United Airlines passengers can track lost luggage with AirTags

In recent months, United Airlines has taken steps to improve its customer service for passengers dealing with lost luggage by integrating Apple’s Share Item Location feature into its mobile application. This change coincided with the release of iOS 18.2, which made it easier for users of AirTags and other compatible devices to share their lost luggage locations directly with the airline. When travelers arrive at their destinations without their luggage, they can now file a delayed baggage report through the United app and include a link to their luggage's location, streamlining the process for both the airline and the customers. The integration aims to expedite the reunion process for travelers and their misplaced luggage by allowing United Airlines' customer service teams to quickly access the current or last known location of a bag via an interactive map provided by the Find My network. This network not only provides real-time data for tracking but also enables faster resolution of cases where luggage has been mishandled or delayed. Passengers can use this feature even if they do not have access to the app at the time of filing a report. After reporting the issue, they can receive information via text notifications to help with tracking their luggage. In addition, United Airlines ensures that passenger privacy is maintained throughout this process. Once a customer is reunited with their bag, the shared location data is automatically disabled, and users also have the option to manually stop sharing at any time. To further enhance security, shared links will expire after seven days, allowing ample time to recover lost items while protecting user data. This feature is a significant advancement, as it aligns with a broader trend in the industry where airlines around the world are beginning to adopt technology that helps improve the customer experience when travel disruptions occur. Apple has reportedly worked with several airlines, including Air Canada, facilitating the integration of the Find My network for tracking mishandled luggage. Over the forthcoming months, more than 15 additional airlines are expected to adopt similar procedures for handling delayed baggage claims. This transition reflects a growing realization within the travel industry of the importance of leveraging technology to ensure that passenger experiences are as seamless as possible, especially when issues arise.