Farelogix is getting into the consumer business with iFlyBags.com.
The site, slated to launch in early October, shows bag-fee allowances for more than 300 airlines and their rules, as filed through the Airline Tariff Publishing Co., but translated into human-speak.
So, you'll be able to enter your airline, origin and destination, and cabin class and view what the baggage charges will be.
In addition, you can enter the weight and/or length of your bags and gear -- from javelins and skiis to "game meat" -- and calculate the fees.
In its first endeavor in the consumer arena, Farelogix, which heretofore has been known for its direct-connect technology and its travel agency desktop, has applied for a patent for its optimization engine for iFlyBags.
The optimization engine is geared to take into account the frequent flyer status of all the travelers in your party and recommend who should check what to get the lowest possible bag fees.
The site will be integrated with the ARC so the travelers' frequent flyer information can be prepopulated for iFlyBags calculations as long as travelers can enter the record locators for their flights.
iFlyBags will crunch airline bag fees from airlines around the world. They can enter their fee information through ATPCO or into the Farelogix merchandising engine, FMS2, which powers the site.
Jim Davidson, the Farelogix CEO, says the company sees the new venture as a business oportunity.
iFlyBags will run advertising and likely will become a transactional site, offering merchandising deals from airlines, Davidson says.
For example, airlines could offer upgrades, Wi-Fi, club memberships or seat assignments on iFlyBags.com, Davidson says.
At least that's the hope.