United Airlines Streamlines Baggage Reunions With Cutting-Edge Apple Technology

United Airlines has made it easier for passengers to reunite with their lost luggage by integrating Apple’s Share Item Location feature in its mobile app. The airline took advantage of iOS 18.2, which was released earlier this week, to enhance its baggage tracking system.

The new feature allows users to share the location of their missing items directly to support staff with a simple link. In the case of lost luggage, this can potentially expedite the reunion process by providing customer service agents with access to the item’s current or last known location using an interactive map.

To use the feature, passengers will need to ensure their United mobile app is up-to-date and then file a delayed baggage report either in person at an airport, over the phone, or through the airline’s website. After submission, they’ll receive an automatic text notification with information to track misplaced luggage and add a Share Item Location link for their AirTag or Find My network accessory.

This integration is particularly beneficial for travelers who have had their bags delayed or lost during transit. With the feature, passengers can now share their bag’s location directly with the airline’s support staff, making it easier to track down and recover their belongings.

The technology is not unique to United Airlines, as air transport tech company SITA has also announced plans to use Share Item Location in its WorldTracer system for tracking airline baggage. The potential of this technology was recognized by SITA during the public beta phase of iOS 18.2.

For passengers using an iPhone running at least iOS 18.2, the feature is now available within United’s mobile app. Once a passenger is reunited with their lost bag, its shared location will be disabled automatically, and the link can also be manually stopped by the passenger at any time.

The automatic expiration of the share item location link after seven days adds an extra layer of security and privacy for passengers, ensuring that sensitive information about their luggage is only shared for a limited time. With this integration, travelers can now enjoy peace of mind knowing that their lost baggage will be tracked and recovered more efficiently than ever before.

The new feature makes it easier for passengers to keep track of their luggage, regardless of the destination. With Share Item Location, the chances of a successful reunion with a lost bag are now higher than ever – making air travel more convenient and less stressful.