Losing or damaging luggage is undoubtedly a nightmare during travel. Recently, the travel website Upgraded Points compiled a list of airports in the United States where luggage mishaps are most likely to occur, based on data from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT), allowing travelers to understand and prepare in advance to avoid inconvenience during their journeys.
Analyzing luggage loss, delay, and damage complaints from major airports and airlines in the United States, the website listed airports with the worst and best luggage handling performance.
According to TSA luggage complaint data over the past decade, among the 60 busiest airports in the United States, the following airports had the most severe luggage handling issues (complaints per 100,000 passengers):
– Orlando International Airport (MCO) with 1.81 complaints
– John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) with 1.72 complaints
– Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) with 1.71 complaints
– Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) with 1.69 complaints
– Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) with 1.68 complaints
On the other hand, the following airports showed the best luggage handling performance with the lowest complaint rates (complaints per 100,000 passengers):
– San Francisco International Airport (SFO) with 0.31 complaints
– Kansas City International Airport (MCI) with 0.42 complaints
– Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) with 0.58 complaints
– Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) with 0.59 complaints
– Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) with 0.59 complaints
While some airports and airlines still face luggage handling issues, the overall luggage mishandling rate decreased by 7.6% in 2024 compared to 2023, indicating that airlines have improved luggage transportation systems to reduce inconvenience for passengers.
Experts recommend travelers take the following measures to reduce the risk of luggage loss: avoid checking luggage too early or too late to minimize the chances of luggage being misplaced; use luggage tracking devices like AirTags to keep track of luggage location in real-time; pack essential items in carry-on luggage to prevent delayed luggage from affecting the trip.