Michigan Airport Will Let Travelers Tag and Drop Their Own Bags Starting Sept. 9
Anyone flying out of Grand Rapids, Michigan on American Airlines, United Airlines or Frontier Airlines will have a new way to check a suitcase beginning Wednesday. Travelers can use a kiosk, attach the luggage tag themselves and take the bag to an automated drop-off area.
The new system opens Sept. 9 at Gerald R. Ford International Airport. It is part of a $135 million project that added more space to the west end of the terminal and moved several airline check-in counters.
According to the airport, only passengers flying with those three airlines will use the new area at first. Other airlines are expected to move into the space by the end of 2027.
Anyone who would rather check a bag with another person can still visit a ticketing agent. The airport will also have extra employees nearby to help while travelers get used to the new machines.
Travelers Will Attach Their Own Bag Tags
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The process begins at one of the new kiosks, where passengers can check in for their flight and print the tag for a checked bag. After attaching it to the luggage, they can take the suitcase to an automated bag drop.
The airport created an instructional video to show passengers what to expect. Employees will also be available to answer questions or help anyone having trouble with the equipment.
Keep in mind that the new machines only change the way checked luggage enters the airport’s system. Travelers will still need to follow their airline’s rules for baggage fees, size and weight.
Each Bag Will Travel in Its Own Carrier
The changes continue behind the wall after a traveler drops off a suitcase. The airport’s new baggage system uses separate RFID-enabled carriers to move and track luggage through the screening process.
Gerald R. Ford International Airport says it is the first airport in the United States to pair this type of carrier system with self-service bag check.
Once it is fully operating, the equipment should be able to handle nearly 1,000 bags per hour. The previous system could process approximately 600 during the same amount of time.
The Airport Expansion Began in 2024
Construction on the terminal project began in April 2024. Along with the new baggage equipment, it includes larger ticketing areas and consolidated airline counters.
The $135 million project supported more than 1,350 jobs in Michigan, including over 850 construction jobs. The airport also said no local taxpayer money was used to pay for it.
If you are flying from Grand Rapids after Sept. 9, look for the new kiosks if you are traveling with American, United or Frontier.
