Apple has expanded airline support for its Share Item Location feature, allowing travelers to help airlines locate lost or delayed baggage using AirTags. The feature, which launched with iOS 18.2, now works with 36 airlines worldwide, marking a significant expansion of the service since its introduction in late 2024.
How Share Item Location Works
Available on iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 or later, Share Item Location enables users to temporarily share the location of an AirTag-equipped item with others, including airline employees. The feature works through the Find My app and supports not only Apple’s AirTags but also third-party item trackers compatible with Apple’s Find My network, such as those manufactured by Chipolo and Pebblebee.
Users can generate a Share Item Location link within the Find My app, which can then be shared with airline staff. The link opens a web page displaying the item’s location on a map, which automatically updates as the item moves. According to Apple, the shared location stops being visible once a user is reunited with their item, or the link automatically expires after seven days, providing a balance between utility and privacy.
Complete List of Supported Airlines
Apple confirmed that 36 airlines now participate in the program, with additional carriers expected to join in the future. The participating airlines span multiple continents and include both legacy carriers and low-cost operators.
- AJet
- Aer Lingus
- Air Canada
- Air France
- Air India
- Air New Zealand
- American Airlines
- Austrian Airlines
- Breeze Airways
- British Airways
- Brussels Airlines
- Cathay Pacific
- Condor
- Copa Airlines
- China Airlines
- Delta
- Eurowings
- Finnair
- Flair Airlines
- Iberia
- JetBlue
- KLM
- LATAM Airlines
- Lufthansa
- Pegasus Airlines
- Porter Airlines
- Qantas
- Saudia
- Singapore Airlines
- SunExpress
- SWISS
- Turkish Airlines
- United
- Virgin Atlantic
- Vueling
- WestJet
Practical Benefits for Travelers
The Share Item Location feature addresses a common travel frustration by providing airlines with precise location data when baggage goes missing. Rather than relying solely on airline tracking systems, which can sometimes be delayed or inaccurate, travelers can provide real-time location information directly to airline staff. This capability reportedly helps expedite the recovery process and reduces the time passengers spend without their belongings.
The feature’s privacy-conscious design ensures that location sharing is temporary and user-controlled, addressing potential concerns about continuous tracking. Once the item is recovered or the seven-day window expires, location sharing automatically terminates.
Requirements and Compatibility
To use Share Item Location, travelers need an iPhone, iPad, or Mac running iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, or macOS Sequoia 15.2 or later. The feature works with Apple AirTags and compatible third-party trackers that support the Find My network. Airlines must also participate in the program to accept and utilize the shared location links from customers.
FAQ
Q: Can I use Share Item Location with any airline?
A: Only the 36 airlines listed above currently support the feature, though more carriers are expected to join the program in the future. You can still use AirTags to track your luggage with any airline, but only participating carriers can accept and utilize the Share Item Location links.
Q: Do I need an AirTag to use this feature?
A: You need either an Apple AirTag or a compatible third-party tracker that works with Apple’s Find My network, such as devices from Chipolo or Pebblebee.
Q: How long does the shared location remain active?
A: The shared location link automatically expires after seven days or when you manually stop sharing once you recover your item.
MacReview Verdict
Apple’s Share Item Location feature represents a practical application of its Find My network infrastructure, addressing a real-world problem that affects millions of travelers annually. The expansion to 36 airlines demonstrates meaningful industry adoption, though the feature’s effectiveness depends on airline participation and staff training. For frequent travelers who already use AirTags, this capability adds tangible value with minimal friction. The privacy-conscious implementation and automatic expiration align with Apple’s typical approach to location services. As more airlines join the program, this feature could become an essential tool for air travel, making a strong case for including an AirTag in checked luggage.
