Airbus Will Introduce Self-Tracking Baggage Line

Airplane manufacturer Airbus has been cooking up another innovation: a “smart bag” that allows travelers to check in and track their luggage from their phone.

The tech-infused piece of luggage, Bag2Go, contains sensors and an RFID chip that communicates with airlines systems – including check-in and security – and relays the information to an iPhone app. For packing and check-in purposes, the luggage will be able to automatically weigh the contents of suitcases, and users will be able to track their bag as it makes its way onto the plane. It will also alert travelers if their baggage has been opened, saving travelers the trouble of getting caught in a baggage theft scam, like the one in Italy earlier this year that ended in nearly 50 arrests.

The bag is still in the development stages, but in a promotional video Airbus is saying travelers will either be able to buy a Bag2Go suitcase or rent them trip-by-trip. Although the baggage doesn’t seem to help solve the mystery of what to do if your luggage accidentally gets sent to Timbuktu, we’re glad it’ll save us from milling around baggage carousels as we impatiently wait for our suitcase to materialize.

[via Wired]

Pets travel safe, near or far

Americans love their pets and more pet owners than ever are traveling with them. Spending over $50 billion on pets in 2011, the pet business is booming and so is the business of keeping pets safe and secure when traveling.

“Pet identification, whether at home or abroad, is an important part of keeping pets safe,” says Susan Smith, President of Pet Travel that has on file entry requirements for countries all around the world, is familiar with airline regulations and serves as a Pet Travel Agent.

Pet Travel encourages the extra security provided by a microchip implant, based on a passive RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology, making pets traceable worldwide.

If international travel with a pet is not in the budget, staycations are available too at destinations like A Dog’s Day Out in Alexandria, Virginia, where people bring in their dogs to stay either for the day or overnight.

But the ultimate pampering for pets might be found at dog salons like Bark and Bubbles in Fairfax, Virginia where pets can be washed and groomed, have a birthday party or get a facial.

The largest 24/7 in-door doggie spa is at New York’s Hotel Pennsylvania, the 2012 Pet Friendly Hotel of the Year award winner and host hotel for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. This one offers a variety of amenities that Show participants require: exclusive DogTread Treadmills, bathing/beauty parlor/salon, dog grooming/comfort station, canine gym, walking area, a canine masseuse and animal communicator and even his and hers relieving area.

The 136th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show takes place on February 13th and 14th, 2012 at Madison Square Garden, directly across the street from New York’s Hotel Pennsylvania.


Flickr photo by pretendtious