Apple is rolling out a new feature It is designed to make it easier for travelers and airlines to retrieve lost bags.
The new function, called Share Item Location, is available as part of the public beta of iOS 18.2, and is coming soon as a free software update for iPhone X and newer models.
The link will let travelers share their AirTag locations with more than 15 airlines, including Delta and United, helping both parties track mishandled or delayed bags more efficiently. More airlines will sign on over time, Apple said.
Partner airlines will be able to securely accept AirTag owners' shared item location links, Apple said.
“Access to each link will be limited to a small number of people, and recipients will need to authenticate through their Apple account or partner email address to view the link,” the tech giant said.
Apple
AirTag data has raised security concerns with bad actors using the tracking devices stalking random victimsHowever, airline travelers have used them to take bag tracking into their own hands amid growing frustration at the rate at which airlines misplace luggage.
In 2023, United Airlines had one of the highest mismanagement ratesAccording to a report by the US Department of Transportation. Of the 75 million bags, 551,000, 0.73%, were mishandled.
Delta was one of the best. According to the report, out of 99 million bags, 467,000 or 0.47% were mishandled.
“We know many of our customers already travel with AirTags in their checked bags, and this feature will soon be available for them to share location information with us,” David Kinzelman, United's chief customer officer, said in a statement. “Will make it easier to share securely.” , He said the tool would initially be available at select airports, “with the goal of rolling out the service system across the entire country as early as 2025.”
Delta said the AirTag feature will give its team “additional visibility to reunite those items with their owners.”
“This cutting-edge solution, developed by Apple and in partnership with Delta Air Lines, will enable us to find items more efficiently and effectively,” Eric Snell, senior vice president of airport customer service for Delta Air Lines, said in a statement.