According to the study, staff shortages and downsizing of airport workers are the main factors affecting the quality of baggage handling.
The number of delayed, damaged, lost, or stolen pieces of luggage has increased by 24 percent, according to new research from aviation technology company SITA. This was facilitated by an increase in the number of international flights. It turns out that a total of 4.35 suitcases per thousand passengers were incorrectly handled around the world.
The study showed that the vast majority of problematic baggage cases are due to delivery delays – 71 percent. The situation is explained by an increase in the number of long-haul flights with connections – on international routes, the chances of not finding your suitcase on the baggage belt upon arrival are approximately 4.7 times greater than on domestic routes.
Of all mishandled baggage in 2021, lost and stolen items account for 6 percent of all problems, while damaged baggage accounts for 23 percent.
In case of any trouble with luggage, passengers should immediately report it – special Lost and Found counters are usually located directly opposite the conveyor belts. There you will need a baggage receipt, which is issued at check-in and most often glued to the ticket. To expedite the process, it is helpful to have pictures of your suitcases to show to airport staff, and to know the brand, size, and color of each missing item.