:focal(4096x2750:4097x2751)/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer_public/ad/4c/ad4c629b-5ec1-4842-a650-50304d8adffc/gettyimages-1407292494.jpg)
Travelers are facing long lines, delays, cancellations and other disruptions at airports this summer.
Photo by Sean Gallup / Getty Images
Airports are a mess right now. As travelers eagerly return to the skies after two years of staying closer to home during the pandemic, they’re facing flight delays, cancellations and long lines at airports around the world, primarily because of staffing shortages.
Now, one American airline is hoping technology will help ease some of the havoc. Alaska Airlines will begin allowing customers to attach electronic tags to their suitcases in hopes of