Airlines mishandled 880,000 bags between January and April, including 260,000 in August alone.
With nearly 41 million bags flying monthly, mishandling remains a top concern for travelers. So, which airlines are the best and worst offenders in keeping track of bags?
According to InsureMyTrip, which looked at U.S. Department of Transportation data on mishandled bags per 100, the worst offenders were:
- Alaska Airlines 1.14%
- American Airlines 1.03%
- United Airlines: 0.75%
- Spirit Airlines: 0.54%
Conversely, the top performers were:
- Allegiant Air: 0.20%
- Hawaiian Airlines: 0.31%
- Southwest Airlines: 0.42%
- Frontier & JetBlue: 0.45%
While how the airline handles baggage is out of your control, InsureMyTrip officials offered a few steps travelers can take to help prevent lost or delayed luggage.
- Fly direct: Each layover increases the chances of your bag missing a connection.
- Use a luggage tracker: Devices like AirTags, Tile, or GPS luggage trackers help locate your bag if it goes missing.
- Pack essentials in a carry-on: In case your checked luggage is delayed, you’ll have immediate access to the necessary items.
- Arrive early and check in on time: Bags checked close to departure time are more likely to be mishandled.
- Buy travel insurance: While airlines and the DOT have compensation policies in place, travel insurance offers more comprehensive protection for lost, delayed, or damaged baggage.
While airlines and the DOT have compensation policies in place, travel insurance offers more comprehensive protection for lost, delayed, or damaged baggage.