Lost AirPods End Up as World Traveler After Air Canada Flight From Toronto to Rome
A viral post on X (formerly Twitter) is catching attention after journalist Claire Hanna shared a real-life travel mishap involving her Apple AirPods, Air Canada, and Apple’s Find My tracking feature — and the unexpected journey her lost earbuds took across Europe.
AirPods Lost on Air Canada Flight AC890
According to Hanna, the incident happened on Air Canada flight AC890 from Toronto to Rome, as she was traveling en route to cover the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
She explained that her AirPods slipped under the seat during the flight, but she didn’t realize they were missing until after clearing customs in Rome — a moment many travelers can relate to.
I left my @Apple AirPods on @AirCanada flight AC890 from Toronto to Rome en route to the #MilanoCortina2026 Olympics.
— Claire Hanna (@clahanna) February 4, 2026
They fell under the seat. I didn’t realize this until I went through customs 🫠 The AC desk called the plane to search for them and said they couldn’t find… pic.twitter.com/R6iDYAHasm
Once she noticed they were gone, she contacted the Air Canada service desk, which attempted to help by calling the aircraft crew to search the cabin. Unfortunately, the AirPods were not found on the plane.
Apple’s Find My Reveals a Surprise Location
Instead of accepting the loss, Hanna checked Apple’s Find My app — and that’s when the story took a turn.
Rather than remaining in Rome or Toronto, her AirPods appeared to be traveling internationally.
“Now I’m tracking them around the world 😆 They’re in Switzerland! ”
The post quickly gained traction, with users amused by the idea of AirPods becoming accidental world travelers.
How Apple’s Find My Can Track Lost Items Across Borders
Apple’s Find My network uses nearby Apple devices to anonymously ping the location of lost items like AirPods, AirTags, and iPhones. This allows users to see location updates even when their device is far away — or, in this case, in another country.
Stories like this highlight:
- How powerful Apple’s tracking ecosystem has become
- Why AirPods and AirTags are popular with frequent travelers
- The reality that lost items often move through airline cleaning, cargo, or staff routes
What to Do If You Lose AirPods on a Flight
If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, here are a few smart steps:
- Check Find My immediately after landing
- Report the item to the airline before leaving the airport
- File a lost-and-found claim online with exact details
- Monitor movement patterns — they can help identify recovery chances
- Avoid confrontation if the item appears in a private residence
While airlines are not always responsible for lost personal items, tracking data can sometimes help with recovery or insurance claims.
A Viral Reminder for Travelers
Claire Hanna’s post is a humorous reminder that:
- Travel mishaps happen to everyone
- Apple’s tracking tools can be surprisingly accurate
- Sometimes, lost items go on better trips than we do
Whether the AirPods ever make it back remains unknown — but for now, they’re enjoying Switzerland.
World traveler indeed.
