Apple Just Made It Easier for Airlines to Track Lost Baggage Thanks to AirTag Update | Travel + Leisure
Apple’s latest move with AirTags is a win for anyone who’s ever had the nightmare of lost luggage. Soon, AirTag users can share their tracker’s location data directly with airlines, making it easier to locate misplaced bags. A software update with iOS 18.2 allows travelers to link AirTags or any “Find My” network accessory with a growing list of airlines worldwide, making lost baggage a more manageable issue.
Here’s how it works: AirTags, little tracking devices that use Bluetooth to privately and securely link to Apple’s location network, can now share that data directly with airlines. A handful of airlines, including major names like Delta, United, Air Canada, British Airways, and Qantas, will begin integrating this feature into their customer service processes. Apple promises this will not only simplify baggage tracking but also keep your data secure, giving customers more peace of mind.
This feature will be ready soon for those enrolled in Apple’s public beta for iOS 18.2 (open to anyone with an iPhone X or newer). Imagine landing at your destination and having real-time access to your bag’s whereabouts via airline customer service. It’s a game-changer in convenience and reliability, cutting down on travelers’ frustration and improving airlines’ efficiency.
Airlines see big potential here. United Airlines, for instance, is planning a gradual rollout, starting in select airports and aiming for a full systemwide launch by early 2025. They believe it’ll allow their customer service teams to respond faster and more confidently, translating to smoother journeys for their passengers. David Kinzelman of United says many travelers already carry AirTags, so this new feature aligns well with current habits, making it even easier for passengers to keep tabs on their bags.
For travelers, adding AirTags to airline services is another tool to help avoid the panic and hassle of lost baggage. But it’s also about control—knowing exactly where your belongings are without relying solely on the airline’s tracking systems. In the unfortunate event your luggage goes missing, this new feature offers a quicker route to a resolution. However, standard procedures like filing a report and knowing the airline’s compensation policy remain essential………[read more]
Rising Dough
With companies like Apple integrating personal tracking technology into airline services, how could this shift impact consumer expectations and airline industry standards in the long term? Will travelers start to see personal tracking devices as essential for all types of travel, changing how businesses approach customer service and reliability?
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