There’s nothing more frustrating than arriving at your destination after a long flight, waiting at the baggage carousel, and realizing your bags are missing because the airline lost your luggage. It can really ruin a trip, especially since it can take days for your belongings to be returned.
So, which airlines are most likely to lose your luggage? Data from the Department of Transportation highlights the worst offenders.
The worst airline for lost luggage is American Airlines, with 0.82 lost bags for every 100 checked. While this might not seem like a lot, considering the number of flights and checked bags, it adds up to a significant amount of lost luggage. This is quite disappointing for an airline that’s considered one of the best in the world.
Following American Airlines, United Airlines has 0.74 lost bags per 100 checked. Alaska Airlines comes next with 0.59 lost bags per 100 checked. Spirit Airlines, known for its poor customer service and hidden fees, has a rate of 0.53 lost bags per 100 checked. JetBlue Airways rounds out the top five with 0.52 lost bags per 100 checked.
To avoid lost luggage, the best strategy is not to check any bags at all. Traveling with only carry-on luggage can save you from the stress and uncertainty of lost luggage. I’ve traveled to over 50 countries with just a carry-on and a personal item, even on multi-month trips.
If you must check a bag, try to avoid connecting flights, especially those with multiple connections, as this increases the chances of your luggage being mishandled. Direct flights are less likely to result in lost luggage.
Always use luggage tags with your contact information and remove any old stickers from your bags to prevent confusion and misrouting.