A self-service bag checking system is being tested at Los Angeles International Airport for use by passengers on Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Lufthansa, Norwegian and Scandinavian Airlines. While some airlines already use a similar system, the new kiosks are for communal use for passengers of any of the five participating airlines.

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After passengers print baggage tags at the kiosks, they put their luggage on a conveyor belt. Passengers will not have to stop at the ticket counter. Digital readers guide the baggage through the conveyor belt system to the correct flight. Passengers still have to use the ticket counters if the luggage is too big or too heavy.

Plans are in place to add six additional airlines, bringing the total to 11. Biometric technology might also be added in the future to identify passengers.

Last year, LAX debuted germ-fighting bins. According to LAX’s interim Chief Executive Justin Erbacci, the goal is to use technology to improve every step of the travel process.

LAX officials will monitor the test system for four to eight months.

— John Wroblewski, online writer