application at the bag handle.
Technical specifics
- Barcode formats: numeric IATA identifier encoded as a 1D symbology (Interleaved 2 of 5 or Code 128); some carriers append a 2D (PDF417/QR) with routing and security payload.
- Printer specs: typical print speed 50–150 mm/s; label roll lengths from 100–300 labels per roll depending on die size; sensors detect label gaps and black marks for accurate cut/peel timing.
- Scale & sensors: strain-gauge load cells with periodic calibration; optical/IR sensors verify that label was dispensed and applied.
- Security & logging: every label issuance logged to the airline’s system with timestamp, operator/terminal ID and transaction ID for traceability and audit.
Troubleshooting and practical recommendations
- If label generation exceeds 30 seconds: cancel and retry scan; if delay persists, proceed to the staffed counter to avoid missed connections.
- If the scale reads 0.0 or an implausible value: step off, restart the weighing step, and replace the bag centered on the platform; persistent errors require staff-assisted calibration.
- If the adhesive fails or label detaches: request replacement labels or apply a protectant sleeve at the counter; secure placement is critical for conveyor scanners.
- If barcode scan errors appear at downstream sorting: inspect for smudges or tears; keep label flat on the bag and away from seams or handles that can fold the barcode.
- For extended trips choose a robust carry system – see best bags for 4 months backpacking for options built to withstand repeated handling and conveyor-system stresses.
Passenger and flight data used to generate baggage labels
Provide booking reference (PNR), passenger full name exactly as on ID, and the 13-digit e‑ticket number; these three fields are the primary keys terminals query to assemble a baggage label.
Primary fields pulled from the reservation system: PNR (6‑character alphanumeric), passenger surname/given name, e‑ticket number (13 digits, format 978/979 prefixes common), and flight identifier (airline code + flight number, e.g., BA1234).
Routing and destination data: origin and destination IATA airport codes (three letters each), final destination for through‑checked pieces, intermediate transfer points, and the travel date. Verify the printed destination is the ultimate landing point; if the terminal lists only the first sector, request counter assistance for through‑check.
Bag handling and service indicators: number of checked pieces, checked weight (if measured or declared), priority marker (priority or expedited handling flags), special‑handling flags (e.g., fragile, oversized, special services like AVIH/CPR when applicable), and excess‑baggage indicators when additional fees are required.
Security and ID fields: for international itineraries terminals often require passport MRZ scan or manual entry of passport number, nationality and document expiry; these fields are retained or referenced to satisfy border control and carrier policy before issuing the routing label.
Machine‑readable label content: printed label includes a barcode and a 10‑digit tag ID following IATA conventions (3‑digit airline prefix + serial), encoded in a linear barcode (GS1‑128/EAN‑128 or similar) so baggage‑handling systems can scan and track movement across conveyor and transfer points.
Operational metadata pulled: operating carrier code, interline agreements for through‑checking, transfer cut‑off earliest connection time, and the ground‑handling station code that determines conveyor routing and sort order.
Verify the label information immediately: check passenger name spelling, final destination IATA code, number of pieces, and any priority or special‑handling marks. Keep boarding pass/receipt stub and photograph the barcode line for baggage recovery reference.
If you prefer a compact carry item for last‑minute essentials when checking pieces, consider a reliable briefcase option like this: best messenger bag for lawyer.
Label content formatting and barcode and RFID generation
Encode the bag identifier as a concatenation: 3-digit airline prefix + 7-digit serial (zero-padded). Render that identifier both as human-readable text and as a machine-readable code; for RFID also program the EPC to contain the same identifier and perform immediate read-after-write verification stored in the back-end audit log.
Recommended fixed-field layout (compact, machine-friendly): [AAA][SSSSSSS][DEST][FL][YYMMDD] where AAA = airline prefix (3 digits), SSSSSSS = serial (7 digits), DEST = 3-letter destination code, FL = flight number (up to 4 digits, zero-padded), YYMMDD = departure date. Use fixed widths and explicit separators or fixed offsets for 1D symbologies to avoid parsing ambiguity. Append a Mod-10 checksum for numeric-only serials or use the native checksum built into Code 128.
Symbology selection and parameters: use Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF) for numeric-only tag numbers; use Code 128 for mixed alphanumeric fields; choose 2D DataMatrix (ECC200) or PDF417 when embedding multiple fields or error correction is required. Minimum printer resolution: 203 dpi for basic ITF/Code 128; 300 dpi preferred for small 2D codes. ITF module (X) ≈ 0.33 mm (0.013 in) at 300 dpi, barcode height ≥ 25 mm, quiet zone = 10 × narrow bar. For Code 128 include start/stop and checksum bytes; for 2D use ECC level to allow ≥ 15–25% data loss recovery and set minimum cell size 0.4–0.5 mm at 300 dpi.
Physical media and legibility: use thermal-transfer or durable synthetic label stock rated for abrasion and moisture; aim for minimum contrast (reflectance difference) of 60–80% between bars and background. Human-readable text: identifier at 12–14 pt bold sans-serif, secondary fields 6–8 pt. Do not apply varnish or lamination over barcodes unless validated for scanner optics. For adhesive straps, locate printed code away from folds and seams.
RFID specifics: use passive UHF tags compliant with ISO 18000‑63 / EPC Gen2v2 in the 860–960 MHz band. Encode EPC memory with a 96-bit (or 128-bit) value that maps directly to the bag identifier; optionally store flight code and destination in user memory at fixed byte offsets if the implementation supports it, but avoid storing passenger PII on the tag. After writing, perform read-after-write and a multi-antenna read to confirm read rate ≥ 99% at a 2–4 m test distance. Protect tag with an access password or permanent lock where operationally feasible.
Verification, logging and fallbacks: require successful machine verification (barcode scan or RFID read) before advancing the item in the handling system. Log identifier, reader/printer serial number, timestamp, and verification status to the central system. If verification fails, generate a secondary label with a new serial and mark the original identifier as quarantined in the database; produce a printable paper receipt for manual routing until automated tracking is re-established.
Recommended communication and printer commands for sending a baggage label to a self-service terminal’s thermal label printer
Prefer sending native label language (ZPL/EPL/CPCL or ESC/POS) as raw printer commands over a TCP socket (JetDirect/port 9100) or via a vendor SDK rather than raster bitmaps.
Common transport layers: raw TCP (port 9100) for direct streams; LPR/LPD for legacy environments; IPP (port 631) or SMB/CIFS when using OS spoolers; USB CDC or serial (RS‑232) for local attachments; Bluetooth SPP for mobile units. For remote submission, send JSON/XML over HTTPS to a middleware service that performs the final raw send to the device; use mutual TLS or client certificates for authentication when the printer is reachable across networks.
Typical printer languages in use: ZPL (Zebra) and EPL (Eltron) for industrial label printers; CPCL for some mobile printers; ESC/POS for receipt/thermal mechanisms. Each offers primitives for text, scalable fonts, barcodes (Code 128, EAN, PDF417, QR, Aztec) and graphic regions. Use the printer-native barcode primitives to preserve scan reliability and reduce data size instead of embedding barcode images.
When delivering commands over a socket, wrap the label job as the exact byte stream the device expects (no additional headers). For example: open TCP connection → send the label language script (commands + layout) → wait for socket close or printer acknowledgement. For spooler-based setups, submit a raw job (RAW or application/octet-stream) so the spooler forwards commands unchanged.
Bi-directional status: poll via SNMP (printer MIBs) for consumables and error states, or use the vendor’s query commands over the same channel to request device status blocks. ESC/POS and many label languages support status-response sequences (control bytes such as 0x1B/ESC and 0x1D/GS for queries). Implement timeouts and retry logic: typical pattern = 3 sends with exponential backoff and a pre-check of printer online state via SNMP or vendor API.
For RFID-encoding printheads, commands combine label layout + RFID write block; underlying RFID memory format follows EPC Gen2 / ISO 18000‑6C but the host sends vendor-specific wrappers or SDK calls. Always perform read‑back verification after an RFID write and return the result in the host response so the issuing system can decide reprint/retry.
Data packaging recommendations: keep control sequences in plain binary or escaped hex when sending via JSON (base64-encode the full command blob). Include a small job header with job ID, passenger/flight reference, and checksum (e.g., CRC32) so the terminal can detect partial transfers. Example header fields: job_id, seq_num, length_bytes, checksum, priority.
Security and segmentation: restrict printer access to a management VLAN, use ACLs to allow only middleware IPs, enable TLS for web APIs, and prefer mutual authentication for direct printer APIs. Log job submission and printer responses for at least 30 days to enable audit and troubleshooting; include the raw command blob in logs masked for any PII that shouldn’t be stored.
Practical rule of thumb: send ZPL/EPL/CPCL when supported; fall back to OSCAP or CUPS RAW only when driverless delivery is impossible. For mobile or small thermal units use ESC/POS with barcode primitives. For examples and SDK choices reference vendor docs, and test using a local emulator before deployment. Also check unrelated hardware reviews like best digital camera for 10000 rupees for unrelated procurement guidance.
Troubleshooting: immediate actions when a self-service terminal won’t produce bag labels
First action: confirm the label roll is present and seated correctly. Open the media cover, ensure the roll spindle is fully engaged, the liner feeds under the peel plate (follow the pictogram inside the compartment), and the leading edge sits past the feed roller by ~5–10 mm.
Passenger steps
1) Retry the transaction: cancel and re-enter booking reference or scan boarding card/passport again; select the reissue or reprint option on-screen if available. 2) Try a different terminal in the same area – often the issue is isolated to one unit. 3) If touchscreen is unresponsive, remove gloves or wipe the screen; use a stylus only if provided. 4) Ask staff for a counter-issued bag label or a handheld printer label as a temporary workaround.
Staff and technician steps
1) Media and sensor check: confirm media type (die-cut vs continuous) matches printer setting; verify sensor alignment and that the reflective/transmissive sensor sees the label gap or black mark. 2) Clear jams: open the print path, gently remove stuck liner or labels, check cutter mechanism for debris and manually cycle the cutter if applicable. 3) Head and platen care: power down, clean thermal head with 90% isopropyl and a lint-free swab; remove adhesive buildup from platen roller and clean sensors with electronics-safe swabs. 4) Media orientation and roll core: ensure labels face the correct direction per model diagram; loose roll cores and incorrect width cause feed errors – replace with correctly sized media (common sizes: 102×76 mm, 61×51 mm, or model-specific). 5) Firmware and format mismatch: if barcodes or label layout fail, verify the terminal firmware and printer firmware versions match the airline’s configuration; reload latest template or rollback recent template changes. 6) Connectivity and job queue: check host connection (Ethernet link/activity LEDs, switch port status) and clear stalled jobs in the local print queue; perform a soft reboot of the terminal and, if needed, restart the printer module. 7) Power and error indicators: read error LEDs and on-screen diagnostics codes; consult manufacturer error-code list for immediate remedies (e.g., sensor fault, cutter jam, media out). 8) Replace consumables: swap in a known-good roll and test with a diagnostics label; if the replacement works, discard the suspect roll and inspect for adhesive or humidity damage.
If on-site fixes fail, tag issuance should be handled at the staffed counter or with a handheld printer while a service ticket is opened with the hardware vendor; include serial number, firmware level, recent error codes, and a short video of the failure to accelerate resolution.
