This Is the Worst Airline for Lost Luggage

Here’s a good reason not to check a bag—during the second half of 2021, U.S. airlines lost or mishandled over 1.2 million bags. As the pandemic waned and travel picked back up, the amount of mishandled luggage also increased—by 80.6 percent, in fact.

A new report from short-term luggage storage site LuggageHero analyzed data released by the U.S. Department of Transportation for the period of July to December 2021 in order to determine the best and worst airlines for luggage handling. 

The airline that lost or mishandled the most bags? Envoy Air, which failed to deliver on-time 9.04 bags out of every 1,000 bags.

American Airlines was a close second, losing or mishandling 8.62 bags per 1,000.

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The Worst Airlines for Lost Luggage

1. Envoy Air
2. American Airlines
3. Alaska Airlines
4. Mesa Airlines
5. Republic Airways

If you want to make sure your luggage arrives where and when you do, fly on Allegiant Air, which is ranked as the best airline for delivering luggage safely. This airline only lost or mishandled 1.85 bags per 1,000. 

The Best Airlines for Luggage

1. Allegiant Air
2. Hawaiian Airlines
3. Frontier Airlines
4. Southwest Airlines
5. United Airlines

The time of year can also impact your chances of having mishandled or lost luggage. Luggage Hero’s study showed that the most bags were lost in December—a total of 6.64 bags per every 1,000 compared to 4.61 for every 1,000 handled in September.