United Airlines has introduced a new feature that allows passengers to track their luggage using Apple AirTag’s Share Item Location feature directly through the airline’s mobile app. This feature, which was rolled out as part of iOS 18.2, enables customers to securely share their AirTag’s location with United Airlines Customer Service personnel in case of lost or delayed luggage.
While United Airlines boasts a 99% timely luggage delivery rate, the 1% of passengers facing unexpected baggage issues can now utilize the AirTag’s Share Item Location feature to streamline baggage recovery. David Kinzelman, United’s Chief Customer Officer, expressed confidence in the new feature, stating that it provides customers with an additional way to access their bag’s precise location, facilitating quicker reunions between passengers and their belongings.
The process involves customers filing a delayed baggage report in the United app and creating a Share Item Location link through the Find My app on their Apple devices. Authorized United customer service agents can then view the item’s location on an interactive map, which updates in real-time. The shared location information enables United personnel to locate delayed bags efficiently and return them to their owners promptly.
To safeguard customers’ privacy, the shared location is disabled once the customer is reunited with their bag, and the link expires after seven days. Recipients of the Share Item Location link must sign in with an Apple ID to access the item’s location on an interactive map, ensuring the feature is not misused.
The introduction of this feature aims to address the frustration experienced by users when dealing with airlines over luggage locations. United Airlines is also collaborating with Air Canada to launch the new Find My integration, with several other airlines expected to follow suit in the near future. This initiative will enhance the travel experience for passengers by providing a reliable and efficient luggage tracking solution.
