VIRGIN AUSTRALIA: Update on baggage tracking App functionality

I recently reported that Virgin Australia has been trialing a baggage tracking functionality within its App. Australian Frequent Fllyer reports that the trial has been broadened and the App updated.

Australian airlines are a bit slow to this solution, with it already being adopted by overseas airlines including United Airlines, which offers real-time baggage tracking within its App.

Where can you track your baggage?

Currently, tracking is only working on Sydney to Brisbane flights. The AFF is quoting the list below as the flights that will have this tracking ability enabled by mid 2023.

• Adelaide-Brisbane
• Adelaide-Gold Coast
• Adelaide-Melbourne
• Adelaide-Perth
• Adelaide-Sydney
• Brisbane-Melbourne
• Brisbane-Perth
• Brisbane-Sydney
• Gold Coast-Melbourne
• Gold Coast-Sydney
• Melbourne-Perth
• Melbourne-Sydney
• Perth-Sydney

Over time Virgin Australia is expected to expand the routes on which it is available and to add new features to the service

What will it track?

The App is expected to display the status of your checked-in bags for the flight where tracking is available. Best to enable notifications in the App so you get push notifications as your bag progresses through the baggage system from check-in to on arrival delivery, including the carousel number

What can you do until then?

Travellers can still use their own tracking system. There are a few, but my choice is Apple AirTags. Which reminds me that I got a push notification that one of my tags has a low battery level. I better change it before I board!

AirTags will serve you well for the near future, since they provide an airline independent option for your baggage tracking. Its going to take a few years before most airlines will have this facility than not, so in the meantime we all need to implement our own tracking.

2PAXfly Takeout

This luggage tracking affordance on the Virgin Australia App is a great innovation. I hope the continually tech-challenged Qantas also adopts this customer focussed facility. Remember when Qantas was a tech leader with its bag tags and check-in booths? Yep, long time ago.