Key Takeaways

• Travelers with Apple AirTags in their checked bags can now share location data through the United Airlines app.

• The feature is intended to help the airline's customer service team track down lost bags more quickly.

• Apple’s new iOS 18.2 update includes a "Share Item Location" feature that allows data sharing with third parties.

United Airlines (UAL) passengers with lost baggage may be reunited with their items more quickly thanks to new integration between the carrier's mobile app andApple (AAPL) AirTag.

Travelers who place AirTags in their checked bags can now directly provide location-tracking information to United through the airline's app. The carrier said this is meant to help United's customer service team more quickly track down a lost bag. United noted that fewer than 1% of passengers experience mishandled bags; according to Bureau of Transportation Statistics data, U.S. carriers posted a mishandled baggage rate of 0.58% over the first nine months of the year.

Apple's recently released iOS 18.2 update includes a "Share Item Location" feature for AirTag that allows users to provide location data to third parties, such as airlines.

Earlier this year, United began texting real-time radar maps using generative AI tools to "help customers understand how inclement weather in one part of the country can impact a flight elsewhere." The carrier also provides automatic rebooking assistance during disruptions directly in its app.

Shares of United slipped more than 1% intraday Thursday but have more than doubled in value this year. Apple stock rose nearly 1% and is up about 30% in 2024.

Read the original article on Investopedia