This Major US Airline Is Now Using AirTags To Track Lost Luggage
Airlines and airports around the world handle countless amounts of checked luggage every day, with the vast majority of bags and other items ending up right where they need to. However, in the rare event that such baggage goes missing, passengers can be left in the dark with no end in sight to their bagless ordeal, which can be a cause of major frustration that eats into holidays or business trips.
JetBlue
- Hub(s)
- Boston Logan International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, New York JFK Airport, Orlando International Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
- Year Founded
- 2000
- CEO
- Joanna Geraghty
- Country
- United States
However, recent years have seen more and more airlines allow passengers to track their checked baggage using Apple AirTagdevices. These can help to pinpoint exactly where a bag is located at any given time, which can be particularly useful in the event that baggage goes missing. In the United States of America, New York-based hybrid carrier JetBlue has become the latest airline to roll this out to guests.
JetBlue Passengers Can Now Track Their Bags Using Apple AirTags
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying
As announced earlier today in a statement released by JetBlue, the airline's passengers are now able to share tracking data with its Baggage Service team in the rare event that a bag goes missing. This means that those who attach AirTags to their bags are likely to be reunited with them more quickly, with this process also able to be undertaken by the alternative means of a Find My network accessory.
According to JetBlue, "customers can generate a Share Item Location link in the Find My app," which, in turn, can be used by the airline's staff to locate and retrieve the otherwise missing bags if they are "found within JetBlue stations or other contracted facilities." Carol Clements, who serves as the Chief Digital and Technology Officer at JetBlue, welcomed this rollout, explaining in today's update:
"We are constantly looking for ways to offer our customers a more convenient travel experience. As part of our JetForward strategy, we’re focused on delivering the products and perks our customers want. This new in-app bag tracking feature, along with AirTag location sharing for baggage recovery, is designed to bring customers peace of mind when checking their bags with JetBlue."
JetBlue Is Also Building Baggage Tracking Into Its Mobile App
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying
This news will be a welcome relief for Apple users flying with JetBlue who want additional peace of mind when it comes to knowing where their bags are and, in the unlikely event that they go missing, getting them back in a timely manner. However, while popular, Apple devices are not ubiquitous, meaning that such tracking isn't available to everyone. Luckily, JetBlue has also devised a solution on this front.
Specifically, the carrier is building a baggage tracker into its mobile app, which can be used by passengers with Android phones as well as Apple users who aren't tracking their bags using AirTags. While JetBlue already provides baggage tracking updates to its passengers via email, a new feature will also allow passengers to access enhanced tracking data on the mobile app that gives updates in real time.
The fact that these updates are provided directly within the airline's app means that passengers have all of the information that they need in one place, rather than having to flick back and forth to view email updates. JetBlue explains that "this added visibility not only streamlines the travel experience but also offers greater peace of mind by helping customers feel confident their bags are on the right track."
Related
Which Airlines Let You Use Apple AirTags To Track Your Bags?
These devices can be a good way of keeping tabs on lost luggage.
JetBlue Is One Of The Best US Airlines When It Comes To Baggage Handling
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying
As previously noted, while bags are lost enough for it to be worthwhile for airlines to invest in tracking technology and better updates for passengers, luggage going missing remains a very rare occurrence. JetBlue is one of the best US carriers on this front, "with fewer than 1% of customers experiencing a delay" with their bags.
Still, despite this statistic, the airline knows that it can always do better, which is underlined by its desire to "give customers greater visibility into their bags’ journey and help expedite recovery in the rare event of a delay or mishandling." Going forward, it will "continue to invest in innovative, customer-focused technology."
