AirTag luggage tracking, and Apple 'Find My system'

Apple makes it easier to find lost luggage by letting you share AirTag tracking info with airlines

Apple's Find My system is set to introduce a feature called Share Item Location.

By Jaures Yip Nov 12, 2024 https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-partners-airlines-delta-united-airtag-location-lost-luggage-bags-2024-11

1. Apple has announced a feature to share AirTag tracking info with third parties.

1. It partnered with over 15 airlines, including Delta and United, and plans more over time.

1. The feature, Share Item Location, is expected to launch next month with iOS 18.2.

Apple's newest AirTag feature is expected to make finding lost luggage a little easier.

The iPhone maker has announced a software feature that allows users to temporarily share the location of an AirTag or Find My network accessory with trusted third parties, including the airlines Delta and United.

When it launches, users can use the Find My app on their iPhone, iPad, or Mac to generate a "Share Item Location" link that will allow any recipient to view the missing item's location on an interactive map.

The website will automatically update with the item's latest known location and show a timestamp of the most recent update. Users will be able to share a link to their missing item's location with third parties.

The feature is set to be released with iOS 18.2, which is expected to roll out in December, along with the next wave of Apple Intelligence features, including ChatGPT integration.

However, Share Item Location is available now in the public beta for iOS 18.2. You'll need an iPhone X or later to access the feature.

Apple said it partnered with over 15 airlines, including Delta Air Lines, United, British Airways, and Air Canada, to "put systems in place to privately and securely accept" the tracking links for lost luggage.

Viewing access to these links will be limited to a "small number of people" who will need to use their Apple account or partner email address for authentication, the company said.

Additionally, the air-transport tech company SITA is set to integrate Share Item Location into its baggage-tracking system. Apple plans to incorporate the feature with more airlines over time.

David Kinzelman, United's chief customer officer, said that Find My item locations would initially be accepted in select airports and be introduced systemwide by early 2025.

As the travel industry roared back after the pandemic, so did claims of missing, delayed, or damaged bags. According to data from SITA, there were 6.9 mishandled bags per 1,000 passengers in 2023. Of the 36.1 million total mishandled bags, 5% were reported as lost or stolen, while the remaining were delayed or damaged.

With horror stories of airlines losing precious items like a loved one's ashes, some have avoided devastating losses with the help of their AirTags. One woman was able to track down her missing luggage, which she said contained $2,000 worth of lacrosse gear, by its AirTag location.

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