The Bagfather

In this episode of The BagFather, hosts Marlon van der Meer and Jen Zemba welcome Ina Eldøy, founder of Norway’s BagID, a company reshaping the baggage handling experience through smart, reusable electronic bag tags.
The conversation explores how BagID is challenging the status quo of traditional baggage handling by introducing digital solutions that improve tracking accuracy, streamline check-in processes, and reduce reliance on disposable paper tags. Drawing on her deep aviation background, Ina shares the story behind BagID’s founding, the operational gaps she set out to solve, and how the company has evolved into a technology disruptor within the airline industry.
This episode also covers:
• Challenges of lost luggage, limited tracking, and inefficient baggage workflows
• How reusable electronic bag tags support sustainability goals by cutting paper waste and promoting eco-conscious travel
• The growing shift toward software-driven infrastructure across airlines/airports
• Building strategic partnerships with airlines, airports, and regulatory bodies to enable large-scale adoption
• Staying ahead of rapid technological change while meeting evolving passenger expectations
• The importance of diversity in aviation and technology, and empowering more women and underrepresented groups to lead innovation
The episode highlights how collaboration, adaptability, and forward-thinking technology are transforming one of travel’s most overlooked touchpoints: the checked bag. As you listen, consider: How can smarter baggage solutions redefine the passenger journey from curb to carousel?
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In this episode of The BagFather, hosts Marlon van der Meer and Jen Zemba welcome Alfie Watts, acclaimed travel influencer and winner of BBC’s Race Across the World, for an engaging conversation on modern travel and the art of packing smart.
Alfie, drawing on high-pressure competition, details his minimalist packing philosophy. He explains how traveling light reduces stress and increases flexibility, citing Race Across the World moments where strategic packing was key to adapting and succeeding.
This episode also covers:
• Tips for minimalist/carry-on-only travel without sacrificing the essentials
• Navigating airline baggage policies, avoiding excess fees, and handling lost or delayed luggage
• Budget travel tips, including finding affordable flights and maximizing limited resources on the road
• Managing international travel complexities
Technology in travel and how to balance convenience with staying present
• The emotional realities of life on the move, including resilience, adaptability, and personal growth through travel
• Emerging trends in baggage innovation, including smart luggage, sustainable materials, and shifting airline policies
Throughout the discussion, Alfie blends practical advice with personal anecdotes and humor, offering listeners both inspiration and actionable guidance. The conversation highlights how preparation, flexibility, and mindset can transform the travel experience; whether you’re racing across continents or simply navigating your next airport departure.

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Alfie Watts
https://www.instagram.com/_alfiewatts_/?hl=en
Youngest ‘Race Around The World’ winner
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In this episode of The BagFather, hosts Marlon van der Meer and Jen Zemba welcome Dr. Joel Greenberg, the founder and CEO of Quadridox, a company at the forefront of aviation security technology.
The episode delves deep into Quadridox’s groundbreaking advancement: the integration of X-ray diffraction technology with advanced artificial intelligence algorithms to revolutionize the way checked baggage is screened at airports. Dr. Greenberg provides an in-depth look at the origins of this technology, tracing its roots from early-stage academic research in material science and imaging, through years of development and prototyping, to its current real-world trials in major international airports.
This episode also covers:
• The technical and logistical challenges of bringing lab innovations into large-scale industry use
• Navigating regulatory requirements and collaborating with airport authorities and security agencies
• How Quadridox’s approach dramatically reduces false alarms, improving both efficiency and passenger experience
• The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists, engineers, and policymakers
• The role of public trust and transparent communication in the adoption of next-generation security technologies
The conversation ultimately reflects on how innovation, cooperation, and vision can redefine global aviation security. As you listen, consider: How do you think emerging technologies should shape the future of airport safety and the passenger journey?
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Want more from The BagFather? Tap in for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes moments, and everything that doesn’t make it into the mic.
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Dr. Joel Greenberg
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-greenberg-phd-atquadridox/
President and CEO of Quadridox
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We wrap up Series One of The Bagfather with Jan Wicki from Noida International Airport.
As a brand new greenfield airport, Noida offers a rare opportunity to design a baggage system with no legacy constraints.
Jan takes us inside the planning process, the priorities, and what it means to start fresh in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.

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This week on The Bagfather, we go deep with Jasper Quak, Managing Director of BAGTAG. We talk origins, obstacles and the growing momentum behind electronic bag tags. With a focus on sustainability, simplicity and scaling up, Jasper offers a clear-eyed view of what the future of baggage could—and should—look like.
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