The Airlines That Lose the Most Luggage – Are You at Risk?

The Airlines That Lose the Most Luggage – Are You at Risk?
When it comes to air travel, losing luggage is one of the biggest concerns for passengers. While some airlines are renowned for their service, it may surprise you to learn that even the most celebrated and award-winning carriers are not immune to this issue.

A frequent traveler from New Zealand, frustrated by the repeated loss of his luggage and the lack of response from airlines, decided to take matters into his own hands. He created a website called Luggage Losers, which compiles statistics from social media users and various aviation-related sources to provide insight into the global issue of lost luggage.

The website features a ranking of 100 airlines from around the world, categorized based on the likelihood of losing passengers' belongings. For many, the results were unexpected. Even world-renowned airlines like Emirates, Lufthansa, and Qatar Airways ranked high on the list, suggesting their baggage handling might not be as efficient as their reputations suggest. Common issues include luggage being lost or sent to the wrong destination.

The website was created by entrepreneur Pieter Levels after Vueling lost his girlfriend's luggage. It automatically updates with the latest data, helping travelers make informed decisions about which airlines to book. Levels states that his goal is not only to expose these shortcomings but also to encourage airlines to improve the quality of service they provide to their passengers.

“I realized that no one is collecting data on how much luggage airlines lose every day to help avoid the worst offenders. This helps me (and hopefully you) book with airlines that strive not to lose baggage or quickly return it to their customers. And it rewards the great airlines that don’t lose our luggage,” Levels explains in the FAQ section of his website.

The ranking also considers other factors, such as the size of the airline’s fleet and the differences in airport sizes, to ensure a fair assessment.

According to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), 26 million bags were lost globally in 2022. While 80% were eventually delivered late, the remaining 20% were never recovered.

GEGO Reduces the Risk of Lost Luggage

GEGO PRO allows you to track your bag in real-time, no matter where it ends up. With GEGO’s Fast Bag Recovery Service, you can have peace of mind knowing that if your luggage is lost by the airline, the GEGO team will expedite its return to you. This added layer of security makes all the difference, especially when flying with airlines known for mishandling baggage.

The Top 10 Airlines for Lost Luggage
Ethiopian Airlines
Iberia
British Airways
WestJet Airlines
Aer Lingus
Virgin Atlantic
IndiGo
Air India
ITA Airways
Vueling

For a live ranking of airlines and airports currently losing the most luggage, visit Luggage Losers.