Tech & Innovation - February 20, 2025

American Airlines Boosts Lost Luggage Reunions with Apple...

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American Airlines, one of the busiest and largest carriers in the US, has taken a significant step towards improving the odds of passengers being reunited with their lost luggage. By supporting Apple's Share Item Location feature, passengers can now track their bags using an AirTag. This feature, part of the iOS 18.2 update, allows users to generate a shareable link showing the live or last known location of their missing item. Once the lost item is recovered or after seven days, the link automatically expires. This feature can be turned off at any time, ensuring user privacy and control.

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How the Share Item Location Feature Works

The Share Item Location feature was introduced as part of the iOS 18.2 update. It allows AirTag users to generate a shareable link within Apple's Find My app on iPhones, iPads, or Macs. This link provides access to an interactive map showing the location, or last known location, of a missing item. The link will be deactivated when a lost item is recovered and the location sharing can be turned off at any time. The links also automatically expire after seven days.

American Airlines' Integration of Share Item Location

American Airlines has made it easy and secure for customers to share the location of their AirTag or Find My network accessory directly with the airline. Customers can generate a link through Apple's Share Item feature available on iOS 18.2 or later and share it with American in the rare case when a bag is delayed for any trips with a segment from or to a U.S. airport. Customers just need to scan the QR code at the baggage office to start their claim and provide their information.

Other Airlines Supporting Share Item Location

American Airlines is not the only carrier to integrate the Share Item Location feature into their lost luggage procedures. Other airlines, including United, Delta, Air Canada, Lufthansa Group, and Virgin Atlantic, have also announced support for this feature, highlighting its growing acceptance and utility in the airline industry.

We've introduced the ability for customers to easily and securely share the location of their AirTag or Find My network accessory directly with the airline, an American Airlines spokesperson told View from the Wings Gary Leff.