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Airlines losing 3000 bags - every hour of every day
In 2009, the worlds airlines lost a whopping 25 million pieces of passenger luggage. That comes down to just under 3000 bags every hour of every day, all year long. These shocking statistics were published by SITA - one of the operators of airline and airport computer systems, using data from the World Traver luggage database. SITA breaks down the reasons behind bags not arriving at their destination:
- During aircraft transfers - 52%
- Failed to load - 16%
- Ticketing error / bag switch / security / other - 13%
- Airport / customs / weather / space-weight restriction - 6%
- Loading / offloading error - 7%
- Arrival station mishandling - 3%
- Tagging error - 3%
Bottom line is that airlines are investing heavily in luggage management, and even though they may never reach a perfect score, the current trend is very positive one - and one that will benefit everyone that checks bags. Of course, as luggage fees have started increasing, it is also refreshing to see that airlines are actually doing something with all that new money.
Don't forget to follow our tips on keeping your luggage safe at the airport!
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 2)
michael Mar 30th 2010 5:42PM
Where does this Amtrak figure come from? Do you have a source? All the times I have taken Amtrak, i have had to carry my own bag or bags. Even huge ones. And store them in a big wall compartment at the front or back of the car, and get them myself. So they can't loose a bag, if they aren't handling it. And for connection son Amtrak, I have had to carry my bag myself from train to train. So again, how does Amtrak loose it? they are never responsible for it to begin with.
Mike Mar 29th 2010 3:12PM
I fly on United 2X a week or more for work, and have for several years. Rarely have I ever had a bag not show up.
One time my bag was missing, they scanned it, and the computer told them it didn't make my connection. They brought it to my house that night. A few times my bag came in early, and was held until I showed up with my ID. One time, my bag was ripped badly, they immediately replaced it right there at the airport with a brand new similar (better) bag. They had many to choose from.
Over the last year alone, I have had 2 USPS certified mail pieces go missing entirely, never to reappear. 1 USPS certified get delivered to the wrong place. 2 USPS packages go missing (They were insured). 1 UPS shipment get lost never to be found again. 2 UPS packaged get delivered to the wrong location. And 3 other UPS shipments get lost, and eventually found a redelivered weeks later.
In the cast of the lost packages with both UPS and USPS, they have never made good on the insurance claim even though I had proof of value.
I generally ship or receive 2 to 3 items a month, and only sent 4 USPS certified letters. So in my experience, certified letters get a 75% failure rate.
I think the airlines are far better than UPS and USPS.
I am also impressed how amazing the baggage handlers can transfer the bags at my connections. I think they do a great job! I am guessing, every time someones bag is even a little late to the carousel, they count it as missing. Even though it shows up later.
Paul Johnson Mar 30th 2010 6:08PM
If you took advantage of the checked baggage service, rather than their generous carry-on allowance, you'd have discovered what I'm talking about. Their stats are buried deep in their about us site last I looked.
Nad Apr 13th 2010 6:11PM
Airlines are making money by charging luggage bags. Since the time air travel started it has never been like that, but recently in last 2 years airlines have started charging money for baggages. This is completely ridicules. They were going to bankcrupt in 2007 (when financial institutes started falling down) that's why they thought to start charging money and teh reason being increase in gas prices. If you guys remember there was increase in gas prices (around $140 per barrel) in mid 2008. It was created by such companies like airlines, by their CEOs. They created a reason to charge for bags becasue gas is expensive. Right after few months the gas prices came down ($56 per barrel). But what happned to bags charges. Did they withdrew the bags charges? NO. But we all are quiet and not protesting. I don't know why. I guess US citizens have so much money that they don't bother.