All is not lost: Southwest Airlines to introduce bag tracker tool for app, website

Southwest Airlines is giving travelers extra peace of mind with the new ability to track their bags on the carrier’s app and website.

“Southwest Airlines has introduced the ability for customers to track checked bags throughout their journey – from takeoff to landing,” a statement from the airline said. “Now on Southwest.com and the Southwest mobile app, customers can view the status of their checked bag across three different milestones of each checked piece of luggage: confirming when bag tags are printed and when bags are loaded and unloaded from our aircraft.”

Southwest differentiates itself by allowing passengers to check up to two free bags on all tickets, and also recently introduced the ability to add checked bags to their reservation digitally, up to 24 hours before departure.

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The airline also recently announced changes to its frequent flyer program, aimed at making it easier for customers to achieve A-List and A-List preferred status while some of their competitors tighten the ranks of who is eligible for elite perks.

Travel experts have recommended travelers place Apple AirTags, Tiles, or other electronic tracking devices in their bags – especially checked luggage – before they head to the airport in hopes that it will make it easier to navigate the lost and found claims process.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at zwichter@usatoday.com

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: No missing luggage: Southwest Airlines to offer bag tracking service