Lost luggage fact file
• 29.44million bags were mishandled globally during 2010 – an average of more than 80,000 items were day, according to the Air Transport Industry Baggage Report
• 1.2 bags were mishandled for every 100 travellers
• Bags were most likely to be mishandled at European airports, a factor partially attributed to the disruption and flight cancellations caused by the Iceland volcano
• 51% of the mishandled luggage was linked to transfers
• 14% failed to load
• The number of bags that were never recovered increased slightly during 2010
• While most luggage is reunited with its rightful owner, unclaimed luggage is sometimes auctioned or sold
• In the US, Alabama’s Unclaimed Baggage Centre specialises in selling unclaimed luggage and is now considered one of the state’s largest tourist attractions

Source: 2011 Air Transport Industry (ATI) Baggage Report

Each year hundreds of handbags, suite cases, and travelling bags are reported as being lost. The no. 1 reason why 99% of luggage is lost is mishandled baggage i.e. people at airport security in addition to airport luggage handlers probably didn’t take the right steps to ensure that your luggage reached your hands safe and sound.

However in many cases luggage is mishandled because people haven’t taken the right steps to ensure that their luggage is easy to find and recognize. Old tags, stickers etc are often left sticking to their bags which can make it hard to airport security and luggage handlers to recognize. In some cases low security bags which are easy to break into attract the attention of crooks who then intentionally mishandle your baggage (even though this is quite rare).

Take the right security measures

However there are a number of things you can do to ensure that your luggage isn’t lost, this includes using TSA locks, a TSA suitcase, etc. you should also make sure that your luggage is properly labeled with your name and contact information.

In order to prevent your luggage from being stolen use a TSA combination lock. These locks are especially designed to ensure that they are hard to break into. A well designed and hard to break lock will also act as a deterrent for people who are involved in stealing luggage from airports and train stations.

Know the contents of each bag

While it can be hard to know everything you are taking along you should know what each bag has. In addition you should refrain from carrying cash, credit cards etc in bags which you are not personally taking on board i.e. they will travel in the cargo section of the plane or train. This will shield you from a big loss in the event you do lose your baggage.