The impact of Apple AirTags on baggage is not to be underestimated, as a new report shows the technology has helped airlines significantly reduce the numbers of lost bags in the span of just one year.
SITA’s Baggage IT Insights shows integrating Apple AirTag and Find My Share Item Location technologies with SITA WorldTracer have resulted in a 90% reduction of lost bags. SITA says connecting Apple technology with its global reach in aviation allowed airlines to recover bags earlier and gave travellers visibility and a role in recovery.
This is being felt across balance sheets, as the report points out that airlines lose USD260 per mishandled bag, with this made up of approximately 70% operational costs and 30% compensation.
And while the reduction means this cost is dropping, SITA notes that costs are at their lowest since before the pandemic even as passenger volume rises 4%, but the problem persists.
With lost baggage rates as they are, the report says the total cost of mishandled bags in 2025 added up to USD6.3 billion, that’s equivalent to 15% of airline industry profit. Check out the full report HERE.
