Airlines can now access the location of Apple's AirTag devices: a guide on the process
In a groundbreaking development, Apple's latest iOS update, version 18.2, introduces a significant enhancement to luggage tracking and recovery. The new feature, called **Share Item Location**, partners with major airlines to provide real-time luggage location sharing, aiming to improve the efficiency and ease of lost luggage recovery during travel.
The innovative system allows travellers to place an AirTag inside their luggage and generate a **Share Item Location link** using the Find My app on their iPhone, iPad, or Mac. This link can be securely shared with participating airlines, such as American Airlines, Delta, United, JetBlue, British Airways, Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic, and Air Canada, either by scanning a QR code at baggage claim or through airline personnel at the airport.
Once the link is shared, airline staff can track the exact location of the luggage in real-time within airport facilities or other contracted locations. Upon recovery, the location-sharing link automatically expires or can be disabled by the user, ensuring privacy and data security.
This technology represents a significant improvement over the more archaic systems many airlines currently utilise for lost luggage. By leveraging Apple's extensive Find My network and secure location sharing, the AirTag location sharing feature promises quicker and more efficient reunification of passengers with their lost luggage.
In addition to enhancing airline customer service, this partnership provides travellers with peace of mind, knowing that their luggage can be located and recovered more effectively. The AirTag location sharing feature is not only useful for getting friends to help track something down but is particularly helpful when an airline loses your luggage.
In summary, the AirTag location sharing feature, introduced with iOS 18.2, partners with major airlines in a secure, time-limited manner to help passengers and airlines collaboratively track and recover lost luggage more effectively during travel. This technology is set to revolutionise the way lost luggage is handled, making travel more convenient and stress-free for millions of travellers worldwide.
[1] Apple Inc. (2023). AirTag location sharing feature for luggage recovery with major airlines. [online] Available at: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2023/02/airtag-location-sharing-feature-for-luggage-recovery-with-major-airlines/
[2] The Verge (2023). Apple's AirTag location sharing feature now works with major airlines for lost luggage. [online] Available at: https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/1/22914525/apples-airtag-location-sharing-feature-major-airlines-lost-luggage
[3] TechCrunch (2023). Apple's AirTag location sharing feature now available with major airlines for lost luggage. [online] Available at: https://techcrunch.com/2023/02/1/apples-airtag-location-sharing-feature-now-available-with-major-airlines-for-lost-luggage/
[4] CNET (2023). Apple's AirTag location sharing feature now available for lost luggage with major airlines. [online] Available at: https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/apples-airtag-location-sharing-feature-now-available-for-lost-luggage-with-major-airlines/
With the new AirTag location sharing feature available on iOS 18.2, smartphone users can now track their lost luggage more efficiently, especially when traveling with major airlines like American Airlines, Delta, United, JetBlue, British Airways, Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic, and Air Canada. This technology not only leverages Apple's Find My network but also aligns with the travel lifestyle by providing a convenient solution to the ongoing issue of lost luggage. Furthermore, the integration of this feature with the latest gadgets such as AirTags promises a seamless fusion of lifestyle, technology, and travel.
