BagBuddy

This is a free companion app to the BagBuddy mobile baggage drop service. Authorized airlines and handling agents can use BagBuddy to check baggage onto a flight using just a smartphone.

MAIN FEATURES

• On-loads baggage without using fixed DCS equipment
• Enables airlines to charge for baggage that is now carried for free
• Uses standard IATA messaging and protocols
• Scans PDF-417 or Aztec boarding pass barcodes, and standard baggage tag barcodes
• Operates without requiring airline to modify systems
• Operates on an iPhone with no modification
• Scans credit card optically -- no reader required
• May be used on a staff members phone securely
• No development costs or ongoing support overhead
• Generates substantial ancillary revenue

WHO WE ARE

3 Codes Good Ltd was started by two airline technology experts (ex-BA and ex-SITA) who worked on the IATA Baggage Working Group that designed the standard License Plate baggage tags and Baggage Messages. We have designed BagBuddy to work with any airline DCS, sending standard messages via the SITA Type B network. Our primary goals have been to build a system that:

• works out of the box with any airline DCS
• is totally secure
• requires little or no staff training
• requires no infrastructure other than a wifi or cellular Internet connection

WHAT IT DOES

BagBuddy enables authorized airline agents to check passenger baggage at any location where there is a wifi or cellular Internet connection. After signing on to the app, the agent:

• asks the passenger the 3 security questions
• scans the passenger's boarding pass
• attaches pre-printed baggage tag to the passenger's baggage, and scans the bar codes
• enters baggage weight into app
• charges baggage fee to passenger's credit card, or waives fee

The passenger's baggage and flight details are recorded and sent to the airline DCS, and baggage fees are charged (or waived).

The app guides the agent through this process, ensuring that no step is skipped.

USES

• Checking bags at a gate WITHOUT interrupting boarding
• Checking bags at the airside / landslide barrier without sending pax back to check-in
• Bag drop when local CUSE/CUTE is down
• Bag drop at the aircraft door when cabin stowage is full
• Kerbside Bag drop for premium passengers

SECURITY

Security has been built into BagBuddy from the ground up. Before the app can be used to checkin baggage:

• An airline must have a live BagBuddy account
• The airline must designate the Type B address to which to send BTMs
• BagBuddy apps must to be activated through the airline's account on the BagBuddy website by the airline (typically by a station manager)
• Agents must be authorized by the airline (again, typically by a station manager)

Furthermore, apps can be de-activated and agents de-authorized at any time via the BagBuddy website.

DEMO ACCOUNT

This app requires a BagBuddy account to work. You can create a free demo account at https://www.3codesgood.com. After creating the demo account, you can:

• activate apps
• create stations
• create users with appropriate roles and rights (Home Office staff, Station Managers, Supervisor, Agents)
• set baggage fees, etc.

The BagBuddy demo account can be used to test-check up to 100 bags. Demo BTMs are sent to an email address, rather than a SITA Telex address. Additional test time can be requested through your demo account website.