Travelers Beware: Top Airports and Airlines for Lost Luggage

Study Highlights the Challenge of Mishandled Luggage

Traveling can be exciting, but there's nothing worse than the stress of lost or mishandled luggage. A new study by Upgraded Points dives into a pressing issue that many travelers face—losing their bags at the airport. The research shines a light on which airports lead to these frustrating incidents and which airlines are most frequently linked to mishandled baggage.

Expert Insights

Keri Stooksbury, the editor-in-chief at Upgraded Points, emphasized the importance of this research: "Losing your luggage is a classic nightmare, turning a great trip into a frustrating ordeal. We focused on airports and airlines with the highest rates of baggage mishaps to help inform future travelers while encouraging improvements in baggage handling processes." Such insights are crucial for anyone looking to navigate the airport experience with more awareness.

Methodology of the Study

The comprehensive study was built on data collected from various sources, specifically analyzing complaints reported to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It covered the 60 busiest U.S. airports between 2015 and 2023. To provide accurate comparisons, the data was normalized based on annual passenger volumes, ensuring a fair assessment across airports of different sizes.

For the evaluation of airlines, the study utilized the U.S. Department of Transportation's Air Travel Consumer Report. It analyzed mishandled baggage rates for the ten largest U.S. carriers from January to September in the latest available year and compared these numbers with those from the previous year. Mishandled baggage includes any item that is lost, delayed, diverted, or damaged, thus encompassing a broad range of issues travelers may encounter.

The Airports with the Most Complaints

Here are the airports that recorded the highest number of complaints per 100,000 passengers:

1. Orlando International Airport (MCO) – 1.81 complaints per 100K passengers
2. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – 1.72 complaints per 100K passengers
3. Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) – 1.71 complaints per 100K passengers
4. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) – 1.69 complaints per 100K passengers
5. Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) – 1.68 complaints per 100K passengers

The Airports with the Least Complaints

An encouraging detail reveals that some airports manage luggage efficiently:

1. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – 0.31 complaints per 100K passengers, which is an impressive 72% fewer than the national average.
2. Kansas City International Airport (MCI) – 0.42 complaints per 100K passengers
3. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) – 0.58 complaints per 100K passengers
4. Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) – tied at 0.59 complaints per 100K passengers

The Top 5 Worst Airlines for Mishandled Baggage

Travelers should also be aware of which airlines have the most issues with mishandled baggage:

1. American Airlines
2. United Airlines
3. Alaska Airlines
4. Delta Air Lines
5. Southwest Airlines

Making Informed Choices

By being aware of the airports and airlines that struggle with baggage handling, travelers can make more informed decisions to minimize potential frustrations during their journeys. It is notable that systemic improvements in baggage management have become an increasing industry focus, as retailers network with carriers to enhance passenger experiences.

About Upgraded Points

Headquartered in Austin, Upgraded Points is a company dedicated to helping travelers grasp the complexities of travel and credit card rewards. Established in 2016 by Alex Miller, this company aims to improve the travel experience through detailed research and thorough insights. Travelers looking to enhance their journey will find valuable resources and guidance at their official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Upgraded Points study reveal?

The study highlights the worst airports and airlines for mishandled luggage, helping travelers make informed choices.

How was the study conducted?

The study used data from the TSA and DOC reports focusing on complaints from major airports and the largest U.S. airlines.

Why is luggage mishandling a concern for travelers?

Mishandled luggage can turn a pleasant trip into a stressful experience as it may lead to delays or missing belongings.

Which airports had the most complaints?

Orlando International Airport topped the list with the most complaints at 1.81 per 100K passengers.

Who should I contact for more information?

For more information, you can reach out directly to Upgraded Points through their contact channels.

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