United Teams Up with Apple to Revolutionize AirTag Luggage Tracking

United Airlines has introduced a groundbreaking enhancement to its mobile app by integrating Apple’s new Share Item Location feature for AirTag.

This update aims to elevate the customer experience, particularly for the less than 1% of travelers whose luggage arrives on a later flight.

With iOS 18.2, the Share Item Location feature allows United customers who use AirTag or other Find My network accessories to privately and securely share their item’s location with United’s customer service team, simplifying the process of locating mishandled bags.

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While more than 99% of customer bags accompany their owners to their destinations—or even arrive ahead of them—United continues to invest in technology to address rare mishandling scenarios. This latest innovation complements the airline’s existing infrastructure, training, and technology to make travel smoother and bag handling more efficient.

United already allows all customers to track their bags in real time through its app. Now, travelers using AirTag or Find My network accessories can generate a Share Item Location link through the Find My app on their iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

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This link can be included in a delayed baggage report submitted via the United app, offering a streamlined and secure method for locating misplaced luggage.

How It Works

1. Filing a Report: If a bag is delayed, customers can submit a delayed baggage report through the United app.
2. Sharing the Location: Travelers with an AirTag or Find My accessory can create a Share Item Location link in the Find My app and attach it to their report.
3. Tracking by United Agents: United’s authorized customer service team can view the item’s location on an interactive map that updates automatically with new information, including timestamps.
4. Reuniting Customers with Bags: United will use the shared location data to expedite the process of finding and returning delayed luggage.

Customer privacy remains a top priority. The shared location link is automatically disabled once the bag is reunited with its owner or after seven days, whichever comes first. Customers can stop sharing the location at any time.

Apple’s senior vice-president of marketing, Greg Joswiak, confirmed on December 16 that Air Canada is the latest airline to join the Apple AirTag initiative for tracking lost luggage.

Starting this week, Air Canada, United, and Delta will use the Find My network to help locate delayed bags, with more airlines to follow. Joswiak called it a “game-changer.” Air Canada responded, expressing excitement about using technology to enhance the customer experience. This feature is part of the iOS 18.2 update, allowing travelers to share AirTag locations with airlines to help track and return lost luggage.