APPLE’S AIR TAG:
United and Air Canada are the first airlines to integrate Apple’s new “Find My Share Item Location” feature, allowing Apple AirTag owners to share the location of their lost luggage with the airline’s customer service system. This feature, launched just in time for the holiday travel season, helps streamline the process of locating lost or delayed luggage by enabling travelers to use the Find My app to send location details to airline staff.
Available now with iOS 18.2 for iPhone, iPadOS 18.2 for iPad, and macOS 15.2 for Mac, the feature allows customers to generate a Share Item Location link in the Find My app. This link can then be shared with customer service representatives to assist in locating missing bags.
The integration builds on one of AirTags‘ most popular uses, helping travelers track their luggage. In the past, some customers had difficulty with airlines not recognizing AirTag data, leading to confusion or even suspicions of theft, as was the case with a United passenger whose bag was incorrectly reported as missing.
With the new feature, United and Air Canada will officially use AirTag locations in their customer service processes to reduce such incidents. The location-sharing is secure, private, and encrypted, with the link expiring after seven days or once the luggage is returned to the owner.
LUGGAGE TRACKING:
Although many airlines already offer luggage tracking through their apps, AirTags provide an additional layer of accuracy when airline systems may be incorrect.
Apple has announced that more airlines are preparing to adopt the feature. Nearly 20 other airlines, including British Airways, Delta, Qantas, and Lufthansa, are expected to integrate the system soon.
