Airlines adopt Apple's tech for improved baggage tracking

United and Air Canada were among the first airlines to adopt this system. David Kinzelman from United noted that passengers could share location information when reporting delayed bags through the United app at select airports before a full rollout in early 2025.

Furthermore, aviation IT firm SITA will integrate Share Item Location into its WorldTracer system used by over 500 airlines and ground handling companies globally.

To use Share Item Location effectively with an airline's staff or systems requires downloading Apple's Find My app and owning an AirTag or compatible device. The user must pair it with their device via the app. The feature generates a URL link for sharing that updates automatically when items are located.

Apple ensures that location information is disabled once customers receive their items or after seven days if not stopped manually by users. Compatible devices must be iPhone X or later running on iOS 18.2 or later versions.

Apple's Find My network employs Bluetooth technology across over one billion global Apple devices which ping nearby AirTags for location determination. According to Apple: "No one else—not even Apple or Find My Network accessory manufacturers—can access an item's location," thanks to end-to-end encryption and anonymity.

Mishandled baggage remains an operational challenge for airlines despite improvements due largely due better technology implementations; however cases still occur where individuals utilize personal tracking solutions like those offered by Apple’s ecosystem - such as Simple Flying's Managing Editor Tom Boon who successfully tracked down his luggage using these tools after it was mishandled by Lufthansa last summer.