This U.S. Airport Was Just Named the Worst in the World for Lost Luggage
With airport handlers worldwide mishandling 26 million bags each year, few travel inconveniences are more frustrating than arriving without your luggage. The perennial dilemma—check a bag or relay on a carry-on?—continues to trouble travelers. Now, Arka, a California-based provider of custom shipping packaging, has analyzed data to identify which airports are the most prone to…
With airport handlers worldwide mishandling 26 million bags each year, few travel inconveniences are more frustrating than arriving without your luggage. The perennial dilemma—check a bag or relay on a carry-on?—continues to trouble travelers. Now, Arka, a California-based provider of custom shipping packaging, has analyzed data to identify which airports are the most prone to baggage mishaps.
The title of “worst hub for handling luggage” went to Miami International Airport (MIA).
MIA is a gateway to the Caribbean and Latin America, including Miami’s port of call for cruises, and about 1,000 flights travel through the airport a day. And, according to Akra’s survey, some 52 million passengers go through the airport each year and it loses roughly 306 bags for every million flights and 5.5 bags per 1,000 passengers.
Coming in at No. 2 is Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). Other American airports to rank in the top 10 are Denver International Airport (DIA) at No. 4 and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) at No. 9.
The first international airport to make the list is Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) at No. 3.
The analysis looked at two main variables: passenger volume and online searches for “lost and found services.” To ensure fair comparisons between airports, the search data was adjusted to reflect searches per million passengers. This helped identify airports with unusually high levels of interest in lost luggage. Additionally, regional baggage mishandling rates (measured per 1,000 passengers) were included to offer a wider perspective.
“Losing luggage can quickly turn a trip upside down, and some airports clearly struggle more than others when it comes to baggage handling. It’s important for travelers to be aware of where these challenges exist, so they can plan accordingly and take extra precautions,” a spokesperson for Arka said in a statement obtained by Travel + Leisure. “At the same time, airports must continue to invest in improving their systems to ensure passengers’ belongings arrive safely and on time.”
Lost luggage is a potential risk no matter your destination. It’s wise to take precautions at every airport—whether you’re departing, arriving, or making a connection. To reduce the chance of baggage delays, consider allowing extra time between connecting flights. You might also invest in tracking devices, like AirTags, to keep tabs on your luggage throughout your journey.
