Apple today revealed a feature expected by many AirTags users that arrives with the iOS 18.2 update: the ability to temporarily share the location of these devices with airlines. With more than 15 airlines supportedincluding Delta, United, Iberia and Lufthansa, Apple expands the reach of AirTags, making it easier to track lost luggage, right from the Find My app.
Starting in December 2024, iPhone, iPad, and Mac users running iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, or macOS Sequoia 15.2 will be able to access the new “Share Item Location” feature in the Search app, created for those critical moments when a checked bag is lost on a flight. With this option, the owner of an AirTag will be able to send a secure link to the airline or a trusted person, allowing them to see the location of an item in real time through a web link.
Forget about losing your luggage thanks to iOS 18.2
Apple has announced that this collaboration with airlines such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, KLM and Vueling is the first step of a feature that will expand “over time.” United, for example, plans to roll out the feature system-wide in early 2025, according to statements provided in Apple’s official statement. Thus, the process of locating mishandled or delayed luggage will be faster and directgiving the client a more comfortable and secure tracking tool.
As usual, Apple ensures that privacy is a fundamental aspect of this new feature. Shared links will be available only to a small number of people, who will need to authenticate with their Apple account or an airline email to access the link. Furthermore, access automatically expires within seven days or as soon as the user recovers their belonging.
Get an AirTag right now
Eddy Cue, Apple’s head of services, explained the importance of this update: “The Find My network and AirTags have proven to be a powerful combination for travelers, offering invaluable location information when luggage is lost or mishandled. With ‘Share Item Location’, we are excited to offer users a new and easy way to share this information directly with third parties such as airlines, without compromising privacy”.
The new feature in iOS 18.2 is not limited to AirTags, as it can also be used with third-party devices and accessories compatible with the Find My network, thus expanding the possibilities. This represents a significant advance for users who rely on third-party tracking devices.
To use this feature, the user must generate a link in the Search app on their Apple device. By sharing it, the authorized person will be able to see the last known location of the item on a map that updates automatically, allowing both the user and the airline track item in case you are lost or delayed. This integration will simplify the customer service work of airlines, which will now be able to have precise location of luggage.
