Baggage issues increase at international airports, new report finds

During 2019, 24.8 million baggage items experienced complications during transit, Taxi2Airport has found whilst researching a recent SITA report.

For many years, issues in regard to luggage at international airports were decreasing. In 2007, there were 46.9 million reported issues. This number amounted to 22 million units in 2013; a decrease of almost 50 per cent. However, since 2014, the number of issues has slightly increased, reaching 24.8 million baggage pieces with issues registered. 

These issues are mainly caused by dysfunctioning systems, which have direct consequences for many travellers at the same time. However, the majority of the problems apparently, remain underexposed.

The issue is reportedly much greater in Europe (7.3 million baggage pieces) than in North America (2.85 million baggage pieces) and Asia (1.8 million baggage pieces) combined.

Umbrella-aviation-organisations, such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA), aim to reduce issues with luggage by introducing new types of technologies. For example, collectively introducing the use of RFID-chips and offering mobile applications to their passengers.