Travelers often dream of seamless journeys, but one misstep can turn that dream into a hassle: mishandled luggage. This persistent issue not only disrupts plans but also leaves passengers with stress and inconvenience. To shed light on this problem, Upgraded Points conducted a comprehensive study, analyzing key data to reveal the airports and airlines where baggage mishaps are most likely to occur.

Upgraded Points‘ latest research explores one of the biggest headaches for travelers – lost or mishandled luggage.

“Losing your luggage is a classic nightmare, turning a great trip into a frustrating ordeal,” said Keri Stooksbury, editor-in-chief at Upgraded Points. “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.”

The Airports With the Most Complaints

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

1. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) — 0.31 complaints per 100K passengers, 72% fewer than the study’s 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 U.S. Airlines for Mishandled Baggage

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

To see the complete ranking, please visit the full study online.

Practical Tips to Handle Mishandled Luggage Like a Pro

Dealing with mishandled luggage can be stressful, but there are steps you can take to minimize the inconvenience. First, always label your bags with your name, contact details, and travel itinerary. Opt for a durable, easily identifiable luggage tag to prevent mix-ups. Keep a photo or detailed description of your bags handy, which can help airline staff identify them more quickly if they go missing. Pack essentials like toiletries, a change of clothes, and important documents in your carry-on to prepare for delays.

If your luggage is lost or delayed, file a report with the airline immediately and keep copies of your claim and any correspondence. Additionally, consider travel insurance that covers baggage issues to recover costs for lost items or emergency purchases. Being proactive and organized can make a big difference if mishandling occurs.

Study Methodology

The study analyzed property complaint data from the Transportation Security Administration’s FOIA Electronic Reading Room for the 60 busiest U.S. airports between 2015 and 2023. To ensure fair comparisons across airports of varying sizes, the data was normalized against annual passenger volumes.

For airline evaluations, the study reviewed the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Air Travel Consumer Report, examining the number of mishandled bags per 100 enplaned bags from January to September 2024 for the 10 largest U.S. carriers. It then compared these figures to 2023 to calculate year-over-year percentage changes. Mishandled baggage, as defined, includes items that are lost, delayed, diverted, or damaged.

About Upgraded Points LLC

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Upgraded Points is a travel company that helps to demystify the complex world of travel and credit cards. Launched in 2016 by Alex Miller, Upgraded Points uses targeted research efforts and in-depth studies to help travelers maximize their travel, points, and experiences.