Playing tag

Published: 12:00am, 29 Oct, 2006

The statistics say it all: the US Department of Transportation admits to more than 250,000 bags

lost or mishandled every month on domestic flights operated by the top 10 American carriers while the British Air Transport User Council reports a 20 per cent increase this year on last in baggage complaints. Step forward Globalbagtag, the brainchild of Chris Truelove, who developed the internet-based identification system after his own luggage went missing. Truelove found most airlines cannot identify a bag or trace the owner because the paper destination barcode has been lost or damaged. The Globalbagtag solution is simple: register at www.globalbagtag.com for #9.95 (HK$145; plus shipping) and receive two metal Globalbagtags (35mm x 19mm); two self-adhesive security labels and a two-year database registration. A subsequent year's membership costs #2.95 irrespective of the number of tags you hold.

Every label displays the name of the Globalbagtag website and a unique serial number registered against the owner's details, stored in the company's secure database (the tag does not show a name or address).

The owner can report the loss of any luggage online and track the status of the following search without making expensive international telephone calls. Globalbagtag works in association with most airlines and handling agents to facilitate luggage searches and will send you your good news by e-mail, phone or fax.

More than a million tags are already in circulation. And for more good news: South China Morning Post readers may obtain a 20 per cent discount on Globalbagtags by entering 'Agent Code SCMP' when ordering at the above website.

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