Abstract:
An online Skycap Service provides for the use of managing luggage handling services across multiple service partners and destinations. It further provides for the tracking of luggage via an embedded RF chip. Users and Service Providers initially register with the mySkyCap Service and are provided additional functionality. For users, the system provides for families to schedule all the individual travel segments separately and have the entire itinerary transaction acted upon as a single financial transaction. It also allows for a hassle-free method for the transportation of luggage between travel destinations. For Service Providers, the ability to track luggage and associate it with travelers provides for increased security. A distinct advantage of this system is that it allows for the pickup and drop off of luggage at the convenience of the traveler and allows them to travel without worrying about their luggage. Another advantage is that it saves time from having to deal with luggage check-in and out at each destination—this is especially advantageous for large families with lots of children.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a Continuation of Ser. No. 10/057,048 filed Jan. 23, 2002. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a system and method whereby passengers may check in their luggage ahead of time and have it be delivered to their final destination in a secure and reliable manner. This invention further provides the ability to track the item from its original departure location to its final destination. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Prior Art 
         [0005]    Traditionally, passengers would check-in their luggage upon arrival at the airport, bus station, railroad, or other form of transportation. At the airport this may be either at the curb-side with the Airport Skycap service or with the airline when checking in at the front desk. More often than not, dealing with luggage slowed down the check-in process and thus required airlines to hire additional customer service representatives to handle the workflow of trying to get passengers to their planes on time. In addition, after recent terrorist events, the need for security is higher now than ever. 
         [0006]    Customer representatives are responsible for handling ticketing, baggage check-in, and printing of boarding passes. They also perform security checks and ask passengers questions about their luggage. The entire process is time consuming and inconvenient. What is needed is a method whereby passengers can have their luggage picked up at their homes or offices and delivered to their final destinations securely with no hassle. This is especially valuable for large families with small children and it reduces the confusion and chance of losing items or having them stolen. The luggage could alternatively travel separately from the passenger as the passenger only cares that it reaches the final destination when the passenger needs it. Thus the passenger may have options such as quickest method, cheapest method, and standard method of traveling with passenger. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    The present invention provides a system and method in which individuals manage the pickup, tracking, and delivery of their luggage on a trip, whether for business or pleasure. They can arrange for pickup at their homes, offices, hotels, or any desired location and have it delivered to their final destination, whether that is a cruise line, hotel, or some other desired location. Likewise, they can also arrange for the return of their luggage at the same time or at a later time. In addition, the present invention allows travelers to put out individual travel segments for bids from multiple service providers. 
         [0008]    The present invention provides a system and method in which Service/Product Providers host their own content as directly-accessible sites (referred to herein as “SP sites”) on a distributed network such as the Internet, while relying on a centralized mySkyCap site to handle secure and private transactions with their customers. 
         [0009]    In a preferred embodiment the SP sites are in the form of Web sites on the Internet, and the passengers will require a single authentication before being passed over to the mySkyCap site for luggage handling. In addition, the service partner would maintain the passenger&#39;s mySkyCap ID in their customer profile. 
         [0010]    An alternative embodiment is for the mySkyCap site to host product and service pages of merchants. In this embodiment, the mySkyCap site sends the orders to the merchant through whatever means is available once the purchase is confirmed. Orders and reservations in these circumstances may be sent by faxes or phone if an electronic transmission path is not provided. The advantage of this method is it allows merchants that are not currently on-line to participate in the process. Some examples of these types of merchants may be smaller tour companies. 
         [0011]    Likewise, an alternative embodiment would allow for passengers that weren&#39;t previously authenticated to authenticate upon arrival at the mySkyCap site and to sign-up if they didn&#39;t previously have an account. 
         [0012]    One significant benefit of above-described approach is that the service partner can reduce the number of customer service personnel due to the more streamlined process of not having to deal with as much luggage. Only those passengers that choose not to use mySkyCap would have to be serviced. If this was combined with online check-in and boarding pass ticketing, the need for the traditional ticketing counter could be seriously reduced. 
         [0013]    The system and method of invention are advantageously suited for use over an unsecured public network such as the Internet. In general, however, the system and method can be used on any type of distributed network over which Merchants provide online services to users. This may include both trusted and un-trusted networks and public, private, or hybrid public-private networks. 
         [0014]    In accordance with the invention, passengers (customers) that wish to make use of the mySkyCap must initially register with online site, and are in-turn provided with any client software components needed to make use of the mySkyCap Services. Upon registration, users provide account information to the mySkyCap site such as payment information (e.g. credit card number), name, address, and phone number. This information is maintained in a traveler database at a mySkyCap central site, and is not exposed to the Merchants, franchisees, or any un-authorized person. Each user additionally selects a password, and is assigned a unique ID, which is used for authentication purposes. 
         [0015]    Another significant benefit of the above-described approach is that the Merchants need not be concerned with credit card fraud as their financial dealings are with the mySkyCap Site rather than the shoppers. The cost to a Merchant for this system would be minimal in that server-side code would be provided. In addition, industry standards would be used where applicable. 
         [0016]    A further advantage is that the luggage can travel independently of the traveler, which provides for additional options beyond having it travel with the passenger on the plane. 
         [0017]    The various embodiments and method will become more apparent on consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
       OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES 
       [0018]    Accordingly, the objects and advantages of the present invention are:
       (a) to provide a system and method which allows for the scheduling of luggage handling services across multiple service partners.   (b) to provide a system and method whereby luggage may be picked up ahead of time, but still only loaded on an airline, train, or bus if the associated traveler is checked in.   (c) to provide a system and method whereby luggage can be tracked as to its location.   (d) to provide a system and method which allows for the aggregation of travel segment reservations.   (e) to provide a system and method which allows for the registration of luggage.   (f) to provide a system and method which allows individual travel segments to be put out for bid.   (g) to provide a system and method that allows for remote check-in of luggage.   (h) to provide a system and method whereby luggage will be delivered to final destination independently of the corresponding traveler.   (i) to provide a system and method whereby the traveler does not have to wait at the airport or transportation facility for the luggage prior to being transported to their destination.   (j) to provide a system and method which allows for a family to store and maintain all their travel information such as frequent flyer numbers in a central location   (k) to provide a system for the centralized tracking of luggage.   (l) to provide a system for increased security by associating luggage with respective individuals and not allowing luggage to be loaded without the respective individual also boarding the airline or other transportation mode.   (m) to provide a system for increased security whereby luggage can be removed from an airline or other transportation mode if the associated individual also exits the mode of transportation.   (n) to provide a system for allowing hand-held devices and wireless devices to access a traveler&#39;s viewing information and receive updates while in-route.   (o) to provide a system for obtaining luggage status and location information while in-route.       
 
         [0034]    Further objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0035]    These and other features and advantages of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings of certain preferred embodiments, which are intended to illustrate and not to limit the invention, and in which: 
           [0036]      FIG. 1  illustrates the general architecture of a system, which operates in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 2  is a flow chart representation of the steps taken by a family to register with mySkyCap. 
           [0038]      FIG. 3  is a flow chart representation of the steps taken by a family to add a family member to their profile. 
           [0039]      FIG. 4  is a flow chart representation of the steps taken by a family to add luggage to their profile. 
           [0040]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart representation of the steps taken by a family to modify the family profile. 
           [0041]      FIG. 6  is a flow chart representation of the steps taken by a family to modify a family member profile. 
           [0042]      FIG. 7  is a flow chart representation of the steps taken by a family to modify a luggage profile. 
           [0043]      FIG. 8  is a flow chart representation of the steps taken by a family member to create an itinerary. 
           [0044]      FIG. 9  is a flow chart representation of the steps taken by a family member to modify an itinerary. 
           [0045]      FIG. 10  is a flow chart representation of the steps taken by a family member to add or modify a travel segment to an itinerary. 
           [0046]      FIG. 11  is a flow chart representation continuation steps from  FIG. 10  showing branching based on travel segment status. 
           [0047]      FIG. 12  is a flow chart representation of the steps taken by the system for a new travel segment. 
           [0048]      FIG. 13  is a flow chart representation of the steps taken by the system if the travel segment is awaiting a response from a service partner. 
           [0049]      FIG. 14  is a flow chart representation of the steps taken by the system if the travel segment is awaiting bids by a service partner or a bid selection from the traveler. 
           [0050]      FIG. 15  is a flow chart representation of the steps taken by the system if the travel segment if the reservation has been accepted by the service partner. 
           [0051]      FIG. 16  is a flow chart representation of the steps taken by the system if the traveler has confirmed the accepted reservation from the service partner. 
           [0052]      FIG. 17  is a flow chart representation of the steps taken by the system upon receiving a reservation request response from a travel partner. 
           [0053]      FIG. 18  is a flow chart representation of the steps taken by the system upon receiving a travel reservation bid. 
           [0054]      FIG. 19  is a flow chart representation of the steps taken by the system for checking travel reservations that have been put on hold for too long. 
           [0055]      FIG. 20  is a flow chart representation of the steps taken by a family member to confirm an itinerary. 
           [0056]      FIG. 21  is a flow chart representation of the steps taken by the system once a family member confirms an itinerary. 
           [0057]      FIG. 22  is the general architecture the field facilities, where travelers check their luggage. 
           [0058]      FIG. 23  is the hardware architecture of the remote unit and mobile unit apparatuses. 
           [0059]      FIG. 24  is a flow chart representation of the steps taken by the traveler while performing pre-check-in. 
           [0060]      FIG. 25  is a flow chart representation of the steps when the traveler checks their luggage with a service partner. 
           [0061]      FIG. 26  is a flow chart representation of the continuation steps from  FIG. 25 . 
           [0062]      FIG. 27  is a flow chart representation of the steps taken by the system for each piece of luggage. 
           [0063]      FIG. 28  is a flow chart representation of the steps when the system detects problems after a scan of a luggage. 
           [0064]      FIG. 29  is a flow chart representation of the steps taken by the system for each luggage that does not have any scan problems. 
           [0065]      FIG. 30  is a flow chart representation of the steps taken by a service partner when performing a transfer of ownership of the luggage and passengers. 
           [0066]      FIG. 31  is a flow chart representation of the steps taken by a service partner for transfer a single piece of luggage. 
           [0067]      FIG. 32  is a flow chart representation of the steps taken by a service partner for handing off to another service partner. 
           [0068]      FIG. 33  is a flow chart representation of the steps taken by mySkyCap Customer Service to resolve a potential theft. 
           [0069]      FIG. 34  is a flow chart representation of the steps taken by mySkyCap Customer Service for updating travel segment information or travelers picking up their luggage. 
           [0070]      FIG. 35  is a flow chart representation of the steps taken by mySkyCap Customer Service when updating travel segment information. 
           [0071]      FIG. 36  is a flow chart representation of the steps taken by mySkyCap Customer Service when delivering luggage to a traveler. 
           [0072]      FIG. 37  is a flow chart representation of the steps taken by a service partner when updating travel segment information in their own system and sending a notification to mySkyCap. 
           [0073]      FIG. 38  is the general architecture of the airport baggage handling facilities. 
           [0074]      FIG. 39  is a flow chart representation of the steps taken by the system upon luggage arriving at the RF Baggage Holding area in a Transportation Facility such as an airport. 
           [0075]      FIG. 40  is a flow chart representation of the continuation steps from  FIG. 39  once the luggage is delivered to the CTX X-Ray Device. 
           [0076]      FIG. 41  is a flow chart representation of the steps taken by the system if the luggage does not have an airline baggage tag. 
           [0077]      FIG. 42  is a flow chart representation of the steps taken by the system for checking if baggage has been waiting in the holding area for too long without the passenger checking in. 
           [0078]      FIG. 43  illustrates the process whereby luggage is shipped via Air Freighters. 
           [0079]      FIG. 44  illustrates the process whereby luggage shipped by Air Freighters reaches its destination and is transferred to a Delivery Partner. 
           [0080]      FIG. 45  illustrates the communications, which takes place between the mySkyCap site, the service partners, and the travelers. 
       
    
    
     REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS 
       [0000]    
       
           10  Traveler Computer 
           12  Client Application 
           20  Telephone 
           30  Hand-held Device 
           32  Hand-held Client Application 
           40  Internet (Or Other Public Network) 
           50  SP Site 
           52  SP Server Application 
           54  mySkyCap Client Application 
           70  mySkyCap Site 
           72  mySkyCap Server Application 
           74  Traveler Database 
           76  Luggage Database 
           80  Itinerary Database 
           82  Partner Database 
           90  Open Travel Alliance Database 
           100  Visitor Locates mySkyCap Site 
           102  Visitor Makes a Request to Register a Family 
           104  mySkyCap Site Displays Family Registration Form 
           106  User Provides Family Profile Information and Desired Authentication Information 
           108  mySkyCap Site Assigns Unique Identifier for the Registered Family 
           110  mySkyCap Site Saves Family Registration in Traveler Database 
           112  mySkyCap Site Sends an E-mail Confirmation of Registration to the Visitor 
           114  Add Family Member? 
           116  Add Luggage? 
           120  Family Profile Owner Chooses to Add a Family Member 
           122  mySkyCap Displays Family Member Profile Form 
           124  Family Profile Owner Enters Basic Family Member Information 
           126  Family Profile Owner Indicates Family Member Role and Permissions 
           128  Set Traveler Status to ‘Idle’ 
           130  Add Frequent Flyer Information? 
           132  Family Profile Owner Enters Frequent Flyer Information for Family Member 
           134  Save? 
           136  Save Family Member Profile 
           140  Family Profile Owner Chooses to Register Luggage 
           142  mySkyCap Displays Luggage Profile Form 
           144  Family Profile Owner Enters Basic Luggage Information 
           146  Save? 
           148  Save Luggage Profile 
           150  Set Luggage Status to ‘Idle’ 
           152  Set Luggage Custody to Owner 
           154  Register More Luggage? 
           160  Family Member Accesses Their Secured Family Profile 
           162  Family Member Chooses to Modify Family Profile 
           164  Authorized? 
           166  Display Unauthorized Warning 
           168  mySkyCap Site Displays Pre-populated Family Profile Form 
           170  User Enters Information and Submits Form 
           172  Form Valid? 
           174  Update Family Profile in Passenger Database 
           176  Display Family Profile Modification Confirmation 
           180  Family Member Chooses to Modify a Family Member Profile 
           182  Authorized? 
           184  Display Unauthorized Warning 
           186  mySkyCap Site Displays Pre-populated Family Member Profile Form 
           188  User Enters Information and Submits Form 
           190  Form Valid? 
           192  Update Family Member Profile in Passenger Database 
           194  Display Family Member Profile Modification Confirmation 
           200  Family Member Chooses to Modify a Luggage Profile 
           202  Authorized? 
           204  Display Unauthorized Warning 
           206  mySkyCap Site Displays Pre-populated Luggage Profile Form 
           208  User Enters Information and Submits Form 
           210  Form Valid? 
           212  Update Luggage Profile in Luggage Database 
           214  Display Luggage Profile Modification Confirmation 
           220  Family Member Chooses to Create an Itinerary 
           222  Set Itinerary Status to ‘New’ 
           224  Authorized? 
           226  Display Unauthorized Warning 
           228  mySkyCap Displays Itinerary Page 
           230  Add Travel Segment? 
           232  Create New Travel Segment 
           234  Set Travel Segment Status to ‘New’ 
           240  Family Member Chooses to Modify an Itinerary 
           242  Authorized? 
           244  Display Unauthorized Warning 
           246  More than 1 Itinerary Available? 
           248  Display List of Itineraries 
           250  Family Member Chooses an Itinerary 
           252  mySkyCap Displays the Itinerary 
           254  Modify Travel Segment? 
           256  Cancel Travel Segment? 
           258  Set Travel Segment Status to ‘Canceled’ 
           260  Send Cancellation Notice to Service Partner if Confirmed 
           270  mySkyCap Displays Travel Segment Form 
           272  Family Member Chooses Origination Point Type &amp; Location 
           274  Additional Origination Information Required? 
           276  Family Member Enters Additional Origination Information 
           278  Family Member Chooses Destination Point Type &amp; Location 
           280  Additional Destination Information Required? 
           282  Family Member Enters Additional Destination Information 
           284  Family Member Enters Date &amp; Time 
           286  Family Member Enters Optional Comments 
           288  Family Member Confirms Changes 
           289  System Saves Changes
         290  Travel Segment Status=‘New’ or Status=‘Reservation Rejected’ or Status=‘Reservation Holding Period Expired’     
           292  Travel Segment Status=‘Awaiting Response’ 
           294  Travel Segment Status=‘Awaiting Bids’ or Status=‘Awaiting Bid Selection’ 
           296  Travel Segment Status=‘Reservation Accepted’ 
           298  Travel Segment Status=‘Confirmed’ 
           310  System Displays List of Potential Service Partners with their Fixed Cost for the Travel Segment 
           312  Traveler Selects One or more Service Partners for the Travel Segment 
           314  Traveler Chooses Pricing Option 
           316  Pricing Option? 
           318  Set Travel Segment Status to ‘Awaiting Reservation Response’ 
           320  Send Travel Reservation Request to Service Partner 
           322  Set Travel Segment Status to ‘Awaiting Bids’ 
           324  Send Travel Reservation Bid Request to Service Partner 
           326  Another Service Partner? 
           330  System Displays Status of Outstanding Reservation Request &amp; Details 
           332  Traveler Selects Travel Segment Decision 
           334  Change Service Partner Selection? 
           336  Set Travel Segment Status to ‘New’ 
           338  Cancel Travel Segment? 
           340  Set Travel Segment Status to ‘Canceled’ 
           350  System Displays List of Selected Service Partners with their Bid Status for the Travel Segment 
           352  Traveler Chooses Bid Option 
           354  Pricing Option? 
           356  Send Travel Reservation Bid Acceptance to Service Partner 
           358  Set Travel Segment Status to ‘Awaiting Reservation Response’ 
           360  Traveler Chooses Whether to Confirm Accepted Reservation 
           362  Confirm Reservation? 
           364  Send Travel Reservation Confirmation to Service Partner 
           366  Set Travel Segment Status to ‘Confirmed’ 
           370  System Displays Status of Confirmed Reservation Request &amp; Details 
           372  Travler Selects Travel Segment Decision 
           374  Change Service Partner Selection? 
           376  Send Travel Reservation Cancellation Notice to Old Service Partner 
           378  Set Travel Segment Status to ‘New’ 
           380  Change Same Service Partner Information? 
           382  Luggage Status=‘Missed Cut-off Time’? 
           384  Set Luggage Status to ‘Baggage Handling’ for All Luggage in Luggage Set 
           386  Send Notice to mySkyCap Baggage Handling Personnel 
           390  Receive Travel Reservation Request Response 
           392  Retrieve Appropriate Travel Itinerary &amp; Travel Segment 
           394  Travel Segment Canceled? 
           396  Response? 
           398  Set Travel Segment Status to ‘Reservation Accepted 
           400  Set Travel Segment Status to ‘Reservation Rejected’ 
           402  Send Notification to Family Profile Owner of Receipt of Travel Reservation Response 
           410  Receive Travel Reservation Bid 
           412  Retrieve Appropriate Travel Itinerary &amp; Travel Segment 
           414  Travel Segment Canceled? 
           416  Associate Travel Segment Reservation Bid with Appropriate Travel Segment 
           418  Send Notification to Family Profile Owner of Receipt of Travel Reservation Bid 
           420  Add Bids Received? 
           422  Set Travel Segment Status to ‘Awaiting Bid Selection’ 
           430  Create List of Current Itinerary IDs 
           432  Retrieve l′ Current Itinerary 
           434  Retrieve 1 st  Travel Segment 
           436  Determine Cut-off Time of Reservation Hold 
           438  Cut-off Time Passed? 
           440  Set Travel Segment Status to ‘Reservation Holding Period Expired’ 
           442  More Segments? 
           444  Retrieve Next Travel Segment 
           446  More Itineraries? 
           448  Retrieve Next Itinerary 
           450  Family Member Chooses to Confirm an Itineary 
           452  mySkyCap Retrieves First Travel Segment 
           454  Travel Segment Confirmed? 
           456  More Travel Segments? 
           458  Retrieve Next Travel Segment 
           460  Display Travel Segment Not Confirmed Warning 
           470  Start Transaction Group 
           472  Set Itinerary Status to ‘Confirmed’ 
           474  Retrieve 1 st  Travel Segment 
           476  Set Travel Segment Status to ‘Awaiting Confirmation’ 
           478  More Segments? 
           480  Retrieve Next Travel Segment 
           482  Display Itinerary Booking Confirmation 
           484  Stop Transaction Group 
           486  Transaction Group Successful? 
           488  Send Travel Segment Confirmation to Travel Partner 
           490  Roll Back Transaction 
           492  Log Transaction Error 
           500  Hotels 
           502  Car Rentals 
           504  Parking Facility 
           506  mySkyCap Services 
           508  mySkyCap Remote Unit 
           510  mySkyCap Mobile Unit 
           512  mySkyCap Base Facility 
           514  Shuttle 
           520  Luggage with RF Tag 
           522  RF Unit 
           524  Laptop/PC/Web Device 
           526  Bar Code Reader 
           528  Bag Tag Printer 
           530  Boarding Pass Printer 
           540  Travel Passenger Chooses to Check-in 
           542  Travel Passenger Provides Day of Departure Contact Data 
           544  Travel Passenger Checks in on Service Partner Site 
           546  Service Partner Sends a Travel Information Change Notice to mySkyCap 
           548  mySkyCap Receives Travel Information Change Notice 
           550  mySkyCap Stores Day of Departure Contact Data 
           552  Print Boarding Pass? 
           554  Print Boarding Passes for all Family Members on Travel Segment 
           560  Travel Family Visits Transportation Partner 
           562  Travel Family Registered with mySkyCap? 
           564  Service Partner Enters Travel Family&#39;s mySkyCap ID 
           566  Travel Family Authenticates? 
           568  Display Authentication Warning 
           570  Current Itinerary? 
           572  Create New Itinerary For Family 
           574  Appropriate Travel Segment? 
           576  Create New Travel Segment 
           578  Associate New Travel Segment with Itinerary 
           580  Service Partner Indicates Luggage Check-in 
           582  System Creates a New Luggage Set 
           584  Service Partner Takes 1 st  Luggage 
           586  More Luggage? 
           588  Service Partner Takes Next Luggage 
           590  All Luggage Accounted for in Travel Segment 
           592  Display Luggage Unaccounted for Warning 
           594  System Asks if Luggage Should be Removed 
           596  Remove Luggage from Travel Segment 
           598  Remove Additional Luggage from Travel Segment 
           600  Save Luggage Set 
           602  Transport Luggage to Destination 
           610  Service Partner Examines Luggage for a mySkyCap RF Chip 
           612  Luggage has a mySkyCap RF Chip? 
           614  Attach Temporary mySkyCap RF Chip to Luggage 
           616  Service Partner Scans Luggage 
           618  Scan Problems? 
           620  Display Luggage Profile 
           622  Service Partner Performs Visual Inspection 
           624  Luggage Profile Matches Luggage? 
           626  Edit Luggage Profile 
           628  Set Luggage Status to ‘Service Partner Custody’ 
           630  Set Custody to Service Partner 
           632  Add Luggage to Luggage Set 
           634  Print and Attach Luggage Tag 
           640  Set Luggage Status to ‘Scanning Issue’ 
           642  RF Chip Associated with Luggage Theft? 
           644  RF Chip Associated with Another Family&#39;s Luggage Profile 
           646  Display Potential Theft Warning 
           648  Detain Luggage &amp; Notify Authorities 
           650  Send Warning Notification to mySkyCap Customer Service 
           652  Set Luggage Status to ‘Issue Resolution’ 
           660  RF Chip not Associated with any Luggage? 
           662  Display Blank Luggage Profile Form 
           664  Enter Luggage Profile Information 
           666  Associate Luggage Profile with Family Profile 
           668  Associate Luggage with Current Travel Segment 
           670  Luggage Associated with Current Travel Segment? 
           672  Ask to Associate Luggage with Current Travel Segment 
           674  Associate Luggage? 
           676  Return Luggage to Traveler 
           680  Service Partner Chooses to Make Transfer 
           682  System Displays List of Luggage Sets in Custody of Service Partner 
           684  Service Partner Selects 1 st  Luggage Set 
           686  More Luggage Sets to Process? 
           688  Service Partner Selects Next Luggage Set 
           690  System Selects 1 St  Traveler Associated with Luggage Set 
           692  System Sets Traveler&#39;s Status to ‘Idle’ 
           694  More Travelers? 
           696  System Selects Next Traveler Associated with Luggage Set 
           700  Service Partner Seects Appropriate Transfer Action 
           702  Transfer to Another Transportation Partner? 
           704  Transfer to Owner? 
           706  Set Luggage Status to ‘Idle’ 
           708  Set Custody to Owner 
           710  Transfer to mySkyCap Personnel? 
           712  Set Luggage Status to ‘Baggage Handling’ 
           714  Set Custody to mySkyCap 
           720  Another Travel Segment in Itinerary? 
           724  System Displays Appropriate Travel Segment 
           726  Correct Service Partner to Hand-off? 
           728  Insert or Modify? 
           730  Create New Travel Segment 
           732  Set Travel Segment Status to ‘New’ 
           734  Associate Travel Segment with Itinerary 
           736  Service Partner Confirms Transfer 
           738  System Sets Current Travel Segment to Next Travel Segment 
           740  mySkyCap Customer Service Receives Potential Theft Warning Message from Service Partner 
           742  mySkyCap Customer Service Representative Chooses to Resolve Issue 
           744  System Displays Luggage Profile of Current Luggage and Registered Luggage Associated with RF Chip 
           746  Resolve Which Profile is Correct 
           748  Correct Profile? 
           750  Send Potential Theft Notice to Service Partner 
           752  Send Luggage Resolution Notice to Service Partner 
           754  Set Luggage Status to ‘Idle’ 
           760  mySkyCap Customer Service Receives a Call from Traveler about Missed Cut-off Time 
           762  Traveler Visits mySkyCap Service Desk 
           764  Traveler Provides mySkyCap Customer Service Their mySkyCap ID 
           766  mySkyCap Customer Service Accesses the Traveler&#39;s Secure Profile 
           768  mySkyCap Customer Service Authenticates Traveler 
           770  Travler Indicates Desired Service 
           772  Update Travel Segment? 
           774  Pick Up Luggage? 
           780  Traveler Provides New Information 
           782  mySkyCap Customer Service Updates Appropriate Travel Segment 
           784  mySkyCap Customer Service Indicates to System to Save Information 
           786  System Sets Luggage Status to ‘Baggage Handling’ for all Luggage in the Luggage Set 
           790  System Saves Updated Travel Segment 
           800  mySkyCap Customer Service Sends Message to mySkyCap Baggage Handling Personnel 
           802  mySkyCap Baggage Handling Personnel Bring Traveler&#39;s Luggage to mySkyCap Customer Service 
           804  mySkyCap Customer Service Gives Luggage to Traveler 
           806  mySkyCap Customer Service Indicates to System that Traveler Received Their Luggage 
           808  System Sets Luggage Status to ‘Idle’ for all Luggage 
           810  System Sets Luggage Custody to Owner 
           812  System Sets Travel Segment Status to ‘Completed’ 
           820  Service Partner Changes the Traveler&#39;s Segment in their Separate System 
           822  mySkyCap Receives Travel Information Change Notice 
           824  mySkyCap System Retrieves Appropriate Itinerary &amp; Travel Segment 
           826  mySkyCap System Updates Travel Segment Information 
           828  mySkyCap Sets Status of all Luggage in Luggage Set to ‘Baggage Handling’ 
           830  Notice Sent to mySkyCap Baggage Handling Personnel 
           840  mySkyCap Common Use Sortation and Security System 
           842  mySkyCap RF Baggage Handling 
           844  mySkyCap RF Bag Tag System 
           846  CTX X-Ray Device 
           848  mySkyCap RF Sortation System 
           850  Baggage Reject 
           852  Airline 
           854  Resolution Bay 
           856  Flight 
           860  Luggage Arrives at RF Baggage Holding 
           862  Perform Visual Inspection of Luggage for RF Chip &amp; Airline Baggage Tag 
           864  Luggage Has mySkyCap RF Chip? 
           866  Manually Resolve Unidentified Luggage 
           870  Luggage Has Bag Tag? 
           872  RF Unit Scans mySkyCap RF Chip on Luggage 
           874  Set Luggage Status to ‘Baggage Handling’ &amp; Timestamp 
           876  Access Passenger Database to Determine Passenger Status 
           878  Passenger Performed Check-in? 
           880  Send Bag to CTX Cray Device 
           882  Put Luggage in Holding Area 
           884  Set Luggage Status to ‘Holding For Passenger Check-in’ &amp; Timestamp 
           890  Set Luggage Status to ‘XRay Scanning’ &amp; Timestamp 
           892  Perform Security Scan with CTX SRay Device 
           894  Pass Security Scan? 
           896  Put Luggage in Sortation Area 
           898  Set Luggage Status to ‘Delivering to Service Partner’ &amp; Timestamp 
           900  Deliver Luggage to Appropriate Service Partner 
           902  Set Luggage Status to ‘Service Partner Custody’ &amp; Timestamp 
           904  Put Luggage in Baggage Reject Area 
           906  Set Luggage Status to ‘Failed XRay Scan’ &amp; Timestamp 
           908  Deliver Luggage to Appropriate Service Partner Resolution Bay 
           910  Set Luggage Status to ‘Luggage Resolution’ &amp; Timestamp 
           912  Set Custody to Service Partner 
           920  Deliver Luggage to RF Bag Tag System Area 
           922  System Accesses Luggage Profile 
           924  Print Airline Baggage Tag 
           926  Attach Airline Baggage Tag to Luggage  928  mySkyCap Baggage Handling Personnel Deliver Luggage to CTX XRay Device 
           930  Create List of Luggage in Holding Area 
           932  Retrieve Luggage Profile of Luggage 
           934  Access Passenger Database to Determine Passenger Status 
           936  Passenger Performed Check-in? 
           938  Send Bag to CTX XRay Device 
           940  Determine Luggage Holding Time 
           942  Within Warning Time? 
           944  Send Warning Notification to Traveler 
           946  Past Cut-off Time? 
           948  Send Cut-off Time Notification to Traveler 
           950  Set Luggage Status to ‘Missed Cut-off Time’ 
           952  More Luggage? 
           954  Retrieve Next Luggage Profile 
           960  Luggage Container 
           962  mySkyCap RF Container Sort System 
           964  Air Freighter 
           966  mySkyCap Ship Receiving Sortation System 
           968  Delivery Partner 
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0446]    A preferred embodiment of the system architecture of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
       1. Overview 
       [0447]    The present invention involves a system and method for electronic passenger luggage handling services over a distributed network. The distributed network may be an unsecured public network such as the Internet. To make use of the MySkyCap transaction services, users must be pre-registered with the MySkyCap site. Any necessary software components will be made available. These software components, in combination with the MySkyCap site, preferable provide the following features: 
         [0000]    1. One stop convenient location for pick-ups and drop-offs.
 
2. Ability to pickup luggage at passenger&#39;s home or office location prior to departure.
 
3. Ability to deliver luggage to passenger&#39;s destination in a secure and reliable manner.
 
4. A single centralized and secure repository of registrant profiles and transaction histories.
 
5. Eliminates Credit Card Fraud for service providers because the MySkyCap is responsible for payment collection. Thus service providers are guaranteed payment from the MySkyCap.
 
6. System which facilitates service providers bidding on individual travel segments of an itinerary.
 
7. Ability to put some travel segments out for bid.
 
8. Ability to have a mixture of fixed price and bid price travel segments in a single itinerary.
 
9. Allows for booking of reservations across multiple service partners whereby the process is guaranteed as a whole and only required to pay if all reservations are successful.
 
         [0448]    The system and method of the present invention are advantageously suited for use over a public network such as the Internet due to its widespread availability. (When used in herein in conjunction with “network”, the term “public” is intended to imply that user access to the network is not controlled by or limited to a particular business entity or group of business entities. Likewise, the term “distributed” implies that processing capabilities and services are spread out among different nodes of the network as opposed to being centralized within a single host, server or LAN—with different nodes providing different services.) In general, however, the system and method can be used on any type of distributed network over which online services are provided by Service Providers to end users, including both public and private, and hybrid public-private networks. 
         [0449]    To facilitate a complete understanding of invention, the remainder of the detailed description is arranged as follows: The basic components and features of the preferred embodiments will be initially be described with reference to  FIG. 1  under the heading GENERAL ARCHITECTURE. Registration of Families, Family Members, and luggage will be described with reference to  FIGS. 2-4  under the heading FAMILY REGISTRATION PROCESSES. The processes for maintaining family profiles, family member profiles, and luggage profiles are described with reference to  FIGS. 5-7  under the heading PROFILE MAINTENANCE PROCESSES. The processes for creating travel itineraries, along with corresponding travel segment reservations are described with reference to  FIGS. 8-21  under the heading ITINERARY &amp; RESERVATION PROCESSES. The architecture of mySkyCap partners is described with reference to  FIGS. 22-23  under the heading MYSKYCAP PARTNER ARCHITECTURE. The check-in processes are described with reference to  FIGS. 24-29  under the heading CHECK-IN PROCESSES. The transfer process is described with reference to  FIGS. 30-32  under the heading MYSKYCAP PARTNER TRANSFER PROCESSES. The mySkyCap Administration Handling Processes are described with reference to  FIGS. 33-37  under the heading MYSKYCAP ADMINISTRATION HANDLING PROCESSES. The processes of handling luggage at airport facilities are described with reference to  FIGS. 38-42  under the heading MYSKYCAP AIRPORT HANDLING PROCESSES. The communication messages are described with reference to  FIG. 43  under the heading COMMUNICATION PROCESSES. 
       2. General System Architecture (FIG. 1) 
       [0450]      FIG. 1  illustrates the basic components of a system, which operates in accordance with the present invention. Registered users (also referred to as “customers”, “passengers”, or “travelers”) connect to the Internet  40  (or other distributed public network) via either user computers  10 , telephones  20 , or hand-held devices  30  (e.g. Palm and Windows CE devices) to perform transactions, modify their personal profile, or receive solicited notifications from SP sites  50 . SP sites  50  communicate with the MySkyCap site  70  to transact with a registrant. 
         [0451]    The registered users may connect to the Internet  40  in any known manner. For example, the users may use a suitable online services network to obtain access to the Internet, or may connect by establishing an account with an Internet Service Provider (not shown). Each user computer  10  includes at least one client application  12  (such as a World Wide Web browser) for communicating with server application  72  on the Internet  40 . 
         [0452]    The SP services are provided on the individual SP sites  50  of registered Partners. Each SP site  50  will typically comprise one or more physical servers that are connected to the Internet  40 . Each SP site  50  runs at least one server application  52  for providing an online service. A given SP site  50  may, of course, provide multiple online services. Some of these services may be non-transaction-related services that are provided for free. For purposes of the following description, it may be assumed that the term “SP service” refers only to transaction-based services. Additionally, it may be assumed that the term “Registrant”, and the term “Service Partner” refers only to registered users, and SPs respectively. Likewise, the terms ‘Passenger’, ‘Traveler’, and ‘Customer’ are used interchangeably. The terms “visitor” and “user” may refer to registered users or non-registered users. 
         [0453]    Although the user computers  10  and the SP sites  50  are shown as being directly connected to the Internet  40 , it should be understood that such connection may be via one or more private networks. For example, a user computer  10  may connect to the Internet  40  via a wireless connection or via a private cable televisions network using a cable modem. Likewise, an SP  50  site may connect to the Internet via a private network of the merchant&#39;s organization. 
         [0454]    Similar to user computers  10 , passengers may also access the mySkyCap site  70  via either a telephone  20  (either land line or wireless) or through the use of a hand-held device  30 . The preferred embodiment for the telephone  20  would be a toll-free automated phone system for making and canceling reservations, and checking on the status of luggage. The hand-held devices  30  would have at least one PDA client application  32  such (such as a WAP-enabled browser) for communicating with server application  72  on the Internet  40 . 
         [0455]    SP sites  50  may offer various types of services. These services may include retail merchandise, as well as digital products and/or informational or subscription-based services or wholesale purchases. For example, one SP may offer services such Ticketing, while still another one the sale of products for passengers such as suitcases. Other SP services may include, travel gadgets, audio books and tapes, travel videos and books, or other services for the traveler such as taxies or limos. 
         [0456]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , each SP site  50  additionally includes a MySkyCap Client Application  54 , which initiates transactions with the MySkyCap Server Application  72 . The MySkyCap Client Application  54  components are preferable in the form of software modules, which include the necessary logic for sending the items in an encrypted format to the MySkyCap Server Application  72 . These software components may also contain information requests. The preferred embodiment of this information is in the form of XML (extensible Markup Language), which is becoming popular for business-to-business communication in the industry. 
         [0457]    With further regards to  FIG. 1 , The MySkyCap site  70  preferably comprises one or more physical servers that run a MySkyCap Server application  72  to implement the MySkyCap Service. The site  70  is preferably operated by a single business, or a small collection of businesses, that are qualified to perform secure transactions on behalf of users and SPs. As described below, the MySkyCap Site  70  may communicate with the SP sites  50  either via the Internet (or other public network), a private network, a private communications channel, or a combination thereof. The centralized MySkyCap site  70  will maintain the operations of multiple physical franchisee locations. An alternative embodiment would be for multiple sites to handle multiple physical locations to accommodate franchise operations. 
         [0458]    Although a single MySkyCap site  70  is shown in  FIG. 1 , it will be recognized that multiple MySkyCap sites could be provided on the Internet  40 . For example, MySkyCap sites may be set up at several different geographical locations to accommodate SP sites  50  located in different countries and to distribute the load. Additionally, as with the user computers  10 , the telephones  20 , the hand-held devices  30 , the SP sites  50 , the MySkyCap site  70  may be connected to the Internet  40  via one or more private networks. 
         [0459]    The MySkyCap site  70  includes one or more physical databases for storing various account information with respect to the passengers and service providers. The traveler database  74  would contain membership information such as passwords, profiles, and financial information and keep track of all transactions associated with that passenger. The luggage database  76  would contain information such as brand, size, color, etc. and unique luggage tracking IDs. The itinerary database  80  would store all the travel itineraries and travel segment reservation information. The partner database  82  would store business rules and information unique to transportation entities such as airlines, car rentals, cruise ships, trains, buses, and shuttles. For example, airlines might want to show different and unique data on our rendering of their bag tag or boarding pass. The Open Travel Alliance database  90  contains all the business rules on how the alliance partners talk with each other via the Internet. The preferred embodiment of the communication between alliance partners is using XML (eXtensible Markup Language). 
         [0460]    Note that this invention does not limit the information that may be contained in these databases, but only defines the minimum information that must be provided. 
         [0461]    Finally, the MySkyCap site  70  may save, and make available to the SPs, certain aggregate marketing information that can be used to tailor their respective services and products. 
       3. Family Registration Processes (FIGS. 2-4) 
       [0462]      FIG. 2  illustrates the basic steps that take place, in accordance with the invention, when a family registers at the MySkyCap site  70 . 
         [0463]    With reference to block  100  in  FIG. 2 , the visitor initially locates the MySkyCap Service by obtaining the location information of the corresponding MySkyCap site  70 . This location information may be in a variety of forms, such as a Uniform Resource Locator (URL), a Domain Name Service (DNS) name, or an Internet Protocol (IP) address. 
         [0464]    With reference to block  102 , if a visitor makes a request to register with the MySkyCap system, the system displays  104  the Family Registration Form. They then provide  106  family profile information and a list of mySkyCap cities that are anticipated to be used and their preferred locations and SPs. In addition they also provide an associated password and password hint to be used when accessing their profile in the future. The password hint is displayed to the user if they forget their password. If they are still unable to login to their profile, they can request that an email message be sent to their registered email address with the associated password. This is a standard practice used by online sites to assist the user in remembering their password for access to the site. The MySkyCap system assigns  108  a unique identifier to be used later for identification and authentication. Upon the storing  110  of the new registrant profile in the traveler database  74 , the MySkyCap system will send  112  an e-mail confirmation of the registration to the user. 
         [0465]    The profile information will contain a customer name, address, city, state, zip, and email at a minimum, but may also contain additional information such as home and office phone and payment information. Forms of payment will initially include credit cards but will be expanded to include other electronic means such as company purchase orders, digital cash, stored-value cards, and other payment instruments that are deemed appropriate. 
         [0466]    The registrant may optionally choose to add  114  family members and/or add  116  luggage to their family profile or wait to a more convenient time. If they choose to add  114  a family member, then the process continues with  FIG. 3 . Otherwise, if they choose to add  116  luggage to their family profile, then the process continues with  FIG. 4 . If instead, they choose to end the registration, then this process is completed. 
         [0467]    With regards to  FIG. 3 , the owner of the family profile, or someone with the appropriate permission, chooses  120  to add a family member to the family profile. Next, mySkyCap displays  122  a Family Member Profile form from which the family profile owner enters  124  basic information such as their name, date of birth, contact information, and optional medical information. Next, the family profile owner indicates  126  any roles or permissions that this family member is allowed to play or exercise. Examples of roles might be profile owner or travel participant. Examples of permissions might be whether they can modify family member profiles other than themselves, whether they can modify their own profile, whether they can create a travel itinerary, or whether they can create their own wish lists. Note that these examples of roles and permissions are not meant to be exhaustive. Next, the system sets  128  the traveler&#39;s status to ‘Idle’. At this point, the profile owner may choose  130  to add frequent flyer information for the family member. If they so choose, then the profile owner enters  132  the appropriate frequent flyer information. The profile information will contain at a minimum the following for each travel program that they are a member of: airline/travel partner name; frequent flyer number; frequent flier tier level; and mySkyCap cities used. The profile owner may choose to enter as many frequent flyer programs as they want. Once the profile owner has completed entering any frequent flyer information, they may choose to either save the information or cancel the operation. If they choose to save  134  the information, then the system saves  136  the member profile in the traveler database  74 . Otherwise, the process is completed. 
         [0468]    With regards to  FIG. 4 , the owner of the family profile, or someone with the appropriate permission, chooses  140  to register a piece of luggage. The mySkyCap site then displays  142  the Luggage Profile form from which the profile owner enters  144  the basic luggage information. The luggage profile information will contain at a minimum the following for each piece of luggage that they want to register: bag brand; bag size; bag type; bag color. It may also contain information such as comments and damage status. The user will then have the option of saving  146  the luggage information or not. If they choose to save  146  the information, then the system saves  148  the luggage information to the luggage database  76 . Next, the system sets  150  the luggage status to ‘Idle’ and sets  152  the custody of the luggage to ‘Owner’. Whether they choose to save or cancel, they are then given the option  150  of registering more luggage. If they choose  154  to register addition pieces of luggage, then the process is repeated starting with the system displaying  142  a luggage profile form. Otherwise, the process is completed. 
       4. Profile Maintenance Processes (FIGS. 5-7) 
       [0469]      FIG. 5  shows the process for a visitor to update their family profile. They must first locate  100  the MySkyCap Site  70 . This may be from search engines, reciprocal links, Emails, or other forms of advertising. The visitor then must access  160  their secured family profile. Then, if the visitor chooses  162  to modify their family profile, the system checks  164  to see if they are authorized. If they are not authorized, then the system displays  166  an unauthorized warning and completes the process. If they are authorized, then the system displays  168  a pre-populated Family Profile form from which the user enters  170  the appropriate information and submits the form. At this point, the system checks  172  to see if the form is valid or not by checking for required fields and the form passes all validation rules. If the information is not complete and correct, the user will be shown appropriate error messages and be given another chance to correct the information. Otherwise, if the form is valid, then the system will update  174  the family profile in the traveler database  74 . The system then displays  176  a Profile Modification Confirmation page for the user. 
         [0470]    The family member profile modification, shown in  FIG. 6 , follows a similar flow as the family profile modification. After the family member locates  100  the mySkyCap site  70  and accesses  160  their secured family profile, they choose  180  to modify a family member profile, which may or may not be their own family member profile. The system checks  182  to see if they are authorized to modify the selected family member profile. Note that based on their permissions which were established by the profile owner, the family member may not even have access to modify their own profile. If they are not authorized, then the system displays  184  an unauthorized warning and completes the process. If they are authorized, then the system displays  186  a pre-populated Family Member Profile form from which the user enters  188  the appropriate information and submits the form. At this point, the system checks  190  to see if the form is valid or not. If the information is not complete and correct, the user will be shown appropriate error messages and be given another chance to correct the information. Otherwise, if the form is valid, then the system will update  192  the family member profile in the traveler database  74 . The system then displays  194  a Profile Modification Confirmation page for the user. 
         [0471]    Similarly to  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 7  shows the process for modifying luggage profiles. After the family member locates  100  the mySkyCap site  70  and accesses  160  their secured family profile, they choose  200  to modify a luggage profile. The system checks  202  to see if they are authorized to modify the selected a luggage profile. If they are not authorized, then the system displays  204  an unauthorized warning and completes the process. If they are authorized, then the system displays  206  a pre-populated Luggage Profile form from which the user enters  208  the appropriate information and submits the form. At this point, the system checks  210  to see if the form is valid or not. If the information is not complete and correct, the user will be shown appropriate error messages and be given another chance to correct the information. Otherwise, if the form is valid, then the system will update  212  the luggage profile in the luggage database  76 . The system then displays  214  a Profile Modification Confirmation page for the user. 
       5. Itinerary &amp; Reservation Processes (FIGS. 8-21) 
       [0472]      FIG. 8  shows the process whereby a travel member may create an itinerary, which consists of multiple reservations for travel segments. They begin the process by locating  100  the mySkyCap site and accessing  160  their secured family profile. Once authenticated, the family member chooses  220  to create an itinerary. Next the system sets  222  the itinerary status to ‘New’. The system then checks  224  to see if they are authorized to create an itinerary for this family profile. If they are not authorized, then the system displays  226  an unauthorized warning and completes the process. If they are authorized, then the system displays  228  an itinerary page. At this point, the user may add multiple travel segment reservations. If they choose  230  to add a travel segment reservation, then the system creates  232  a new travel segment and sets  234  the status of the travel segment to ‘New’. The process then continues with  FIG. 10 . Once the process in  FIG. 10  is completed, processing returns to  FIG. 8  and repeats the process with step  228 . Once there are no more segments to add to the itinerary, the process is complete. 
         [0473]      FIG. 9  shows the process of modify an existing itinerary. The process begins by the family member locating  100  the mySkyCap site and accessing  160  their secured family profile. The family member chooses  240  to modify an itinerary. The system checks  242  to see if they are authorized to modify an itinerary. If they are not authorized, then the system displays  244  an unauthorized warning and completes the process. If they are authorized, then the system checks  246  to see if there is more than one itinerary that as been created for this family profile. If there is more than one itinerary, then the system displays  248  a list of the itineraries from which the family member chooses  250  one. After a single itinerary is selected, mySkyCap displays  252  the selected itinerary. At this point, the family member can modify as many travel segments as desired. If they choose  254  to modify a travel segment, the process continues with  FIG. 10 . Otherwise the system determines  256  if the traveler wants to cancel the travel segment, then the system sets  258  the travel segment to ‘Canceled’ and sends  260  a cancellation notice to the travel partner if appropriate and then ends. If the traveler does not want to delete the travel segment, then the process is complete. 
         [0474]    The travel segment reservation process is shown in  FIG. 10 . First, the system displays  270  the Travel Segment form. Next, the family member chooses  272  an origination point type and location. Examples of point types include airports, bus terminals, train stations, cruise ports, office locations, homes, rental lots, or parking lots. Then depending upon the point type selected, the user would be presented with a list of locations to choose from. For example, if they had previously selected a point type of ‘airport’, then they would now be presented with a list of airports from which they would choose. Next, the system determines  274  if additional information is required such as an address. For example, if the origination point is a known airport, then the system already has the address and doesn&#39;t require additional information. But, if the origination point is a family&#39;s house, then they system needs the address. If more information is necessary, the family member enters  276  the appropriate origination information. Next, the process continues with choosing  278  the destination point type and location in a similar method as the origination point type and location. Just like before, if the system determines  280  that additional destination information is required, then the user must enter  282  this additional information. Next, the family member chooses  284  the date and time of the desired reservation and optionally enters  286  any comments that they would like stored with the travel segment such as special handling notes. Once the family member confirms  288  the changes, the system saves  289 . The process continues with  FIG. 11  where the system takes different branches depending upon the status of the travel segment. If the travel segment status is determined  290  to be either ‘New’, ‘Reservation Rejected’, or ‘Reservation Holding Period Expired’, then the process continues with  FIG. 12 . Otherwise, if the travel segment status is determined  292  to be ‘Awaiting Response’, then the process continues with  FIG. 13 . Otherwise, if the travel segment status is determined  294  to be ‘Awaiting Bids’ or ‘Awaiting Bid Selection’, then the process continue with  FIG. 14 . Otherwise, if the travel segment status is determined  296  to be ‘Reservation Accepted’, then the process continues with  FIG. 15 . Otherwise, if the travel segment status is determined  298  to be ‘Confirmed’, then the process continues with  FIG. 16 . 
         [0475]    In  FIG. 12 , the system begins by displaying  310  a list of potential service partners with their fixed cost for the travel segment. Note, future embodiments may filter this list based on user preferences, such as preferred partners. From this list, the traveler selects  312  one or more service partners for the travel segment and then chooses  314  the pricing option. If it is determined  316  that the traveler choose the fixed price, the system sets  318  the travel segment status to ‘Awaiting Reservation Response’ and sends  320  a travel reservation request  322  is sent to the service partner. Otherwise, if the traveler chose the bid pricing option, then the system sets  322  the travel segment status to ‘Awaiting Bids’ and sends  324  a travel reservation bid request to the first service partner selected. If it is determined  326  that there are more service partners, then the process repeats by sending  324  a travel reservation bid request to all selected service partners. 
         [0476]      FIG. 13  shows the process when the travel segment status is ‘Awaiting Response’. It begins by the system displaying  330  the status of all outstanding reservation requests and details. Next, the traveler selects  332  a travel segment decision. The system then determines  334  whether the traveler has chosen to change the service partner and if so, sets  336  the travel segment status to “New” and continues with  FIG. 12 . Otherwise, if it is determined  338  that the traveler chose to cancel the travel segment, then the system sets  340  the travel segment status to ‘Canceled’. Note, that only individuals with the proper permission can cancel travel segments. 
         [0477]      FIG. 14  shows the process when the travel segment status is either ‘Awaiting Bids’ or ‘Awaiting Bid Selection’. It begins by the system displaying  350  the list of selected service partners with their bid status and bid for the travel segment. Some examples of bid statuses might be ‘NA’, ‘Declined’, ‘Tentative’, or ‘Accepted’. Next, the traveler chooses  352  a bid option of either accepting one or canceling the operation. If it is determined  354  that the traveler accepted a bid, then the system sends  356  a reservation bid acceptance to the appropriate service partner. Next, the system sets  358  the travel segment status to ‘Awaiting Reservation Response’ and ends the process. 
         [0478]      FIG. 15  shows the process when the travel segment status is ‘Reservation Accepted’. It begins by the traveler choosing  360  to confirm the accepted reservation. If it is determined  362  that the reservation is confirmed, then the system sends  364  a travel reservation confirmation to the service partner and sets  366  the travel segment status to ‘Confirmed’. 
         [0479]      FIG. 16  shows the process when the travel segment status is ‘Confirmed’. It begins by the system displaying  370  that status of the confirmed reservation request and details. Next, the traveler selects  372  a travel segment decision. If it is determined  374  that the traveler changed the service partner selection, then the system sends  376  a cancellation notice to the old travel partner and sets  378  the travel segment status to ‘New’. It then continues with  FIG. 12 . Otherwise, if it is determined  380  that only information about the same service partner changes, then the system determines  382  if the luggage status is ‘Missed Cut-off Time’. If the luggage status is ‘Missed Cut-off Time’, then the system sets  384  the luggage status to ‘Baggage Handling’ and sends  386  a notice to the mySkyCap Baggage Handling personnel. 
         [0480]      FIG. 17  shows the process that they system follows upon receiving a reply back from a travel reservation sent to a travel partner. First, the system receives  390  the travel reservation response and then retrieves  392  the appropriate travel itinerary and travel segment. Next, the system determines  394  if the segment has been previously canceled and if so, ends the process. Then the system determines  396  whether the service partner has accepted or rejected the reservation request. If the reservation is accepted, then the system sets  398  the travel segment status to ‘Reservation Accepted.’ Otherwise, the system sets  400  the travel segment status to ‘Reservation Rejected.’ The process ends by the system sending  402  a notification to the family profile owner of the receipt of a travel reservation request. 
         [0481]      FIG. 18  shows the process that the system follows upon receiving a reservation bid from the service partner. The process begins receiving  410  a reservation bid. After, the appropriate travel itinerary and travel segment is retrieved  412 , the system determines  414  whether the traveler has already canceled this travel segment. If so, then the process ends. Otherwise, the system associates  416  the travel segment reservation bid with the appropriate travel segment. Next, the system sends  418  a notification to the family profile owner of the receipt of a travel segment reservation bid. If the system determines  420  that all of the bids have been received, then it sets  422  the status of the travel segment to ‘Awaiting Bid Selection’ and ends. Otherwise, if all of the bids have not been received then the process ends with no further transactions. 
         [0482]      FIG. 19  shows a periodic batch process whereby the system checks for travel reservations that have been put on hold for too long without confirmation. The system begins by creating  430  a list of current itinerary IDs. Next, the system retrieves  432  the 1 st  travel itinerary and the retrieves  434  the 1 st  travel segment. Next, the system determines  436  the cut-off time of the reservation hold. If the travel segment is past its cut-off time  438 , then the system sets  440  the travel segment&#39;s status to ‘Holding Period Expired’. Next, the system checks  442  to see if there are more segments. If there are more segments, then the system retrieves  444  the next travel segment and repeats the process with step  436 . Otherwise, the system checks  446  to see if there are more itineraries. If there are more itineraries, then the system retrieves  448  the next itinerary and repeats the process with step  434 . Otherwise, the process is completed. 
         [0483]      FIGS. 20 &amp; 21  show the process whereby the profile owner would confirm an itinerary and submit all the travel segment reservations as a single transaction that either all succeeds or none succeeds. The process begins with  FIG. 20  in which the family member locates  100  the site and then accesses  160  the secured family profile. Next, the family member chooses  450  to confirm their itinerary and the system retrieves  452  the first travel segment. The system then determines  454  if the travel segment as been confirmed. If the travel segment has not been confirmed, then the system displays  460  a travel segment not confirmed warning and ends the process. Otherwise, if the segment is confirmed, the system checks  456  for more travel segments. If there are more travel segments, then the system retrieves  458  the next travel segment and repeats the process with step  454 . If all travel segments have been confirmed, then the process continues with  FIG. 21 . The shaded area of  FIG. 21  shows all the transaction that must occur as a transaction group. If any single transaction fails, then the entire group is not performed. Note that this is commonly understood in the industry. The process begins with the system starting  470  a transaction group and then setting  472  the status of the itinerary to ‘Confirmed’. Next, the system retrieves  474  the 1 st  travel segment and sets  476  its status to ‘Awaiting Confirmation’. Then, the system checks  478  for more segments. If there are more segments, then the next travel segment is retrieved  480  and the process repeats starting with step  476 . Otherwise, if there are no more segments, then the system will display  482  an itinerary booking confirmation and stop  484  the transaction group. If it is determined  486  that the transaction group was successful, then the travel segment confirmation is sent  488  to the appropriate travel partner and ends. If the transaction group was not successful, then the entire transaction is rolled back  490  and a transaction error is logged  492 . 
         [0484]    Note that a call center can act as a proxy on the customer&#39;s behalf and make the reservation online. 
         [0000]    6. mySkyCap Partner Architecture ( FIG. 22-23 ) 
         [0485]      FIGS. 22-23  show the architecture of mySkyCap partners. Travelers will interact with mySkyCap services at a mySkyCap facility or at a service partner facility. Travelers will be able to check their luggage at their hotel  500 , car rental facility  502 , parking facility  504 , or mySkyCap facility  506 . Partner and mySkyCap facilities will interact with the mySkyCap site  70  using either a mySkyCap remote unit  508  or a mySkyCap mobile unit  510 . The mySkyCap remote unit  508  is an apparatus that allows the facility to accept luggage and perform all aspects of passenger check-in including issuing boarding passes, and bag tags. The mySkyCap mobile unit  510  is an apparatus that allows the facility to accept luggage that is tagged with a mySkyCap RF (Radio Frequency) tag and communicate to the mySkyCap site  70  via a mySkyCap Base Facility  512 . Once the luggage is checked-in, it is transported  514  to the appropriate destination, whether that is an airport, bus/train station, cruise line, or home. Note that the most frequent destination would be an airport.  FIG. 38 , which is explained in section  8  mySkyCap Partner Transfer Processes. 
         [0486]      FIG. 23  shows the components of the mySkyCap remote unit  508 , the mySkyCap mobile unit  510 , and the mySkyCap Base Facility  512 . The mySkyCap remote unit  508  consists of a Radio Frequency Unit  522 , a laptop/PC/Web Device  524 , bar code reader  526 , bag tag printer  528 , and boarding pass printer  530 . The remote unit  508  connects to the mySkyCap site  70  through the web device  524 . The mySkyCap mobile unit  510  consists of a Radio Frequency Unit  522  which communicates with a Web Device  524  back at the base facility  512 . The base facility  512  then connects to the mySkyCap site  70  through the web device  524 . 
       7. Check-in Processes (FIGS. 24-29) 
       [0487]    The pre-check-in process may occur in many different ways including directly on the web site or on a travel partner&#39;s site. This is shown in  FIG. 24  by two alternative entry paths with optional tasks indicated by dashed lines depending upon which path is taken. Note other embodiments might be a phone call to customer service or access to the web site via a phone interface. The first path is by the travel passenger locating  100  the mySkyCap site and accessing  160  their secured family profile. Next, the travel passenger chooses  540  to check-in and then provides  542  their day of departure contact data such as cell phone, email, or pager number. The second path is by the travel passenger checking in  544  on a service partner site. If this path is taken, the service partner site  50  sends  546  a travel information change notice to the mySkyCap site  70 . Next the system receives  548  the travel information change notice. Once the system has the required contact information, it is stored  550  in the Itinerary database  80 . Next, the system determines  552  whether a boarding pass is needed and if so, it prints  554  boarding passes for all the members traveling in the family on the appropriate travel segment. 
         [0488]      FIGS. 25  thru  29  show the process whereby luggage is checked with a service partner. Service partners may include hotels, car rental companies, parking facilities, shuttle van, bus/train companies, or mySkyCap facilities. The travel family first visits  560  a service partner site. At the service partner site, it is determined  562  if the travel family is currently registered with mySkyCap. If they are not registered, then they may use a kiosk to register their family with mySkyCap. This was described earlier in  FIG. 2 . Next, the service partner enters  564  the travel family&#39;s mySkyCap ID or scans it off an ID card and then attempts to authenticate  566  the family members. The authentication may be through photo IDs such as driver&#39;s license or with a special mySkyCap photo ID card that stores their mySkyCap ID along with other valuable information such as possible medications and travel emergency numbers. If the family is not authenticated by the system, then, the system will display  568  an authentication warning and the process ends. Another reason why the family may not be authenticated is if their profile is inactive due to non-payment or security checks. If the family is authenticated, then the system checks  570  and see if there is a current itinerary associate with the family&#39;s profile. If there is no current itinerary, then the system  572  creates a new itinerary for the family and then creates  576  a new travel segment. After creating the new travel segment, the system associates  578  the travel segment with the itinerary and continues the process with  FIG. 26 . If there already was a current itinerary, the system checks  574  to see if the luggage is associated with the appropriate travel segment. If not, the process continues with step  576  as described earlier. If it is already associated with the appropriate travel segment, then the process continues with  FIG. 26 . 
         [0489]      FIG. 26  begins with the service partner indicating  580  that they have luggage to check in to the system. Next, the system creates  582  a new luggage set. Next, the service partner takes  584  the first piece of luggage and performs the tasks in  FIG. 27 .  FIG. 27  is performed with each piece of luggage. After the tasks of  FIG. 27  have completed, the process continues in  FIG. 26  with the system determining  586  if there is any more luggage to process. If there is more luggage, then the service partner takes  588  the next piece of luggage and performs the tasks of  FIG. 27 . When there is no more luggage to process, the system checks  590  and see if all the luggage that was associated with the current itinerary and travel segment has been processed. If the entire luggage has been processed, then the process is ended. If the entire luggage has not been processed, then the system displays  592  a ‘Luggage Unaccounted for’ warning. Next, the system asks  594  if the unaccounted for luggage should be removed from the current travel segment and itinerary. If the system determines  596  that the luggage should be removed, then the system removes  598  the addition unaccounted-for luggage from the travel segment. Next, the system saves  600  the luggage set and the service partner transports  602  the luggage to its destination. 
         [0490]      FIG. 27  shows the operations that are performed to process a single piece of luggage to check it in. First, the service partner examines  610  the luggage for a mySkyCap RF chip. If it is determined  612  that the luggage does not have an RF chip, then the service partner attaches  614  a temporary mySkyCap RF chip to the luggage. Once the luggage has an RF chip, the service partner scans  616  the luggage. If it is determined  618  that there are problems, then the process continues with  FIG. 28 . Otherwise, the process continues with  FIG. 29 . At the conclusion of the tasks in  FIG. 29 , the process continues with  FIG. 27  by the system displaying  620  the luggage profile of the recently scanned luggage. Next, the service partner performs  662  a visual inspection and determines  624  if the luggage matches its online profile. If the luggage profile does not match the actual luggage, then the service partner edits  626  the luggage profile to make it consistent. For example, there may be new scratches and dents in the luggage not currently identified in the profile. Next, the system sets  628  the luggage status as ‘Service Partner Custody’ and sets  630  the custody to the service partner. Next, the luggage is added  632  to the luggage set. Finally, the system may optionally print  634  and attach a luggage tag. Note that a paper tag may not be necessary if the service partner such as an airline recognizes the mySkyCap RF unit. If necessary, the system may access the partner database  82  to determine business rules to print the luggage tags. 
         [0491]      FIG. 28  shows the operations of handling scanning errors. The system begins by setting  640  the luggage status as ‘Scanning Issue’. If the system determines  642  that the mySkyCap RF chip is associated with luggage theft or the system determines  644  that the RF chip is associated with another family&#39;s luggage profile, then the system begins by displaying  646  a ‘Potential Theft’ warning. Next, the service partner detains  648  the luggage and notifies the authorities. Next, the system sends  650  a warning notification to mySkyCap Customer Service and then sets  652  the luggage status to ‘Issue Resolution’. 
         [0492]      FIG. 29  is a continuation of  FIG. 27  and begins with the system determining  660  if the RF chip is not associated with any luggage. If the RF chip is not associated with any luggage, then the system displays  662  a blank luggage profile from which they enter  664  the appropriate profile information. Next, the system associates  666  the luggage profile with the family profile and associates  668  the luggage with the current travel segment. If the RF chip is associated with the luggage, then the system determines  670  if the luggage is associated with the current travel segment. If the luggage is associated with the current travel segment, then the process continues by returning to  FIG. 27 . Otherwise, the system asks  672  if luggage should be associated with the current travel segment. If it is determined  674  that the luggage should be associated with the current travel segment, then the system associates  668  the luggage with the current travel segment and continues by returning to  FIG. 27 . Otherwise, if the luggage should not be associated with the current travel segment, then the luggage is returned  676  to the traveler. 
         [0000]    8. mySkyCap Partner Transfer Processes ( FIGS. 30-32 ) 
         [0493]      FIGS. 30-32  show the process whereby one partner transfers the luggage set to another partner and thus the next travel segment of a family&#39;s itinerary.  FIG. 30  starts with a service partner choosing  680  to make a transfer. Next, the system displays  682  a list of luggage sets currently in custody of the service partner. Then, the service partner selects  684  the 1 st  luggage set and continues the process with  FIG. 31 , which processes a single piece of luggage. Upon returning from  FIG. 31 , the system determines  686  if there is more luggage to process. If there is more luggage, then the service partner selects  688  the next luggage set and repeats with  FIG. 31 . Note, an example of this being used is a shuttle van delivering different families to different airline curb check-in locations. Once all the luggage sets have been processed, the system selects  690  the 1 st  traveler associated with luggage set and then sets  692  the traveler&#39;s status to ‘Idle’. If it is determined  694  that there are more travelers, then the system selects  696  the next traveler associated with luggage set and repeats the process with step  692 . 
         [0494]    With regards to  FIG. 31 , a service partner selects  700  an appropriate transfer action with the system. If it is determined  702  that the transfer is to be to another service partner, then the process continues with  FIG. 32 . Otherwise, if it is determined  704  the transfer is to the owner, then the system sets  706  the luggage status to ‘Idle’ and sets  708  the custody to the owner. Otherwise, if it is determined  710  the transfer is to mySkyCap Personnel, such as baggage handling at an airport, then the system sets  712  the luggage status to ‘Baggage Handling’ and sets  714  the custody to mySkyCap. 
         [0495]      FIG. 32  shows the process whereby one service partner hands off the process to another service partner. The process begins by determine  720  if there is another travel segment of the current itinerary associated with the luggage set. If not, then the process continues with step  730  as described below. If there is another travel segment, then the system displays  724  the next travel segment and the service partner determines  726  if the correct service partner is listed for the hand-off. If yes, then the process continues with step  736  as described below. If the new service partner is not associated with new travel segment, then the old service partner determines  728  whether to modify the current travel segment or insert a new one. If the choice is to modify the travel segment, then the process continues with  FIG. 10  and upon returning from  FIG. 10  continues with step  736  as described below. If the choice is to insert a new travel segment, then the system creates  730  a new travel segment and sets  732  its status to ‘New’. The new travel segment is then associated  734  with the appropriate itinerary. Next, the old service partner confirms  736  the transfer and then the system sets  738  the current travel segment to the next segment of the itinerary. 
         [0000]    9. mySkyCap Administration Handling Processes ( FIGS. 33-37 ) 
         [0496]      FIG. 33  shows the process of mySkyCap Customer Service handling a potential theft. It begins by mySkyCap Customer Service receiving  740  a warning message from a service partner. Next, the mySkyCap Customer Service Representative chooses  742  to resolve the issue and the system displays  744  the luggage profile of both the current luggage profile currently associated with the RF chip and the luggage profile being checked in with the RF chip. The mySkyCap Customer Service Representative resolves  746  which profile is correct. They may do this be calling the family currently associated with the RF chip. If it is determined  748  that the registered profile is the correct one, then the system sends  750  a Potential Theft notice to the service partner. Otherwise, if the new profile is the correct one, then the system sends  752  a Luggage Resolution notice to the service partner. The process ends with the system setting  754  the luggage status to ‘Idle’. The service partner would then attempt to re-scan the luggage if it was not theft. 
         [0497]      FIG. 34  shows the process of mySkyCap Customer Service resolving a ‘Missed Cut-off Time’ luggage status. It begins with two alternate paths. Either the mySkyCap Customer Service Representative receives  760  a phone call from a traveler or the traveler visits  762  a mySkyCap Service Desk. Either way the traveler provides  764  their mySkyCap ID from which the customer service representative accesses  766  the traveler&#39;s secured profile and then authenticates  768  them. Possible ways of authenticating them might be a photo ID if in person or a secret word or phrase if on the telephone. The traveler then indicates  770  their desired service and it is determined  772  if they want to modify a travel segment. If they do, then the process continues with  FIG. 35 . Otherwise, if it is determined  774  that they want to pick up luggage, then the process continues with  FIG. 36 . Otherwise, the process is complete. 
         [0498]      FIG. 35  continues from  FIG. 34  with the traveler proving  780  new information to update the travel segment and then the customer service representative updating  782  the appropriate travel segment. Next, the customer service representative indicates  784  to the system to save the information. The system then sets  786  the luggage status to ‘Baggage Handling’ for all luggage in the luggage set and completes the process by saving  790  the updated travel segment. 
         [0499]      FIG. 36  also continues from  FIG. 34  with the customer service representative sending  800  a message to the mySkyCap Baggage Handling personnel. Upon receiving this message, the mySkyCap Baggage Handling personnel bring  802  the luggage to the mySkyCap Customer Service desk. Next, the customer service representative gives  804  the luggage to the traveler and indicates  806  to the system that the traveler has received their luggage. The system then sets  808  the luggage status to ‘Idle’ for all the luggage in the luggage set and sets the luggage custody to owner. The process ends by the system setting  812  the travel segment status to ‘Completed’. 
         [0500]      FIG. 37  shows an alternative process of a travel segment being automatically updated from information received from a partner&#39;s separate system. For example, a traveler may change the flight information of a given travel segment for a later flight due to a canceled flight and the airline system would automatically send this information to the mySkyCap system. It begins by a service partner changing  820  a traveler&#39;s segment in their own separate system. The service partner&#39;s system  52  sends  822  a notification of change to mySkyCap Server application  72 . The preferred embodiment of this communication is XML. The mySkyCap system retrieves  824  the appropriate itinerary and travel segment and then updates  826  the appropriate travel segment information. Next, the mySkyCap system sets  828  the status of all the luggage in the luggage set to ‘Baggage Handling’. Lastly, a notice is sent  830  to mySkyCap Baggage Handling Personnel so that they can deal with the luggage. 
         [0000]    10. mySkyCap Airport Handling Processes ( FIGS. 38-42 ) 
         [0501]      FIG. 38  shows the mySkyCap facilities at the airport and how it interacts with airline facilities. Note that this architecture may be used at non-airline service partners also such as train and bus stations. Luggage is transported to the mySkyCap facility either at the airport or some other transportation facility for handling. Luggage is received and scanned at the mySkyCap Common Use Sortation and Security System  840 . The mySkyCap Common Use Sortation and Security System  840  is composed of four main areas mySkyCap RF Baggage Handling  842 , mySkyCap RF Bag Tag System  844 , CTX X-Ray Device  846 , and the mySkyCap RF Sortation System  848 . Luggage is first dropped off at the mySkyCap RF Baggage Handling  842  and precedes to the mySkyCap RF Sortation system  848  via the CTX X-Ray Device  846 . If an airline baggage tag is required and not found on the luggage, then it travels to the mySkyCap RF Bag Tag System  844  to have the appropriate airline baggage tag applied and then sent through the CTX X-Ray Device  846  to the mySkyCap RF Sortation system  848  area. Any luggage that fails the security check of the CTX X-Ray Device  846  is delivered to the Baggage Reject area for manual processing, where it is delivered to the appropriate airline&#39;s resolution bay  854 . Luggage that passes the security check is delivered to the appropriate airline  852 . The airline in turn will deliver it to the appropriate flight luggage area  856 . 
         [0502]      FIG. 39  shows the baggage handling processes for security and delivery to the appropriate airline. Luggage is first dropped  860  off at the mySkyCap RF Baggage Handling  842  area where it is scanned with the RF Unit  522 . A visual inspection is performed  862  to check for RF chip and baggage tag. If it is determined  864  that there is no mySkyCap RF chip, then the luggage is removed and manually resolved  866 . Otherwise, if it is determined  870  that the luggage requires an airline bag tag and one is not on the luggage, then the process continues with  FIG. 41 . Otherwise, the RF Unit  522  is used to scan  872  the luggage and then the system sets  874  the luggage status to ‘Baggage Handling’ and timestamps the entry. Next, the system accesses  876  the traveler database  74  to determine the passenger&#39;s status. If it is determined  878  that the passenger has not checked-in yet, then the luggage is put  882  in the holding area and the system sets  884  the luggage status to ‘Holding for Passenger Check-in’ and timestamps the entry. Otherwise, if the passenger has already checked-in, then the bag is sent  880  to the CTX X-Ray Device  846  and the process continues with  FIG. 40 . 
         [0503]      FIG. 40  is a continuation of the baggage handling process once the luggage is delivered to the CTX X-Ray Device  846 . It begins by the system setting  890  the luggage status to ‘X-Ray Scanning’ and timestamps the entry. Next, a security scan is performed  892  by the CTX X-Ray Device  846 . If the luggage passes the security scan then it is put  896  in the MySkyCap RF Sortation System area  848  and sets  898  the luggage status to ‘Delivering to Airline’ and timestamps the entry. Next, the luggage is delivered  900  to the appropriate airline  852 . Once the airline receives the luggage, the system sets  902  the luggage status to ‘Airline Custody’ and timestamps the entry. If the luggage doesn&#39;t pass the security scan then it is put  904  in the Baggage Reject area  850 . Next the system sets  906  the luggage status to ‘Security X-Ray Scan Failed’ and the entry is time stamped. Then, the luggage is delivered  908  to the appropriate airline resolution bay  854  and the luggage status is set  910  to ‘Airline Resolution’ and the entry is time stamped. The process completes by the system setting  912  the custody of the luggage to the service partner. 
         [0504]      FIG. 41  shows the steps taken if the luggage is determined to not have an airline baggage tag and that airline requires one. The process begins by the luggage being delivered  920  to the Bag Tag System area  844 . Next, the system accesses  922  the luggage profile and then prints  924  an airline baggage tag. The mySkyCap Baggage Handling personnel take this tag and attach  926  it to the luggage and then deliver  928  it to the CTX X-Ray Device  846 , which completes the process. 
         [0505]      FIG. 42  shows a process that is run periodically to process luggage that is in the holding area. It begins by creating  930  a list of luggage in the holding area and then retrieves  932  the luggage profile of the first piece of luggage. From the luggage profile, the system accesses  934  the traveler database  74  to determine the associated passenger&#39;s status. If it is determined  936  that the passenger has already checked in with the airline then the system sends  938  the bag to the CTX X-Ray device  846  and continue the process with  FIG. 40 . Otherwise, the system determines  940  the luggage holding time. If the holding time is determined  942  to be within the warning time, then a warning notification is sent  944  to the traveler. This notification may be a call to a cell phone with an automated voice or a message sent to a pager, whichever method the traveler chose when they checked-in with the mySkyCap site. Other embodiments may be used in the future and this description does not limit the implementations. If it is determined  946  that the luggage has past its cut-off time for loading onto an airline because the passenger has not checked-in with the airline, then the system sends  948  a ‘Cut-off Time’ notification to the traveler as described earlier and sets  950  the luggage status to ‘Missed Cut-off Time’. Next, the system determines  952  if there is more luggage to check and if there is, then the next luggage profile is retrieved  954  and the process repeats starting with step  934 . Otherwise, the process ends. 
         [0000]    11. mySkyCap Air Freighter Processes ( FIGS. 43-44 ) 
         [0506]      FIG. 43  shows an alternative embodiment whereby the luggage travels via an Air Freighter rather than on the same airline as the passenger. The mySkyCap Common Use Sortation and Security System  840  is described in detail in  FIG. 38 . In this option, luggage goes through the same security procedures but rather than traveling on the same airplane as the passenger, it travels by air freight. Thus, for any luggage that is traveling by air freight, it is sorted and put into luggage containers  960 , which are then routed to the mySkyCap RF Container Sort system  962 . This system has a RF Unit  522  which is used for tracking the containers. At this point, the luggage containers  960  are loaded onto the appropriate Air Freighter  964  and delivered to the appropriate location. 
         [0507]      FIG. 24  shows the process of the mySkyCap Air Freighter upon reaching its destination. Upon reaching the destination, the luggage containers  960  are off-loaded and put into the mySkyCap RF Container Sort system  962  described previously. From here, the luggage containers  960  are either loaded onto another Air Freighter  964  or routed to a location to be unpacked. If the luggage  520  is to be unpacked, it is placed in the mySkyCap Ship Receiving Sortation System  966  and from their delivered to the appropriate Delivery Partner  968 . 
       12. Communication Processes (FIG. 45) 
       [0508]      FIG. 45  shows the communication process occurring between the mySkyCap site  70 , the SP site  50 , and the traveler  10 . If a traveler selects a fixed bid, then a Travel Reservation Request  320  is sent to the service partner site  50 . Later, the service partner sends back a Travel Reservation Request Response  390  and upon receiving it, the system sends a Travel Reservation Request Notice  402  to the traveler  10 . If a traveler confirms a reservation after receiving a reservation acceptance, then a Travel Segment Reservation Confirmation  364  is sent to the service partner site  50 . If the traveler chooses to cancel a travel segment then a Travel Reservation Cancellation  260  is sent to the service partner site  50 . Otherwise, if the traveler selects to have multiple service partners bid on the travel segment, then a Travel Reservation Bid Request  324  is sent to all the selected service partner sites  50 . These service partners in turn, send back a Travel Reservation Bid  410 , which results in the system sending a Travel Reservation Bid Notice  418  to the service partner site  50 . If a traveler accepts one of the bids, then a Travel Reservation Bid Acceptance  356  is sent to the service partner site  50 . Once all the travel segments have been confirmed, the traveler then chooses to confirm the entire itinerary at which point the system sends a Travel Itinerary Confirmation  488  to all the service partner sites  50  on the itinerary. Note, that the system does not actually book any reservations until the entire itinerary is completed and thus guarantees that the traveler will only be charged if the entire itinerary is completed. 
         [0509]    If the details of a travel segment change with a service partner for some reason, such as a canceled flight, a service partner may make the change in their own proprietary system and then sends a Travel Information Change Notice  546  to the mySkyCap site  70 . 
         [0510]    Upon checking in with a service partner, if the system detects a potential theft from scanning the Radio RF chip in the luggage, then the service partner site  50  sends a Potential Theft Warning Message  740  to the mySkyCap Site  70 . Once the mySkyCap Customer Service resolves the situation, they send either a Potential Theft Warning Reply Message  750  or a Luggage Resolution Notice  752 . 
         [0511]    After a traveler has checked in their luggage, it is held in a holding area until they check-in for their travel segment (e.g. flight) with the appropriate service partner (e.g. airline). If the luggage remains in holding after a given amount of time, the traveler will be sent a Holding Time Warning  944 . If they continue to not check-in and it passes the cut-off time of when the luggage can still be loaded onto the appropriate travel segment (e.g. flight), then a Cut-off Time Notification  948  is sent to the traveler. 
       CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE 
       [0512]    Thus the reader will see that the mySkyCap site defined in this invention provides a highly efficient and convenient method of providing for passenger and luggage handling services. Furthermore, this invention has the additional advantages in that
       It permits the travelers and service providers to interact in a secure environment.   It permits convenient travel planning and efficient use of time.   It permits the scheduling and negotiation of individual travel segments separately by only liable once an entire itinerary is confirmed.   It reduces the possibility of credit card fraud.       
 
         [0517]    Although the description above contains much specificity, this should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Many variations are possible. For example, the graphical look and feel and screen layout will periodically change to provide fresh content. 
         [0518]    Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.