Lost luggage is a traveler’s nightmare, but soon, 15 major airlines are rolling out a feature that might turn this fear into a thing of the past.
Airlines like Delta, United, British Airways, Lufthansa, Qantas, and Virgin Atlantic are among those implementing a “Share Item Location” feature, designed specifically for Apple AirTags.
This partnership, set to streamline the process of reuniting travelers with their belongings, leverages the convenience of Apple AirTags to simplify baggage tracking.
For those unfamiliar with AirTags, these small devices connect to an iPhone or iPad, allowing users to track lost items through the “Find My” app. Popular among forgetful types or those with a fear of misplacing valuables, AirTags have already been a go-to solution for tracking everything from keys to pets.
Setting up an AirTag is simple: just hold it near your iPhone, name the device, and register it to an Apple account. Now, Apple has partnered with airlines to make tracking lost luggage even easier for travelers.
Here’s how the new feature will work: travelers with an Apple AirTag can choose to “Share Item Location” with the airline’s baggage services team. When bags get misplaced or are delayed in transit, airlines can access this location information through a secure link, helping employees locate and return bags more efficiently.
According to Erik Snell, Delta’s Senior VP of Airport Customer Service, this new system provides “extra visibility to reunite items with their owners.” United Airlines also began testing the system at select airports, with plans for full rollout in early 2025. This feature aims to reduce time spent looking for lost luggage and ease the frustrations of travelers.
To ensure privacy, Apple has built strict security protocols into the feature. Access to the shared location link is limited, requiring recipient authentication via an Apple Account or verified email. Moreover, links automatically disable once the bag is returned to its owner, or expire after seven days to prevent unnecessary tracking.
The “Share Item Location” feature arrives as part of the public beta for iOS 18.2, available to users with iPhone XS and later. Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior VP of Services, expressed excitement for the new capabilities, noting that the AirTag and “Find My” network provide “invaluable location information” when luggage goes missing.
As airlines begin adopting this cutting-edge feature, the days of endless waiting at baggage claim may be over. For frequent travelers, these enhancements mean more convenience and peace of mind, turning an otherwise frustrating part of travel into a streamlined, worry-free experience.
