Baggage transportation security system and method

Abstract

In a communications network, such as the Internet, the invention comprises a method for arranging for the transportation of baggage for airline passengers, that comprises the steps of checking in bags with a ground delivery operator, obtaining passenger identification information, confirming the identity of the passenger, collecting passenger airline flight information, collecting the baggage from the origin location by the ground delivery operator, marking the baggage with an identifier, transmitting baggage information via a communications network and associating the baggage information with the airline flight information, securely transporting the baggage from the origin location to the origin airport, monitoring the location of the baggage during the transporting step, and providing location information of the baggage via the communications network.

1 . A method for facilitating the transportation of baggage for an airline passenger from an origin location to an origin airport for transport by the airline carrier chosen by the passenger to a destination airport, the method comprising:
 (a) checking in bags with a ground delivery operator;   (b) obtaining passenger identification information;   (c) confirming the identity of the passenger;   (d) collecting passenger airline flight information;   (e) collecting the baggage from the origin location by said ground delivery operator;   (f) marking the baggage with an identifier;   (g) transmitting baggage information via a communications network and associating said baggage information with said airline flight information;   (h) securely transporting the baggage from the origin location to the origin airport;   (i) monitoring the location of the baggage during said transporting step; and   (j) providing location information of the baggage via said communications network.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said providing location information of the baggage further comprises the step of providing said location information to the passenger. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  further comprising the further steps of establishing a baggage-delivery website and allowing the passenger to obtain said location information about that passenger's baggage. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising transporting the baggage to the origin airport via a baggage screening facility. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of periodically updating said location information. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  further comprising calculating the estimated delivery time to the origin airport. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  further comprising providing the passenger said estimated delivery time of the baggage. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  further comprising transmitting said location information and said estimated delivery time information to the passenger.