Sunday, July 6, 2025
American Airlines has mishandled an alarming 1.7 million bags between 2021 and 2024, marking the highest rate of lost, delayed, or damaged luggage among U.S. carriers. This surge is largely driven by staffing shortages, increased travel demand post-pandemic, and aging baggage-handling infrastructure. For passengers flying American, the risk of their luggage being delayed or lost is notably higher, making it crucial to take extra precautions when traveling with this airline.
The Numbers Behind Mishandled Bags
During the three-year period studied, airlines operating domestically were responsible for mishandling over 7.7 million pieces of luggage. This figure includes checked suitcases, personal items, and mobility aids such as wheelchairs and scooters that were either lost, delayed, damaged, or stolen during transit.
Performance varied widely among carriers. The airline with the highest rate of mishandled baggage was reported to have misplaced approximately 8.7 bags for every 1,000 checked items. That equates to more than 1.7 million incidents from around 200 million bags processed.
Regional airlines affiliated with major carriers also performed poorly. The second and third highest mishandling rates belonged to two such regional operators, both averaging over 7 mishandled bags per 1,000 items. These carriers often serve smaller airports and short-haul routes but still handle substantial volumes of passenger luggage.
Major and Low-Cost Carriers Also Affected
Several nationally recognized airlines also posted notable mishandling figures. These included:
- Alaska Airlines – 6.6 per 1,000
- United Airlines – 6.4 per 1,000
- Delta Air Lines – 5.1 per 1,000
While their rates are lower than the worst-performing carriers, they still represent thousands of mishandled bags annually.
Budget airlines were not exempt either. Discount carriers such as Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines ranked within the top 15 for total baggage mishandling incidents. Combined, they were responsible for hundreds of thousands of luggage problems during the period analyzed.
What Is Considered Mishandled?
Under current federal definitions, “mishandled” luggage refers to any checked item that is not delivered to the intended passenger on time and in acceptable condition. This includes items that are misrouted, damaged during handling, stolen, or permanently lost. Delayed delivery, even by several hours, also falls under this category.
This classification also encompasses mobility equipment, which is crucial for passengers with disabilities. Incidents involving such items often result in not only inconvenience but also reduced mobility and independence for affected travelers.
Factors Contributing to Mishandled Baggage
Several underlying issues have contributed to the rise in baggage mishandling over the past few years. Staffing shortages across airport and airline ground operations, especially during the initial recovery from the pandemic, played a significant role. Many airlines struggled to rehire or retrain baggage handlers in time to meet the surging travel demand.
Operational complexity also increases the risk of mishandling, particularly during tight layovers, international transfers, and high-volume travel seasons. Larger airports and hub-and-spoke systems, while efficient for scheduling, can create multiple hand-off points where bags may be delayed or misplaced.
Technology has improved aspects of baggage tracking, but inconsistent implementation across airlines has limited its effectiveness. Some carriers offer real-time tracking tools for checked luggage, while others still rely heavily on manual sorting and tagging processes.
Minimizing the Risk: What Passengers Can Do
Although travelers cannot influence how airlines manage baggage behind the scenes, they can take proactive steps to reduce the chances of losing their belongings:
- Choose visible luggage: Opt for bold colors or customized bags that are less likely to be confused with others on the carousel.
- Label bags both inside and out: Ensure each bag contains updated contact information in a visible location and on a card inside.
- Use smart tracking devices: GPS-enabled luggage trackers can offer peace of mind and may help speed up recovery in case of delays.
- Keep essentials in carry-ons: Medications, important documents, and a change of clothes should always be in your personal item or carry-on.
- Act quickly if issues occur: Report any luggage problems immediately at the airport. Most airlines require in-person documentation before departure from the arrival terminal.
Industry Outlook
The issue of baggage mishandling continues to be a pain point for airlines and passengers alike. While not all instances result in permanent loss, the inconvenience caused by late or damaged luggage remains significant. Airlines are under increasing pressure to improve customer service standards, and baggage performance is emerging as a key metric in that evaluation.
With competition intensifying, especially as leisure and business travel rebound, effective baggage handling could become a major differentiator for carriers. Airlines that invest in automation, advanced tracking systems, and ground operations training may be better positioned to earn passenger trust and loyalty.
At the same time, passengers are encouraged to remain vigilant, plan accordingly, and make use of tools that improve baggage security. As the industry evolves, consistent attention to detail in luggage handling may help restore confidence in one of the most essential, yet often overlooked, parts of the travel experience.
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