A new luggage chipping system could "significantly improve" the airport service to passengers and airlines alike, it has been claimed.
Commenting on the launch of the radio-frequency identification (RFID) trial at Heathrow airport, Stephen Challis BAA Heathrow stated that there were high expectations.
The scheme, which tags bags with passenger names and route details, is being trialled on flights between Heathrow and Dubai over a six-month period.
Information on the chips is read at various points along the baggage system at the airport, which is intended to improve efficiency throughout the sorting, security and screening process.
If implemented on a larger scale, the system could prove useful for those
backpacking or embarking on
gap year travel, where the loss of multiple bags or essential travel items could prove critical.
Mr Challis said: "We are committed to working with the airline community to develop innovative baggage handling solutions for Heathrow."
Research by the Association of European Airlines recently found that one in every 37 passengers lost a bag travelling with British Airways in quarter four of 2007.
British Airways was also ranked 25th out of 26 major European Airlines for delayed baggage.
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