Lost luggage is one of the most dreaded travel headaches. From long waits at baggage claim to dealing with delayed or misplaced bags, the uncertainty around checked luggage can add a lot of stress to any trip. But now, Apple is stepping in to help travelers keep better track of their belongings with AirTags and their powerful Find My network. Recently, Apple announced a new feature called “Share Item Location,” which allows AirTag users to share the location of their luggage directly with airlines like Delta, United, and British Airways. This added functionality, paired with the growing list of Apple airline partners, is set to transform the way travelers manage mishandled baggage, offering unprecedented control, security, and peace of mind while in transit.

Real-Time Baggage Updates With “Share Item Location”

Credit. Apple. Apple Introducing “Share Item Location” To Help Airlines With Lost Baggage.

The Apple AirTag is already a trusted luggage companion, giving travelers the ability to see the location of their bag through the Find My app. But now, Apple is taking things a step further with “Share Item Location,” a new feature that allows AirTag users to share the location of their luggage with third parties, including airlines.

With this feature, AirTag users can share a link to their missing luggage directly from the Find My app. This link provides recipients, like airline customer service agents, with real-time location information, accessible through an interactive map that updates automatically as the bag moves. A timestamp indicates the last-known location, giving travelers and airline staff the ability to track the progress of the bag back to its owner.

Currently in public beta on iOS 18.2, the “Share Item Location” feature will be available for free to all iPhone XS and later models within weeks. Once reunited with the item, the location-sharing automatically disables or can be turned off manually, keeping privacy at the forefront of the experience.

Airline Partnerships To Make Finding Bags Easier

Credit. CNN. “Share Item Location” Hopes To Reduce Or Eliminate Lost Bags.

This feature is launching with 15 initial partner airlines, including Delta and United, as well as international carriers like Air Canada, British Airways, Qantas, and Lufthansa.

Here is the full potential airline partner list:

• Aer Lingus
• Air Canada
• Air New Zealand
• Austrian Airlines
• British Airways
• Brussels Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Eurowings
• Iberia
• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
• Lufthansa
• Qantas
• Singapore Airlines
• Swiss International Air Lines
• Turkish Airlines
• United
• Virgin Atlantic
• Vueling

These partnerships are a significant step, enabling major airlines to integrate the Find My network into their luggage tracking systems. According to Apple, they plan to expand the list of airlines, allowing even more travelers to take advantage of this new service.

For instance, United Airlines has already stated that they plan to introduce this feature in select airports, aiming for a full rollout by 2025. The Chief Customer Officer at United, David Kinzelman, highlights that “Share Item Location” will enable customer service agents to access location data safely and efficiently, helping reduce lost luggage incidents and offering travelers a peace of mind like never before.

Why “Share Item Location” Is A Game-Changer For Travelers

Credit. Apple. “Share Item Location” Is A Game-Changer For Travelers.

This new feature has several practical benefits for travelers:

• Enhanced Peace Of Mind: Knowing you can easily share the location of your bag with airline staff adds an extra layer of security. If your bag is delayed or misplaced, the airline can track its movements along with you, improving coordination and speeding up retrieval.
• Privacy-First Design: Privacy is always a concern with location sharing, and the approach by Apple addresses this directly. “Share Item Location” uses end-to-end encryption, ensuring that neither Apple nor the Find My network can access the data. Access to the shared location link is limited to a select few, who must authenticate through an Apple ID or a partner email, ensuring only authorized airline representatives can view the information.
• Streamlined Tracking At Scale: With Apple in talks with baggage tracking provider SITA, the feature could eventually integrate into WorldTracer, the software used by over 500 airlines to manage lost bags across 2,800 airports. This means airlines globally may soon have a uniform, secure way to utilize Find My data, making the chances of bag recovery more consistent worldwide.

Tips For Using AirTags For Hassle-Free Travel

Credit. Briggs And Riley. Track Your Baggage With Apple AirTags.

With this new feature, AirTags are quickly becoming a must-have for travelers. Here are some quick tips to maximize the benefits of AirTags and “Share Item Location” on your next trip:

• Prepare In Advance: Make sure your AirTag is paired with your Apple ID and functioning properly before travel. Having it set up and tested ahead of time ensures it is ready to go.
• Secure Placement: Place your AirTag in a secure spot inside your bag, such as an internal pocket. This reduces the risk of it being dislodged or removed during travel.
• Stay Updated: Keep your software current to ensure you have access to the latest features, including “Share Item Location.”

Final Thoughts

The Apple partnership with leading airlines and the introduction of the “Share Item Location” feature mark an exciting shift in how travelers can handle lost or delayed luggage. By making it possible to track and share the location of your bag in real time, Apple is putting control back in the hands of travelers, giving you and the airline precise information to help locate and reunite you with your belongings faster than ever before. With the additional security and privacy features built into the Find My network, AirTags are proving to be one of the most practical travel tools you can carry.

So, if you have not already, consider adding an AirTag to your travel essentials.

Safe travels, and here is to knowing exactly where your bag is on your next adventure!