Apple introduces new feature allowing travelers to share lost luggage locations

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.