**Apple AirTag Update Empowers Passengers to Share Lost Bag Locations with Airlines**

In a move aimed at alleviating one of the most frustrating aspects of air travel, Apple has announced an update to its AirTag devices, allowing users to share the location of their lost luggage directly with airlines. Expected to roll out in December, this new feature aims to streamline the recovery process for misplaced bags.

Since their launch in 2021, Apple AirTags have evolved beyond their original purpose as key finders, becoming powerful tools for tracking lost items. The tiny trackers have helped in various situations, from recovering stolen cars to unveiling thefts by airport baggage handlers. An incident in 2022 saw an AirTag aid in the arrest of a baggage handler who had stolen over $15,000 worth of items from passengers.

To manage the influx of data from potentially thousands of lost bag coordinates, Apple has collaborated with major airlines including Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. David Kinzelman, United's chief customer officer, expressed enthusiasm for the new feature, noting its potential to improve efficiency in customer service. "We know many of our customers are already traveling with AirTag in their checked bags, and this feature will soon make it easier for them to share location information with us safely and securely," Kinzelman said. He added that United plans to integrate the service at select airports initially, before a broader rollout by early 2025.

Delta Air Lines has also shown optimism about the forthcoming feature, viewing it as a means to better assist passengers in locating their lost luggage. Both airlines are preparing for the expected surge in information that will hit their customer support teams once the update is live.

The rise in popularity of AirTag underscores a missed opportunity for airlines, which could have developed their own in-house GPS bag tracking systems. Some airlines have invested heavily in innovative technologies like electric flying taxis and sustainably-fueled supersonic jets, suggesting they have the resources for such undertakings.

As the December update approaches, travelers can look forward to a more transparent and efficient process in recovering their lost luggage, marking a significant improvement in their overall travel experience.