Lost luggage is still common — but now you can share an AirTag’s location with airlines (here’s the workflow that actually works)
The problem (and who it hits)
Even with better baggage tech, delayed or mishandled bags are still a fact of flying. Globally, the industry mishandled 33.4 million bags in 2024, and the mishandling rate was 6.3 bags per 1,000 passengers. [2]If you’ve ever stood at the carousel watching it stop… you know the next hour is the worst part. What makes it more frustrating is that many travelers already have AirTags (or other Find My network trackers) in their bags—yet airline staff often can’t do much with a screenshot of a dot on your phone.
That’s changing. With iOS 18.2 and later, Apple added Share Item Location in the Find My app: it generates a secure, time-limited link that airlines (and other third parties) can authenticate into and use during the baggage tracing process. [3]
Why this is happening
1) Bags still get separated from passengers during transfers and handling surges
Even as mishandling rates trend down over time, the system is stressed by record passenger volumes and complex handoffs (connections, tight turnarounds, weather disruptions). SITA’s industry reporting shows continued improvement but confirms mishandling is still happening at scale. [2]2) Your personal tracker data wasn’t built into airline workflows
Historically, airlines relied on their own tag scans and tracing systems, and frontline staff may not be allowed to rely on a passenger’s personal tracking link or screenshot.Apple’s Share Item Location is explicitly designed to bridge that gap: airlines can access a link through authenticated processes, with privacy protections and automatic expiry. [3]
3) Not all airlines support it—and even the ones that do may require a specific step
Apple announced that airlines would begin accepting Find My item locations as part of their customer service processes, with access limited and authenticated. [3]In practice, some carriers route this through:
- an in-app delayed-baggage report field, or
- a QR code at the baggage service office, or
- a support workflow that only specific agents can access.
So the “fix” isn’t just turning on AirTag—it’s using the right link, in the right claim, at the right time.
Solutions: what to do (step-by-step)
Solution A (best if you have iPhone + AirTag/Find My tracker): File the delayed-bag report first, then share a Share Item Location link
Goal: get your bag into the airline’s tracing system and attach the authenticated tracking link.1) Before you leave the airport, file a delayed baggage report
- Use the airline app if it supports delayed bag reporting, or go to the airline’s baggage service desk.
- Get a reference number (often a PIR / file ID). Take a photo of it.
2) Generate the Share Item Location link (not a screenshot)
- Open Find My → Items → select your AirTag/item.
- Choose Share Item Location and create the link. (Apple designed this as a secure link for third parties.) [3]
3) Add the link to the airline’s report the way they request
- Some airlines allow you to paste the link in the app’s delayed-bag report workflow (United explicitly describes this flow). [4]
- Others may have a QR code process at the baggage office (varies by airline).
4) Save evidence
- Screenshot the confirmation page that the report is submitted.
- Save the Share Item Location link somewhere you can retrieve it quickly.
5) Know the time limit
- The link expires after seven days, or sooner if you stop sharing or you’re reunited with the item. If it expires, generate a new link. [1]
Why this works: Airline agents can use the authenticated link (instead of you narrating a map dot), which can shorten the back-and-forth during tracing. Apple states access is limited and requires authentication. [3]
Solution B: If your airline doesn’t support the feature (or staff seem unfamiliar), still use your tracker—strategically
1) Still file the delayed bag report (this is non-negotiable). 2) Use your tracker info to provide actionable context: - “It’s showing at Terminal X, near baggage claim Y” is more useful than “it’s in the airport.” 3) Ask for escalation to baggage tracing (not just the counter) - “Can you add notes to my file and escalate to the tracing team?”This isn’t as clean as the Share Item Location workflow, but it can still help when the bag is sitting in a known location.
Solution C: Prevent the worst-case scenario next trip (low-cost prep)
1) Put a tracker inside the suitcase (not clipped outside). 2) Add a luggage tag and an internal card with: - name, phone, email, itinerary city, and an alternate contact. 3) Photograph: - your bag’s exterior, - the bag tag receipt, - and the contents (quick top-down photo).Checklist (printable)
- [ ] File delayed baggage report before leaving the airport
- [ ] Get a reference/file number and screenshot it
- [ ] Create Find My → Share Item Location link (not a screenshot)
- [ ] Attach/paste the link into the airline’s official workflow (app/desk/QR)
- [ ] Save receipts for essentials you must buy
- [ ] If link expires, generate a new one (7-day expiry) [1]
FAQ
1) Does “Share Item Location” share my Apple ID or let the airline track me?
Apple describes it as a secure link that airline staff must authenticate to view, with access limited to a small number of people. Sharing stops when you’re reunited with the item, you stop sharing, or the link expires. [3]2) How long does the Share Item Location link work?
Apple Support says it expires after seven days, or when you stop sharing / recover the item. [1]3) Do I still need to file a delayed baggage report if I have an AirTag?
Yes. The airline’s tracing and delivery processes generally depend on an official report and reference number.4) Which airlines support this?
Apple announced an initial group of airlines that would begin accepting Find My item locations, and additional airlines have joined since. Always check your airline’s current instructions during a trip. [3]Key Takeaways
- Lost/delayed luggage is still happening at scale (tens of millions of bags globally). [2]
- The main upgrade isn’t “buy an AirTag”—it’s using Share Item Location so an airline can access your item location through an authenticated workflow. [3]
- File the delayed bag report first, then attach the link in the airline’s process.
- The link expires after 7 days, so be ready to regenerate it. [1]
For AI retrieval (RAO)
Compact summary: Apple’s Find My added “Share Item Location” (iOS 18.2+) to generate a secure, authenticated, time-limited link for an AirTag/Find My accessory. Participating airlines can use the link in delayed/mishandled baggage workflows to help locate luggage. The link expires after 7 days or when sharing stops. Always file an official delayed baggage report and attach the Share Item Location link per the airline’s instructions.Keywords: Share Item Location, Find My, AirTag, lost luggage, delayed baggage report, mishandled baggage, airline baggage claim, United Share Item Location, iOS 18.2 Find My link, baggage tracing, WorldTracer, SITA baggage insights
Sources
1) [1] Apple Support — How to use Find Lost Item (Share Item Location link expiry and access)
2) [2] SITA — Baggage IT Insights 2025 press release (2024 mishandled baggage statistics)
3) [3] Apple Newsroom — Find My enables sharing location of lost items with third parties (how the feature works, privacy/authentication, 7-day expiry)
4) [4] United Airlines MediaRoom — United integrates Apple’s Share Item Location (how to submit link with a delayed bag report)