Google's 'Find Hub' network now includes luggage finder function

Google announces a new feature for the 'Find Hub' network that will help locate lost luggage. It starts with a cooperation with ten airlines, with more to follow soon.

Google explains this in a current blog post. So far, there is already a function in the 'Find My Device' app that allows information about a tag to be shared, but as 'owner'. In German, the function is called 'Gerät gemeinsam nutzen'. Now Google is adding 'Share item location' as another feature; the German translation is currently unclear, but it could be conceptually 'Teile Gerätestandort'. This creates a unique, secure URL that users can then copy.

With cooperating airlines, the link can be provided either in the app or on the website for luggage search. The airline can thus see the location of the item as soon as it is updated, explains Google. Sharing the tag location can be deactivated at any time directly from the 'Find Hub' app. Google states that the function was developed with the principle of 'privacy as a priority'.

Participating Airlines

Google lists Ajet, Air India, China Airlines, the Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Swiss International Airlines), Saudia Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, and Turkish Airlines as cooperation partners. Qantas is set to follow in the near future. These airlines accept 'Find My Device' locations in the luggage tracking process. Google is also working with SITA and Reunitus, which operate luggage tracking systems called 'WorldTracer' and 'NetTracer'. These are used by hundreds of airlines at thousands of airports for luggage search. The suitcase manufacturer Samsonite is also interested in the 'Find My Device' technology and is incorporating it into its latest designs -- the new suitcase series can be registered directly in the 'Find My Device' network.

Google announced the new feature mid 2025. From the participating airlines that the company mentioned back then, none are currently on board.

Apple users will find the function quite familiar. The company has long supported the search for AirTags with airlines. In mid-January, 36 airlines were already cooperating with the iPhone manufacturer.

(dmk)