Luggage loss is a common nuisance in the airline industry, affecting millions of passengers every year. Despite advancing technology and improved logistics systems, airlines still lose or misdirect a significant number of bags each year. This article looks at the causes, the financial impact for airlines, and offers tips on how passengers can minimize the risk of luggage loss and misdirection.
According to the annual SITA Baggage IT Insights Report, approximately 2022 million pieces of luggage were misdirected or lost worldwide in 24,8. This means that out of 1.000 passengers, approximately 5,57 suitcases were affected. Although this represents a decrease compared to previous years, lost luggage remains a significant cost for the aviation industry. The cost of returning, refunding and replacing lost or misdirected luggage adds up to around $2,1 billion per year worldwide.
Causes of misrouting and total loss
There are many reasons for the loss or misrouting of luggage. The most common include:
- Mishaps during handling: A large proportion of misrouting occurs during baggage handling processes at airports, especially for connecting flights. Short transfer times increase the risk that bags will not be loaded onto the next flight in time.
- Error in baggage sorting: Automated baggage sorting systems can make incorrect allocations due to technical malfunctions or incorrect labeling, resulting in suitcases ending up on the wrong planes or terminals.
- Manual errors: Human errors during handling, such as scanning bags or loading them onto the wrong conveyor belt, also contribute to the problem.
- Security checks: In some cases, baggage is segregated for additional security checks and may therefore be delayed or not loaded at all.
- Theft and damage: Although less common, theft and damage to luggage also contribute to losses.
Why are many suitcases never found?
A significant proportion of lost suitcases are ultimately found and returned to their owners. However, some pieces of luggage remain missing. There can be several reasons for this:
- Missing identification: If suitcases have no or insufficient identification features such as address labels, it becomes difficult to assign them to their owners.
- Redirection to wrong countries: Sometimes suitcases are forwarded to the wrong countries and not registered correctly, making tracking difficult.
- Loss in warehouses: In large airport depots, suitcases can easily get lost and overlooked in the amount of luggage.
- Inadequate traceability systems: Some airports and airlines do not have modern tracking systems that facilitate the location and allocation of baggage.
Measures to reduce the risk
Passengers can take several steps to minimize the risk of baggage loss or misrouting:
- Early check in: Checking in at the airport on time can ensure there is enough time for baggage to be handled properly.
- Prefer nonstop flights: Wherever possible, passengers should book non-stop flights to reduce the risk of loss during transfer.
- Clearly visible luggage tags: Address labels and eye-catching markings make it easier to identify and return luggage.
- Photo documentation: A photo of the checked baggage can be helpful in identifying it in case of loss.
- Use technology: GPS trackers or RFID tags in luggage can make tracking easier.
- Valuable items in hand luggage: Valuables and important documents should always be carried in hand luggage.
- Luggage insurance: Additional baggage insurance can provide financial protection in the event of loss. This is particularly useful if the value of the contents of the suitcase exceeds the airline's maximum liability.
- Check-in-Keep information: Receipts and baggage tags should be carefully kept to provide evidence in case of loss.
Lost and misdirected baggage continues to be a significant problem despite technological advances in the aviation industry. The financial and emotional costs to passengers and airlines are significant. However, by taking proactive measures and leveraging modern technology, passengers can minimize the risk and ensure their journey is as smooth as possible.
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