Baggage Handling

The Baggage Handling System (BHS) is one of the most central functions in the passenger terminals at an airport. The entire terminal is designed on the basis of the passenger and baggage flow.

The check-in desk is a part of a large and complicated system that encompasses various types of check-in, conveyor lines, inspection functions, sorting (including transfer baggage) as well as carousels for incoming baggage.

The baggage handling system is controlled by a SAC unit (Sorter Allocation Computer) that manages all activities, communicates with the airline's systems (SITA CUBES®) and monitors the complete baggage handling process. The various function units are managed by local control systems that communicate with the SAC.

The check-in desk has different functions such as weighing and ticket & baggage administration for different types of check-in:

• Normal check-in of standard baggage
• Drop bag - check-in for passengers who use automatic check-in stations
• Groups - for joint check-in
• Irregular baggage that cannot be handled as standard baggage

The baggage is transported on belt conveyors and belt curves. Vertical and diversion transfers distribute the baggage to different function units from check-in to inspection, sorting, etc. The system continuously monitors where the baggage is, either via goods tracking or scanning of bar codes.

The baggage is automatically inspected by X-ray machines at several stages to ensure flight safety. If the baggage is not approved in the first stage, it is examined more closely in the following stages and at the fourth inspection station it will be searched manually. Approved baggage is transported on to baggage sorting.

Baggage for the same departure is collected in bins or stored on baggage wagons awaiting departure. It is sorted according to several criteria such as flight number, ticket category, destination, etc. Baggage that has been checked in long before departure is handled in special bins or by a special baggage handling system. There are different types of sorting technology such as diversion belts, pushers or trays, which all have different characteristics and application areas. Incoming baggage that has another final destination is fed into the baggage handling system on conveyors in the baggage hall, and is then checked and sorted.

Incoming standard baggage is distributed to passengers via baggage carousels of various designs. Irregular baggage is handled on special belts.