Apple’s new feature helps airlines track missing bags

Apple has launched an innovative feature designed to assist travelers in finding lost luggage, tackling a frequent issue faced by passengers globally.

The new “Share Item Location” functionality, presently available in the iOS 18.2 public beta, enables users to share the live location of their AirTags or other accessories from the Find My network with third parties, including participating airlines.

The feature aims to deliver a smooth solution for tracking and retrieving misplaced bags, particularly for airline travelers.

The functionality, which will be provided as a complimentary update for iPhone Xs and newer models, operates through Apple’s Find My app.

Users can create a shareable link that includes the location of an item, such as luggage equipped with an AirTag.

The link is then sent to the recipient—such as a customer service representative from an airline—who can monitor the item’s location on a dynamic map that refreshes in real time.

Timestamps show the latest location updates, and the link will expire after seven days, enhancing user security and control.

Apple has collaborated with over 15 prominent airlines, including Delta, United, British Airways, and Singapore Airlines, to integrate this feature into their baggage tracking systems.

By the end of 2024, the airlines intend to utilize Find My location data to assist in tracking down delayed or mishandled luggage.

Additional airlines are anticipated to join the initiative, broadening the availability of the technology to travelers.

The new feature is integrated within the secure privacy framework of Apple’s Find My network, guaranteeing that users’ location information is encrypted and anonymized.

Only permitted personnel at participating airlines can access the shared location data.