United Airlines continues to lead the way in customer service innovation by integrating Apple’s new Share Item Location feature for AirTag. This new feature, introduced with iOS 18.2, allows United customers to securely share the location of their luggage with the airline’s customer service team. By doing so, United makes it easier and faster to locate mishandled baggage. This enhancement is set to improve the experience for the fewer than 1% of passengers whose bags don’t arrive on time.
What is the Share Item Location Feature?
Apple’s Share Item Location feature is part of the Find My network, which uses a combination of Bluetooth and crowdsourced data from Apple devices to track the location of lost or misplaced items. This feature, now available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users, allows travelers to privately share the location of their AirTag or Find My network accessory with United Airlines in the event of a delayed bag.
This new digital tool enables United to receive real-time location updates for customer bags, streamlining the process of locating and delivering mishandled luggage back to its owner.
United Adds AirTag Feature for Improved Customer Service
United’s new integration with Apple’s Share Item Location feature is a game-changer for the airline’s baggage handling process. While more than 99% of customer bags reach their destination on time, the new feature ensures that in the rare case of a delayed bag, The process of tracking and returning the item will be quicker and more efficient.
Passengers traveling with an AirTag or compatible Find My accessory can now directly share their luggage’s location with United, ensuring quicker reunification with their lost baggage. This seamless process boosts customer confidence, knowing that the airline can efficiently track and retrieve their bags.
How Does the AirTag Feature Work?
Customers can file a delayed baggage report. If the customer has an AirTag or compatible Find My accessory, they can generate a Share Item Location link using the Find My app on their iPhone, iPad, or Mac. This link is then submitted as part of the delay baggage report.
Once submitted, United’s customer service agents can access the link and view the bag’s real-time location on an interactive map. The map continuously updates, displaying the most recent location of the bag. This enables United to quickly locate and deliver the bag to its rightful owner.
For privacy and security, the shared location data is only accessible to United customer service agents. The feature automatically expires after seven days or once the customer receives their bag. Additionally, customers have the option to stop sharing their bag’s location at any time, giving them full control over the process.
Privacy and Security
The Share Item Location feature uses end-to-end encryption to ensure that the location data is secure and anonymous. Neither Apple nor United can access any personal information related to the location of the bag. Only the customer and authorized United agents have access to the tracking information, protecting the customer’s privacy throughout the entire process.
The Find My network relies on over a billion Apple devices globally, including 120,000 devices deployed by United, to help locate lost items. This expansive network ensures that even in remote locations, a misplaced bag can be tracked with precision.
Benefits for United Customers
United Adds AirTag Feature to its app enhances the airline’s ability to provide faster and more accurate baggage tracking, improving customer satisfaction.
- Faster Baggage Retrieval: Customers can share real-time tracking information with United, speeding up the process of locating and retrieving lost luggage.
- Improved Customer Confidence: Knowing that the airline has an additional tool to help find their bag increases trust and reduces anxiety for passengers.
- Privacy Control: Customers can choose when to share their location and have full control over the data, ensuring a private experience.
- Seamless Integration: The feature is integrated directly into the United app, providing an easy, streamlined experience for customers.
How to Use the AirTag Feature on United
To use the Share Item Location feature, customers must have an iPhone running iOS 18.2 or later and have the United app updated to the latest version.
- Easily submit a delayed baggage report through the United app for quick assistance.
- Generate a Share Item Location link via the Find My app on their Apple device.
- Include the link to the baggage report feature in the United app for easy access.
- United’s customer service team will use the shared location information to locate the bag and expedite its return.
Customers without the United mobile app will still receive a text notification with instructions on how to track their luggage and share location information using the AirTag or Find My network accessory.
United’s Commitment to Innovation
United Airlines has always been at the forefront of customer service innovations, and the integration of the Share Item Location feature is just the latest in a series of advancements aimed at improving the travel experience. Over the years, the airline has introduced several game-changing features, including:
- Live Flight Updates: United was the first U.S. airline to support Live Activities for iPhone, providing personalized, real-time flight information directly on the lock screen.
- Bag Drop Shortcut: Passengers can skip the check-in line and drop off bags quickly at designated locations.
- Real-time Weather Delay Updates: United sends radar maps to customers, showing how weather conditions can impact flights.
- Automatic Rebooking Assistance: During disruptions, United customers receive automatic rebooking options in the app, saving time and reducing stress.
These technological advancements aim to enhance the overall customer experience. Providing more control, transparency, and efficiency in every aspect of the travel journey.
Customer Service Excellence at United
The integration of Apple’s Share Item Location feature for AirTag. That is just one example of United’s commitment to excellent customer service. The airline is continuously improving its systems to ensure a smoother travel experience. Especially in the rare event of baggage mishandling. With this new tool, United enhances its already robust bag tracking system. Offering customers a faster, more reliable way to find their lost luggage.
Conclusion
United Airlines continues to set the standard for customer service and technological innovation in the airline industry. The addition of the Share Item Location feature for Air Tag. A significant step forward in baggage handling and customer care. By leveraging Apple’s powerful Find My network. United makes it easier for customers to track and recover their misplaced bags. All while maintaining the highest standards of privacy and security.
With this new feature, United demonstrates its dedication to improving the travel experience for all customers. Ensuring that baggage issues are resolved quickly and efficiently. As the airline continues to innovate, passengers can expect even more advanced features. That will make air travel more seamless and enjoyable.
