Tracking lost luggage may become easier with new Apple feature

Losing luggage is a traveler’s nightmare, but tracking lost bags may soon become simpler. Travelers already use tracking devices like Apple AirTags to monitor their luggage, but many airports either cannot act on the data or lack the means to integrate it.

Apple’s upcoming iOS 18.2 update introduces the “Share Item Location” feature, enhancing the AirTag experience by allowing users to share the location of their lost items with third parties, such as airlines. This real-time tracking feature will let airlines and airports actively locate misplaced luggage. Currently available in beta, the full update will roll out to iPhone Xs and newer models globally.

With this new Find My app feature, users can generate a temporary link to share an item’s location for up to one week. This link, which can be accessed even on non-Apple devices, ensures privacy and stops working once the item is recovered or the sharing period ends. Users can also provide contact details, enabling finders to connect with the owner via phone or email.

Initially, more than 15 airlines—including British Airways, Delta, Lufthansa, and Singapore Airlines—will adopt this feature as part of their customer service tools to address lost baggage issues. Apple has stated that additional airlines will join the initiative in the future.

Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services, emphasized the importance of the Find My network, calling it a vital tool for travelers to track their belongings while maintaining privacy. The Share Item Location feature aims to streamline luggage recovery and improve the travel experience.