The travel search engine Kayak has taken advantage of the latest augmented reality technology by introducing its new luggage measurement tool in the UK.
With the dimensions of carry-on luggage differing from airline to airline, Kayak’s bag measurement tool allows Brits to check whether their luggage will be accepted as hand luggage and fit in the overhead bins.
To measure carry-on luggage, all travellers have to do is open a flight search in the Kayak app and click new tool.
They are then prompted to scan the floor (this helps calibrate measurements) and in the next step asked to move their camera around the bag to capture its size.
The tool then calculates the bag’s exact measurements (length, width and height – as well as any protrusions), so travellers can be confident whether they are able to take their bag as a carry-on, or if it needs to be checked-in.
The tool also gives the option to see baggage fee policies and sizes for all airlines on Kayak, showing if it would fit within their size guidelines.
Matthias Keller, Kayak chief scientist, commented: “With so many Brits taking shorter breaks in Europe and beyond, travelling hand luggage-only is a popular option for many travellers.
“But with different airlines allowing different sizes of bag in the cabin, and the rules regularly changing, it can be hard to be confident that your bag will fit.
“And no one wants an unexpected last-minute expense at the airport, or to be without their bag if it contains items they want for the flight.
“There are lots of ways that augmented reality can be used for fun, but this tool is designed to be truly useful and valuable for travellers.”