BUFFALO, NY (WKBW) — More than 26 million bags were mishandled worldwide last year, according to a recent report from multinational information technology company SITA. This is the highest rate in a decade and has apparently spiked in 2020 and 2021 following the suspension of flights due to COVID-19.
After the flight, I get anxious when I can’t see my bag on the conveyor belt. Batavia resident Cathy Cohn knows how she feels. Ms. Cohn and her daughter lost her bag after taking an American Airlines flight from Buffalo to Florida. So they set off on a week-long cruise trip without clothes or medicine. Seven problem solvers assisted in recovering compensation.
Mr. Kohn and his daughter returned to Batavia to pick up the package. According to SITA’s 2023 Baggage Insights Report, in most cases lost luggage is returned to its owner. According to the report, a small percentage of baggage is stolen or lost.
But which airline handles your baggage the best?
mishandled
The U.S. Department of Transportation defines mishandling as lost, damaged, delayed or stolen.
Which airline did the most wrong?
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Air Travel Consumer Report ranks how 15 U.S. operating airlines mishandle baggage for every 100 pieces of baggage they carry on an airplane. These are ranked airlines.
WKBW/AP
latest data show american airlines I had a problem in April.
Allegiant Air had the highest error rate in April, followed by Endeavor Air and Southwest Airlines.
According to the DOT report, Southwest carried 28,761,918 bags on its aircraft from January to March 2023, carrying the most bags of any airline and the fourth-highest rate of mishandling among 15 airlines. In April 2023, Southwest put her more than 10 million bags on the plane, placing her in the top three for handling luggage.
avoid stress
So what can you do to avoid losing your luggage on your next trip?
One of the most important tips is to pack your medicines and clothing in your carry-on bag.. This is something Cohn learned the hard way.
Other tips include:
- Tag your bag: Luggage must be clearly labeled with your name and phone number, both on the bag and inside.
- stand out: Do not mix your bag with other dark colored suitcases.Use a small ribbon or a bag of a different color to make it stand out
- Arrive in time: Arrive at the airport early to avoid busy connections and ensure your luggage gets on the plane
- Hold the barcode: Once your airline luggage tag is printed, carry at least one barcode sticker with you on board. Stick it on the back of your phone or wallet. It helps you track your package in case it gets lost.
- Smart tag: With these devices you can see exactly where your bag is
