United States Advances Airport Innovation As Gerald R. Ford International Launches Smart Self-Service Bag Drop Technology

Written By: Sanjana Dubey

Sanjana Dubey

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August 20, 2026 4:59 PM

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United States’ GRR Airport introduces smart bag drop to minimize queues for faster travel. Passengers of Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) will experience a new way to check-in luggage with the upcoming self-service bag drop system, scheduled for September 9, 2026. Passengers are able to check-in luggage at self-service kiosks, print luggage tags, and send their luggage to baggage processing systems using the new luggage drop technology. This luggage drop system offers a new way to complete the check-in process and is part of the effort to reduce congestion and improve luggage tracking. The system aims to improve the overall airport processing time.

A New Era Of Faster And Smarter Baggage Handling Begins At GRR Airport

Gerald R. Ford International Airport is entering a new phase of passenger-focused transformation with major improvements to its terminal and baggage infrastructure. The airport is replacing traditional baggage handling methods with a modern automated system that connects passenger check-in, security screening and airline operations through a single integrated process.

The upcoming changes are designed to improve passenger movement inside the terminal while reducing pressure on traditional airline counters. Instead of waiting for an agent to manually process every checked bag, eligible passengers will complete several steps themselves through dedicated self-service stations.

The airport expects the new system to create smoother passenger flows, especially during busy travel periods such as holidays, summer travel months and peak morning departure times.

The upgrade forms part of a wider terminal enhancement project that includes expanded airline ticket counter areas and improvements to the airport’s overall infrastructure. The goal is to prepare GRR for future passenger growth while delivering a more efficient and technology-driven travel experience.

American Airlines, United Airlines And Frontier Airlines Will Lead The First Rollout

The first stage of the self-service baggage system will begin on September 9, 2026, with selected airlines moving into the upgraded check-in area. Passengers travelling with American Airlines, United Airlines and Frontier Airlines will be among the first travellers to use the new process.

Other airlines operating from GRR, including Delta Air Lines, Allegiant Air, Southwest Airlines, Avelo Airlines and Sun Country Airlines, are expected to transition to the new system in later phases.

The airport has advised passengers to check airline updates before travelling because implementation schedules may change as the new technology becomes fully operational.

The phased introduction will allow airport teams and travellers to gradually adjust to the new procedures while ensuring that baggage operations continue smoothly.

How The New Self-Service Bag Drop Process Will Work

The upgraded system will shift several routine check-in tasks from airline counters to passengers. Travellers using participating airlines will begin their journey by visiting a self-service kiosk inside the terminal.

The process will include:

• Checking in for the flight through the kiosk
• Printing the boarding pass if required
• Printing baggage tags
• Attaching the baggage tag securely to the suitcase
• Placing the bag at the self-service drop point
• Following instructions displayed on the automated system
• Collecting the baggage receipt

Once the luggage enters the system, it will move through automated screening and sorting processes before being transferred to airline baggage operations.

Passengers will still need to follow all airline baggage rules, including weight restrictions, size limits, additional fees and restrictions on prohibited items.

The system is designed to make the process faster, but travellers carrying unusual baggage such as sports equipment, musical instruments, pets or mobility devices may still need assistance from airport staff.

GRR Introduces Advanced Individual Carrier System For Better Tracking

One of the most important features of the airport’s baggage transformation is the introduction of an Individual Carrier System (ICS). This technology replaces traditional conveyor-based movement with a system where each bag travels inside its own individual carrier or tote.

Unlike older systems where multiple bags move together on conveyor belts, the ICS technology provides more accurate tracking and controlled movement throughout the airport.

Each bag receives dedicated handling through the baggage network, helping reduce common issues such as misplaced luggage, incorrect routing and conveyor disruptions.

The new system connects baggage drop locations directly with screening and airline handling operations, creating a more organised and efficient journey for every checked suitcase.

GRR is among the first smaller hub airports in the United States to introduce this type of advanced tote-based baggage technology, marking a significant step forward in airport automation.

RFID Technology Will Improve Baggage Accuracy And Security

The new baggage system will also use advanced tracking technology to monitor luggage movement throughout the airport.

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology will help the airport identify and track individual carriers as bags move through different processing stages.

This technology can provide several operational advantages, including:

• Improved baggage location tracking
• Faster identification of delays
• Better routing accuracy
• Reduced baggage handling errors
• Improved monitoring of luggage movement

The system can also help reduce mechanical problems because individual carriers provide a more controlled way to move bags compared with traditional conveyor systems.

For passengers, the biggest benefit will be greater confidence that their luggage is being processed accurately from check-in to aircraft loading.

New System Expected To Increase Airport Baggage Capacity

The upgraded baggage network is expected to significantly increase GRR’s processing capability.

The existing system can handle approximately 600 bags per hour, while the new technology is expected to increase capacity to nearly 1,000 bags per hour once fully operational.

This additional capacity will help the airport manage growing passenger demand and reduce pressure during periods of heavy travel.

Busy travel periods that could benefit from the improvement include:

• Holiday travel seasons
• Summer vacation periods
• Spring break demand
• Weather-related disruptions
• High-volume departure windows

Although the new system is designed for speed and efficiency, passengers may need additional time during the early stages as travellers become familiar with the new process.

Airport Staff Will Continue Supporting Passengers During Transition

While automation will play a larger role in baggage processing, passengers will not be left without assistance.

Airport and airline employees will remain available to support travellers who experience difficulties with kiosks, baggage tags or special travel requirements.

Assistance may be required for passengers who:

• Travel with oversized luggage
• Need accessibility support
• Carry special equipment
• Travel with pets
• Face ticketing issues
• Experience technology problems

The introduction of self-service technology is designed to improve convenience, not remove passenger support.

GRR Airport Moves Toward A More Efficient Future Of Travel

The introduction of self-service bag drop and advanced baggage automation represents a major milestone in Gerald R. Ford International Airport’s long-term modernisation plans.

By combining automated check-in, advanced baggage tracking and improved screening integration, GRR aims to create a smoother journey for millions of future travellers.

Passengers using the airport should arrive early during the initial rollout period, review airline baggage requirements and allow extra time to become familiar with the new process.

The transformation reflects a wider global trend among airports investing in digital technology, automation and smarter infrastructure to improve passenger experiences.

With its next-generation baggage system, GRR is positioning itself as a modern aviation hub focused on faster service, improved reliability and a more seamless travel journey.