As millions of Brits prepare to jet off to sunny destinations near and far this summer, new data reveals which major airlines are most likely to lose your luggage.
Despite advancements in aviation technology and airport procedures, lost luggage remains a frustrating reality for holidaymakers – to the extent many opt to travel with carry-on or cabin bags only.
While some airlines are taking measures to combat the issue and manage luggage more efficiently, it appears not all are as proactive in locating and returning unclaimed and missing goods.
A recent study conducted by digital marketing agency, Ink Digital, analysed the average monthly search volume relating to lost baggage for each major airline operating in the UK.
The total monthly search volume was then calculated and used to rank the airlines from most to least likely to lose passengers’ luggage – with European carriers making the top five.
Michael Ryan, Owner & CRO of Ink Digital, said: ‘Lost luggage often arises due to tight layovers, staffing shortages, and mishandling during transfers.
‘Passengers can reduce their risk by using carry-on luggage where possible, investing in smart trackers like AirTags, and ensuring they have proper travel insurance to cover any unexpected losses.’
Read on to discover which ten airlines have a higher risk of losing luggage:
As millions of Brits prepare to jet off to sunny destinations near and far this summer, new data reveals which major airlines are most likely to lose your luggage
The UK’s flagship carrier takes the crown as the airline most likely to lose luggage, with a staggering 6,938 monthly searches related to missing baggage
1. British Airways
The UK’s flagship carrier takes the crown as the airline most likely to lose luggage, with a staggering 6,938 monthly searches related to missing baggage.
This could be a reflection of the fact passengers on BA flights appear to be traveling with less luggage these days.
Recent figures from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) show that there were 451,500 metric tons of cargo carried on passenger flights in 2023, which is about 100,000 metric tons less than the 561,240 metric tons transported in 2019.
2. KLM
The Dutch national carrier ranks second with 1,372 monthly searches about lost baggage.
However, the airline reports that in 90 per cent of cases, delayed baggage is located and returned to passengers within three days.
3. easyJet
According to the CAA, easyJet received the third highest number of complaints in the last quarter of 2024, with 2,953 cases opened
The UK’s busiest airline takes third place, with 1,208 searches per month.
According to the CAA, easyJet received the third highest number of complaints in the last quarter of 2024, with 2,953 cases opened.
4. Emirates
The airline, recognised for its luxury travel experience and high standards in customer service, surprisingly ranks fourth, with 1,048 monthly searches regarding missing luggage.
The airline operates a major hub in Dubai, where baggage mishandling during transfers is suggested to contribute to the problem.
5. Lufthansa
Germany’s biggest airline follows in fifth place, with 987 monthly searches for lost baggage.
As a key member of Star Alliance, it operates a great deal of long-haul and connecting flights, although the CAA reported the airline only gained two complaints in the last months of 2024.
Despite advancements in aviation technology and airport procedures, lost luggage remains a frustrating reality for holidaymakers – to the extent many opt to travel with carry-on bags only
6. Ryanair
The popular low-cost airline reports 985 searches each month for missing baggage.
The Irish airline experienced the highest number of complaints of all the major airlines operating in the UK in the third quarter of 2024, with a total of 3,240 complaints.
7. Turkish Airlines
The rising global carrier records 803 searches relating to lost luggage each month.
The airline received the seventh-highest number of total complaints towards the end of 2024, with 254 complaints registered according to the CAA.
Qatar Airways, widely regarded for its unparalleled service, ranks eighth with 598 searches per month.
Turkish Airlines received the seventh-highest number of total complaints towards the end of 2024, with 254 complaints registered according to the CAA
Its global connections through Doha also suggests holidaymakers are more likely to experience baggage mishaps when transiting between flights.
9. American Airlines
American Airlines appears in ninth place on the list, with 557 monthly searches regarding lost baggage.
As one of the world’s largest carriers, its extensive domestic and international operations could contribute to luggage mismanagement.
10. Aer Lingus
Ireland’s national airline rounds out the top 10, with 523 lost luggage-related searches per month.
From October to December 2024, the airline received 28 complaints, ranking it 21st for total number of complaints.
A spokesperson from BA said: ‘These claims have no statistical credibility and should be treated with a high degree of scepticism.
‘We take our customers’ trust and the responsibility of delivering their bags very seriously. This type of poorly researched nonsense diminishes the hard work of colleagues within the industry.’
