Overview

• A Sita report shows mishandled bags fell to 33.4 million in 2024 from 33.8 million in 2023 despite an 8.2% rise in passenger traffic
• The rate of lost luggage declined to 6.3 per 1,000 passengers, down from 6.9 in 2023 and the lowest level since 2007
• Airlines are rolling out AI-powered analytics, real-time tracking and self-service systems to handle baggage with greater precision
• Delayed bags made up 74% of mishandling incidents, while 66% of misplaced items were reunited with their owners within 48 hours
• Mishandled luggage cost the aviation industry about $5 billion last year in claims, courier returns and lost productivity