#United States #Austin #Upgraded Points #American Airlines #Orlando International

Examining the Baggage Handling Crisis: A Study by Upgraded Points

Every traveler knows the frustration that can come with lost or mishandled luggage. Recent research from Upgraded Points highlights this ongoing issue by identifying the U.S. airports and airlines with the highest rates of baggage mishaps. Keri Stooksbury, the editor-in-chief at Upgraded Points, provides valuable insight into how these figures can inform future travel decisions.

The Method Behind the Study

To conduct their analysis, Upgraded Points examined property complaint data made available through the Transportation Security Administration's FOIA Electronic Reading Room. This database includes data from the 60 busiest airports in the U.S. between 2015 and 2023. By normalizing this data against annual passenger volumes, the researchers ensured that comparisons across various-sized airports remained equitable.

For airline assessments, the study utilized the U.S. Department of Transportation's Air Travel Consumer Report, focusing specifically on the number of mishandled bags per 100 enplaned bags from January to September 2024. These figures were then compared to those from 2023 to assess year-over-year changes. Mishandled baggage is defined as items that are lost, delayed, diverted, or damaged.

Airports with the Most Complaints

The study unearthed noteworthy findings on the airports most often associated with baggage mishaps:

1. Orlando International Airport (MCO) - 1.81 complaints per 100,000 passengers
2. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) - 1.72 complaints per 100,000 passengers
3. Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) - 1.71 complaints per 100,000 passengers
4. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) - 1.69 complaints per 100,000 passengers
5. Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) - 1.68 complaints per 100,000 passengers

Airports with the Fewest Complaints

On the flip side, certain airports are recognized for handling baggage more efficiently:

1. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) - 0.31 complaints per 100,000 passengers (72% below the national average)
2. Kansas City International Airport (MCI) - 0.42 complaints per 100,000 passengers
3. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) - 0.58 complaints per 100,000 passengers
4. Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) & Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) - both at 0.59 complaints per 100,000 passengers.

The Worst Airlines for Mishandled Baggage

The research also sheds light on which airlines struggle with mishandled luggage. The top five worst U.S. airlines in this regard are:

• - American Airlines
• - United Airlines
• - Alaska Airlines
• - Delta Air Lines
• - Southwest Airlines

Conclusion: Steps for Future Travelers

With travel plans in the works for many, understanding these statistics can be a game-changer. By opting to fly with the best-rated airlines and choosing airports with fewer complaints, travelers can significantly reduce their chances of encountering the dreaded baggage mishap. The findings from this study serve not only as a warning but also as a guide, enabling journey-takers to make informed decisions.

For additional details, you can view the full study online and prepare yourself for every aspect of your travel experience.

About Upgraded Points LLC

Founded in Austin, Texas, Upgraded Points is dedicated to simplifying the complexities of travel and credit cards. Launched by Alex Miller in 2016, the company conducts targeted research to help travelers maximize their experiences, points, and overall journey satisfaction.

To learn more about Upgraded Points and their resources for travelers, visit www.UpgradedPoints.com.