NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) — Travelers at Charleston International Airport are increasingly frustrated by baggage claim delays, with many passengers waiting 20 to 25 minutes for their luggage after landing. Airport officials attribute the issue not only to the passenger experience but also to outdated infrastructure behind the scenes. The airport’s baggage system, established in the 1980s, can only manage luggage from three aircraft at a time, leading to significant backlogs that travelers experience firsthand at the carousel.
Spencer Pryor, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at the airport, has emphasized the need for technological improvements to enhance baggage handling efficiency. “We’ve also developed some key areas where we’ve now included some AI factors that will allow us to see which flights are coming in, how many bags are coming in, so we can assign a baggage carousel to the airline before they actually arrive,” Pryor explained. This move aims to streamline operations as more flights land in quick succession.
The introduction of artificial intelligence also aids staff in managing baggage effectively. Pryor noted, “Kind of that AI tells you how many bags are on there, how long it will approximately take for those bags to be unloaded and reach the carousel.” This real-time data is expected to improve the flow of luggage and reduce the wait times experienced by passengers.
Looking ahead, Charleston International Airport is preparing for a significant upgrade to its baggage handling system. Pryor revealed that the airport plans to invest over $70 million in a new, state-of-the-art baggage system over the next few years. “It will not only be able to do some of the things we’re doing now with AI but also handle oversize bags to avoid any type of congestion on the back belt,” he added. This modernization is critical as passenger traffic has surged nearly 77 percent over the past decade, making it imperative for the airport to adapt to increasing demands.
The integration of AI technology and the planned upgrade to the baggage system represent key steps in enhancing the overall travel experience at Charleston International Airport. As the facility adapts to the growing number of travelers, officials are optimistic that these technological improvements will address longstanding issues and facilitate smoother operations for future passengers.
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