Rimowa the travel bag maker has introduced the first digital and fully integrated mobility solution for luggage, making flying with baggage more convenient, faster and more secure. The solution basically consists of a Rimowa suitcase, an airline app and the Rimowa Electronic Tag with an E Ink Mobius display, which is built into the luggage. It is predicted 3.5 billion people will travel by plane this year, almost all of whom already carry a smartphone in their bag or pocket. It is therefore only logical to connect suitcases to the digital world.

How it works

Currently, luggage’s are still checked in by hand before a paper label is attached. However, air passengers using the Rimowa Electronic Tag, can simply check in from home or while on the road using the airline app – and check in their luggage. In addition to a digital boarding pass, passengers will receive digital luggage information from the airline for their booked flight. Lufthansa recently became the first company to integrate this feature in its app as part of an exclusive arrangement. Just by one click the luggage information is then sent via Bluetooth from the smartphone to the suitcase equipped with the tag. The details are then immediately displayed on the built-in data module. The suitcase can then be dropped off within seconds at the airport.

In terms of size and appearance, the luggage information displayed on the electronic data module corresponds to today’s paper labels, including the green EU stripe required by customs (compulsory for all flights departing from European airports). This makes the transition from analogue to digital very simple. The important information is protected from moisture, heat, cold, shocks and vibration and cannot be accidentally torn off, unlike a paper label.

Availability

The product launch of the RIMOWA Electronic Tag will be exclusively with Lufthansa through RIMOWA stores. Sales start is planned for the beginning of 2016.