Need to check a bag? These US airlines ranked worst for mishandled luggage, report says
Mishandled or lost luggage can quickly turn a dream vacation into a nightmare.
While overall mishandled baggage rates are down nearly 8% from 2023, some U.S. airlines have done better than others at ensuring travelers’ belongings arrive on time, according to an Upgraded Points study.
So which carriers were the worst for delayed, lost or damaged bags?
Dallas-based American Airlines saw the highest rate of luggage-related grievances in 2024 with 0.9 mishandled bags per 100 bags enplaned, according to the report published Monday, Jan. 20.
United Airlines came in second with 0.68 mishandled bags per 100 bags enplaned, followed by Alaska Airlines at 0.64 per 100 bags, results show.
Here’s how other major airlines ranked:
For the report, Upgraded Points analyzed mishandled luggage data from the U.S. Department of Transportation between January and September 2024 across the nation’s 10 largest airlines, according to the Texas-based travel company. The data includes travelers’ property that was lost, delayed, diverted or damaged.
American Airlines saw a 1.5% jump in mishandled bags from 2023, data show.
“Despite its size and resources as one of the nation’s largest carriers, American Airlines’ standing highlights the operational challenges of managing high passenger volumes across a vast network,” according to the report.
McClatchy News reached out to American Airlines for comment Jan. 21 and was awaiting a response.
Allegiant Air had the lowest mishandled baggage rate overall but saw a 46.2% spike year over year, data show. In contrast, JetBlue Airways saw the biggest improvement in baggage handling, falling 34.8% from 0.56 mishandled bags per 100 bags enplaned in 2023 to 0.36 in 2024, according to Upgraded Points.
Overall, baggage issues among U.S. airlines dipped 7.6% industry-wide, “hinting that airlines are paying attention to consumer frustrations,” the travel company said.