EasyJet adds luggage size check feature to app

Technology uses augmented reality and smartphone’s camera

EasyJet has become the first UK airline to offer a bag scan feature on its app that enables customers to check the size of their cabin luggage before they travel to the airport.

The technology has been introduced to offer customers a way to check their hand luggage dimensions to give them “peace of mind” before they travel to the airport, said easyJet.

With a cabin bag allowance of no weight limit and permitted dimensions of cabin bags displayed on the website, easyJet said it wanted to provide customers with greater certainty as to whether they can travel with their bag in the cabin.

This new app feature also means customers will be less likely to face additional charges at the gate for bringing an oversized bag that can’t be taken onboard.

The bag scan feature uses Apple’s ARKit 2 technology and is available on easyJet’s iOS app, which easyJet said has now surpassed 30 million downloads.

The app works by using augmented reality technology combined with customers’ smart phone cameras (iPhone 6S onwards). The scan provides an on-screen 3D box which, when combined with the phone’s camera, sizes the cabin bag and indicates whether it fits within the maximum dimensions.

Daniel Young, head of digital experience at easyJet commented: “We are constantly on the search for ways to improve the travel experience we offer our customers when flying with us, and this new technology is a perfect example of that.

“We continue to place innovation at the heart of our industry-leading mobile travel app to give our customers the tools they need to take stress away from the airport experience.

“Embracing this latest technology makes preparing for travel easy and fun.”

Vice president of Travel Partners Solutions Cormac Reilly, who developed the feature for easyJet at Travelport, added: “Audiences are increasingly demanding digital solutions, which improve their travel experience. We were therefore thrilled to support easyJet push the barrier of innovation once again.

“By incorporating this unique augmented reality feature in the app, easyJet will further reduce un-expected baggage queries on arrival.

“It is enhancements like this which have helped easyJet stand out as leaders in digital innovation and achieve the huge milestone of 30 million app downloads.”