One of my favorite aspects of flying with Alaska has been the ability to tag your bag at home. So, when that went away, I was bummed. However, this capability is back now with the new Alaska Air digital bag tags, which have been in testing for quite some time now.
I almost always travel with checked bags. This is partly due to personal needs, such as contact solution and whatnot, and also partly because a good chunk of my carry-on space is occupied by my gear. It’s a personal choice, I know. But, it’s also one that I’m not going to change. So, if there’s anything that can streamline that process, I’m all for it. For Alaska Air, that used to mean printing your bag tag at home and placing it in a reusable holder.
Unfortunately, the tag at home option was eliminated in 2022. Instead, you must check-in online and print a tag at the airport. Thankfully, Alaska Air’s airport terminals are usually better than others. Still, though, doing this is a pain. This is where the Alaska Air digital bag tags come in. However, whether they’re for you or not is another matter altogether.
Alaska Air Digital Bag Tags
The Alaska Air digital bag tags aren’t new. This is something the airline has been testing since *checks notes* 2022. Back then, I heralded that these new tags would be coming soon, with 2,500 initial Mileage Plan members participating in testing that year, and wider availability occurring in 2023. Well, that didn’t happen. Why? Alaska isn’t saying, so we have no idea why the holdup occurred.
Of course, the delay is even more perplexing when you consider that the manufacturer has been around since 2014, while Lufthansa became the first airline to adopt it in 2018. But, this is neither here nor there. The important thing is that the Alaska Air digital bag tags are now here.
Unfortunately, unlike the old print-at-home tag holders, the new Alaska Air digital bag tags aren’t free. They do cost money, and not an insignificant amount, which is why these won’t be for everyone.
Is It Worth It?
Now, BAGTAG, the company that manufactures the tags and provides the systems needed to use them, currently charges 70 Euro for the basic tag and 80 Euro for their newer, easily swappable model. That equates to about $73 and $83, respectively. Presumably, these’d work with Alaska Air, as they’re listed as a compatible airline. However, BAGTAG lists both as not being available in the U.S.
So, if you want one of these electronic bag tags, you have to buy the Alaska Air digital bag tags, which BAGTAG sales via a dedicated Alaska Air page on their site for $89. For what it’s worth, the Alaska Air version looks like the more expensive Euro model, and shipping is included, unlike with the standard BAGTAGS.
Is an $89 bag tag worth it for you? If you’re a frequent traveler and fly Alaska Air often, then the price of entry might be worth being able to skip the kiosk. However, if you’re like me and travel only once or twice per year, then, perhaps not. Though, honestly, if I were still able to travel at least once or twice per year and had more room in my budget, I’d probably still buy it, anyway. But, that’s me.
Final Thoughts
With Alaska Air Group looking to combine Alaska Air, Horizon, and Hawaiian all on a single customer service platform, you can bet that the Alaska Air digital bag tags will eventually become available for use with Hawaiian, too. And, that would likely make it more compelling for people here in the islands, especially for those of you who love to bring back an entire Trader Joe’s every time you go somewhere like Vegas or LAX!
At any rate, what do you all think of these electronic bag tags? Would you buy one?
And if you’re wondering how the hell they work, see my explainer from two years ago.