Changes to baggage tracking

Qantas is rolling out new boarding processes for passengers, and new baggage tracking technology.

The airline has been trialling boarding its aircraft in groups, similar to what happens at many overseas airports, in an effort to further improve ontime performance and take the stress out of finding a space for carry-on luggage.

Qantas is expected to tell investors that a passenger’s boarding “group” will be printed on their boarding pass, and called by cabin crew at the gate. The new system is due to begin in October on domestic flights.

An overhaul of the Qantas app will also see baggage tracking technology added, to help give passengers’ peace of mind that their luggage is travelling with them on their journey.

The tech will be linked to barcodes on checked luggage, and will send notifications to passengers at various points throughout the trip, including before takeoff, during transit and on arrival.

It’s expected to become available by the end of the year, as a result of the app upgrade.

Virgin Australia announced similar technology a couple of weeks ago, to be trialled on Brisbane-Sydney flights initially with a view to rolling out more broadly.

Qantas’ investors will also hear about ambitious new targets for the airline’s juggernaut Loyalty division, with earnings expected to reach $1bn by 2030.

Research shared with investors revealed Qantas frequent flyers were among the most affluent Australians, with 52 per cent of top tier members in the “high” affluence bracket.

Margins of 18 per cent for Qantas Domestic, 15 per cent for Jetstar domestic, and more than eight per cent for Qantas International were set for the 2024 financial year, to preserve and grow the airline’s current financial strength.