Losing a suitcase at the airport may soon be less stressful. Google is rolling out a new Find Hub feature that lets travelers share the location of a missing bag directly with airlines, helping baggage teams track it down faster.
The latest update allows users to generate a secure link from the Find Hub app that shows the real-time location of a tracked item. Airlines that support the feature can use that link as part of their baggage recovery process.
Google is rolling out the feature in partnership with multiple international airlines and connecting it to existing baggage-tracing systems. The move is part of a broader effort to turn Find Hub into a platform for locating everyday belongings across different devices and travel scenarios.
Google adds airline location sharing to Find Hub
Google announced the feature in its official blog, describing it as a new way to help travelers recover lost luggage.
Angela Hsiao, product manager for Android, noted that the update allows passengers to send real-time location information to airlines if a suitcase goes missing.
“If your luggage goes missing, you can take action right from the app. With the new feature for sharing item locations, you can generate a secure link to your bag’s location and share it directly with a participating airline, giving them the information they need to locate it,” Hsiao wrote.
To use the feature, travelers should select the missing item in the Find Hub app and tap “share item location.” The app generates a unique URL that can be submitted through an airline’s baggage claim system or mobile app so staff can view the item’s location as it updates.
According to Google, users remain in control of their data. Location sharing can be turned off at any time, and links automatically expire after seven days.
“You are in control of who can see your item’s location, and device location data is encrypted. Sharing is also disabled as soon as your phone detects the item is back with you,” Google emphasized.
Airline partnerships aim to improve baggage recovery
9to5Google reported that the latest Find Hub feature launches with more than 10 participating airlines, including AJet, Air India, China Airlines, Lufthansa Group carriers, Saudia Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, and Turkish Airlines. Additional airlines such as Qantas are expected to add support in the future.
Google also partnered with SITA and Reunitus to integrate Find Hub with WorldTracer and NetTracer, two baggage tracing platforms used by hundreds of airlines worldwide.
These integrations allow location data from Find Hub trackers to be incorporated into existing airline baggage recovery workflows across thousands of airports.
Engadget also emphasized that the update is part of the March Pixel Drop, which introduces new Android features and improvements across Pixel devices.
Find Hub ecosystem expands across devices
The luggage tracking feature is part of Google’s effort to expand Find Hub beyond phones and tracking tags.
The company recently introduced real-time location sharing powered by Find Hub inside Google Messages conversations. Instead of sending a static location link, users can share a live map view that updates within the chat thread.
Find Hub is also available on Pixel Watch and other Wear OS devices, allowing users to locate items directly from a smartwatch.
Google explained that the company is also working with luggage manufacturer Samsonite to embed Find Hub technology directly into some suitcases so they can connect to the tracking network without a separate tag.
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