Apple introduces new feature allowing travelers to share lost luggage locations

Research

Nick Ewen Senior editorial director | The Points Guy

By Sky Industry News

Nov 12, 2024

Apple has introduced a new feature for AirTags called Share Item Location, designed to assist travelers in locating their missing luggage. This function allows users to share the location of an AirTag or any accessory connected to the Find My network with third parties, including airlines.

Users can generate a link through the Find My app on their Apple devices. The recipient can view a webpage displaying the item's location on an interactive map, which updates automatically and includes timestamps for recent updates.

This feature is particularly useful for travelers who pack an AirTag in their checked baggage. It enables them to share the bag's location temporarily with airlines, potentially expediting recovery efforts. "Armed with additional location information, it should make it easier for airlines to reunite missing bags with their respective owners," Apple stated.

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Currently, Share Item Location is being tested on Apple devices running the public beta iOS 18.2 and will be available for free to all users with an iPhone XS or later models soon.

The feature deactivates either when users are reunited with their items or after seven days. Users also have the option to disable it manually at any time via the Find My app. The location data is end-to-end encrypted, ensuring that neither Apple nor Find My accessory manufacturers can access device locations or related information.

Apple has partnered directly with 15 airlines initially, including Aer Lingus, Air Canada, and Delta Air Lines among others. Access to each Find My link is restricted "to a small number of people," requiring authentication via an Apple Account or partner email address for privacy reasons.

Eddy Cue, Apple's senior vice president of services, expressed enthusiasm about this development: "The Find My network and AirTag have proven to be a powerful combination for users while traveling... With Share Item Location, we're excited to give users a new way to easily share this information directly with third parties like airlines."

Additionally, Apple is negotiating with SITA, an airline baggage tracking technology provider, to incorporate support for Share Item Location into WorldTracer—a system used by over 500 airlines worldwide—to enhance baggage recovery processes further.

David Kinzelman from United Airlines commented: "We know many of our customers are already traveling with AirTag in their checked bags... We plan to accept Find My item locations in select airports initially."

AirTags are available individually or in packs and often go on sale during holiday seasons.