BTNEWS July 2013 | Page 5

BA announces new service from London City to Dusseldorf
BRITISH AIRWAYS set to trial paperless bag tagging
British Airways is launching a new service between London City airport and Dusseldorf in Germany from September 1st 2013 .
British Airways has announced that it is set to trial a new electronic bag tagging system . If the trial is successful the new system could mean the end of paper tags on luggage .
Flights will depart from London City three times a day at 0735 , 1425 and 1855 with return flights from Dusseldorf departing at 0635 , 1315 and 1800 .
Luke Hayhoe , British Airways general manager commercial at London City said : “ We have launched a number of new leisure routes from London City in the past couple of years . Now we are very excited to be going to a great business city like Dusseldorf which offers significant trade links with the city of London .”
All inclusive one way fares from London City to Dusseldorf are available from £ 79 and include free hold luggage up to 23kgs , seat selection 24 hours before departure and complimentary food and drink .
Once checked in , customers just need to hold their smartphone over the electronic tag , which will automatically update with a unique barcode containing their flight details and an easy-to-see view of their bag ’ s destination .
The electronic tag will save customers precious time as instead of requiring a traditional paper tag to be printed and attached , the electronic tag can be quickly scanned at the bag drop . This will enable passengers to go straight through security and then relax before catching their flight . It is planned that the high-tech tag can be used time and time again .
Development of the personalised electronic bag tag is part of a wider strategy by British Airways to improve dramatically the customer experience through the airport , making it quicker , smoother and easier .