Travelers swear by throwing a tracking device like an Apple AirTag in their luggage – just in case the airline loses their bags. An upcoming move from Apple will make it much easier to track down lost luggage.
In its latest iOS software update, Apple is introducing a new feature in its “Find My” app allowing travelers to share the location of an AirTag or other Apple device with others … including airlines. By choosing the new “Share Item Location” option in the app, you can provide temporary access to real-time tracking information, making it easier for airlines to locate your bags, according to Apple.
It's not out yet: That new feature is part of a beta test of Apple's next big software update expected to roll out publicly soon. But major airlines in the U.S. and abroad are already queueing up to use that information in order to reunite passengers with lost luggage.
Over 15 airlines – including Delta and United in the U.S. – will begin accepting “Find My” item locations in the coming months. Apple expects to add even more airlines to that list over time.
- Aer Lingus
- Air Canada
- Air New Zealand
- Austrian Airlines
- British Airways
- Brussels Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Eurowings
- Iberia
- KLM
- Lufthansa
- Qantas
- Singapore Airlines
- SWISS Air
- Turkish Airlines
- United
- Virgin Atlantic
- Vueling
Apple says it's worked directly with the airlines to ensure links can be shared safely and securely with airline and airport staff. The links will only be live for a week at a time and shared location data will be disabled as soon as travelers are reunited with their lost bags or other items.
“Find My is an essential tool for users around the world to keep track of and find their belongings,” Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services, said in a statement. “With Share Item Location, we’re excited to give users a new way to easily share this information directly with third parties like airlines, all while protecting their privacy.”
Once it goes public, this new feature should be available to all travelers with an iPhone X or newer.
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