New data from aviation technology firm SITA shows that fewer bags were mishandled in 2024 than in 2023, despite an increase in passengers – an improvement that is being attributed in part to the growth of AI systems.
A total of 33.4 million bags were mishandled across the year, 400,000 fewer than in 2023 though passenger numbers went up 8.2%. That puts the lost luggage rate at 6.3 per 1,000, compared to 6.9 per 1,000 the previous year.
Over the last 17 years the drop in mishandled luggage has been a colossal 67%, a phenomenon that has been achieved thanks to “more precision” gained, according to SITA’s chief executive David Lavorel, by the introduction of more automation, real-time monitoring, and artificial intelligence.
While the development of these technological innovations cost both airports and airlines money, the savings are significant: mishandled luggage cause airlines financial losses averaging €4.3 billion each year since they are responsible for returning bags, covering expenses for essentials to tide passengers over, and offering compensation up to around €1,000 for anything permanently mislaid.
“Technology has made a difference,” SITA noted but pointed out that further progress can be made by “unlocking the next leap in performance will require better data sharing and seamless coordination across the industry.”
One illustration of how tech is being deployed to improve the passenger experience and reduce baggage handling errors is Lufthansa Group’s use of Apple AirTag data. Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings, launched the feature to boost efficiency, giving passengers the digital support to track their baggage throughout their journey, by securely sharing the location of their AirTag or other Find My network accessories with the airline’s tracing systems.
“The use of Apple AirTag data is one example of many ways in which we are continuously developing the customer journey of all our Group airlines thanks to innovative digital services,” Dieter Vranckx, member of the Executive Board and Chief Commercial Officer of Lufthansa Group, said, explaining the measure.
For those who are not Apple devotees, tips from Simon Calder in The Independent recommends putting good old-fashioned “analogue” tags inside your luggage rather than attaching them to the outside where they can be accidentally or deliberately torn away. He also advises avoiding checking luggage at all if possible, by packing light and keeping essentials in carry-on bags. If price is not an issue, book direct flights to remove the risk involved in connecting via big hubs such as London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Amsterdam Schiphol.
