Patent ID: 7613622

Claim:
A method using a computer and a network for unbundling baggage costs for airline transportation to which is linked real-time parcel carrier pricing data and airline pricing data, said method comprising the following steps executed by said computer: maintaining an option A for said traveler, wherein said option A is for said traveler booking solely airline tickets without any accompanying check-in luggage or without more than one carry-on luggage; disabling baggage service options and charging said traveler solely for a flight ticket provided said traveler elects said option A; presenting to said traveler in conjunction with said option A, a baggage services option, said baggage services option including: an option B for said traveler, wherein said option B is for said traveler scheduling a transfer of all luggage from an origin location to a destination location using services of a separate carrier; an option C for said traveler, wherein said option C is for said traveler using an airline to handle and transport said check-in luggage from said origin location to said destination location; an option D for said traveler, wherein said option D is for said traveler handling more than one carry-on luggage themselves and using said airline to handle and transport said check-in luggage; linking said traveler to and displaying a baggage information page to said traveler if said baggage services option is selected as a result of either said option B, said option C, or said option D being elected by said traveler, wherein said traveler enters baggage information regarding said luggage; displaying a baggage information and transportation options window as output to said baggage information page incorporating said options B, C, and D wherein multiple modes of travel for said luggage can be checked or unchecked as a selection by said traveler and, by default, selecting all modes of travel; receiving as input from said traveler said selection of one or more of said multiple modes of travel; enabling carrier options and displaying said carrier options using a baggage transportation pricing matrix as output to said traveler selecting said one or more of said multiple modes of travel; charging said traveler for said flight ticket and said separate carriers provided said traveler chooses said option B; charging said traveler for said flight ticket and additionally for a bag ticket charge provided said traveler chooses said option C; charging said traveler for said flight ticket and additionally for said bag ticket charge and additionally for a baggage scan fee provided said traveler chooses said option D, and, as a result, electronically generating and displaying a price-based and incentive-based quote for said traveler even if said separate carrier is not used.