Florida firm unveils airport check-in service

One possible solution to long check-in lines at the airport got its debut this week. Baggage Airline Guest Services Inc., Orlando, Fla., unveiled its off-site check-in service that allows passengers to check their bags at their hotel.

ARINC. Inc., Annapolis, Md., provided the network and the equipment used to create this service.

The Rosen Centre Hotel is the first company to use the service. Passengers going to the Greater Orlando International Airport can pay $10 to get a boarding pass and have their bags taken to the airport from the hotel. Baggage Airline Guest Services tags and hauls the luggage, where it is screened by Transportation Security Administration inspectors.

For this service, ARINC has provided three components, said Jo Ann Metcalfe, corporate communications manager for ARINC. One solution, called iMuse Express, serves as a portable check-in workstation, which can print baggage tags and boarding passes.

ARINC also provided the check-in software and will provide Internet connectivity. Baggage Airline Guest Services intends to market the service to other hotels and convention centers, Metcalfe said.

Currently, American Airlines, Continental and Delta have signed on for the service. Baggage Airline Guest Services expects other carriers to join as well.

The Baggage Airline Guest Services has received certification from the TSA to operate, according to ARINC.

In addition to hotels and airports, passenger handling systems could also be used by cruise lines, small airports, travel agencies and remote ticketing operations, ARINC officials said

With approximately 3,000 employees, ARINC provides systems engineering and maintenance to airports, aviation, defense, government and surface transportation companies. The company reported $706 million in revenue for 2002 and was ranked No. 26 on Washington Technology's Top 100.