More US travelers are avoiding checking in their bags on flights as issues with checked-in baggage increase.
Several, passenger in the United States are reporting episodes of stolen or lost bags. During the summer, a Florida airline subcontractor, Giovanni De Luca, was arrested in connection to the theft of $16,000 in valuables from checked-in bags.
A traveler reported that her luggage never arrived at her final destination. However, she had an Apple AirTag in her suitcase, which led authorities to De Luca’s home, where they found some of the stolen goods.
A stolen bag can sometimes mean the loss of important devices. A disabled passenger from Austin reported that her prosthetic leg never made it to her final destination. “Without it, I’m disabled,” she said.
Because of these disruptions, more and more Americans are avoiding checking in their luggage.
In September, TripIt surveyed over 1,700 Americans and found out that almost 60% of them had experienced some sort of disruption while traveling during summer. Of those, one out of six travelers said their bag was lost or delayed.
Last year, more than 1.9 million bags were mishandled by U.S. air carriers, said the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. According to experts, staff shortages and an increase in travel demand are the causes behind the surge of mishandled baggage.
Because of these incidents, 41% of Americans will avoid checking in their bag, and 23% will use technology to track their bag.
In a statement to USA Today, Jen Moyse, Vice President of Product for TripIt from SAP Concur, recommended travelers to use an AirTag or a similar device when checking-in their bags.
AirTags have proven to be a reliable way to determine exactly where your bag is, but keep in mind that they don’t make it any more likely (or unlikely) for your bag to be delayed or lost and that no tracking device is infallible.
Jen Moyse, Vice President of Product for TripIt from SAP Concur
Moyse also reminded travelers to pack all valuable items, essentials, and medications in the carry-on bags, which are less likely to be lost.
While having a bag not make it with you to your destination is never a good experience, it can be slightly less disruptive if you have some essentials with you.
Jen Moyse, Vice President of Product for TripIt from SAP Concur
Experts also recommend taking pictures of all items packed in the checked-in bag.
Of the 60% of travelers that experienced some sort of disruption, only 16% received compensation, while 73% neither received nor asked for compensation. According to TripIt, this might happen because people don’t know how to ask for a reimbursement.
All airlines are required to compensate travelers for delayed luggage within maximum liability limits. For domestic flights, the maximum amount is $3,800, while for international flights it is $1,780.
If the bag is lost, the airline must compensate passengers for the content, taking into account depreciation and the same liability limits.
Despite the surge of mishandled baggage, the survey also found out that almost all respondents are still planning to take a trip in the upcoming year.
