This is Worst Airport in the World for Lost Baggage in 2025

Lost luggage remains one of the most common frustrations for air travelers worldwide. Despite major investments in technology and baggage tracking systems, thousands of passengers still arrive at their destinations without their belongings.

Airlines and airports often face criticism when mishandling rates rise, as these incidents disrupt travel plans and erode customer confidence. Recent data highlights how some of the world’s busiest airports continue to struggle with baggage management.

The findings reveal that certain U.S. airports are among the most problematic, with Miami International Airport (MIA) ranking worst overall for lost luggage. Other major hubs, including Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Denver (DEN), and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), also feature in the global rankings.

SFO Baggage Claim; Photo- Kenneth Lu | Flickr

Miami and other US Airports

Miami International Airport loses more than 300 bags per million flights. When calculated per passenger, this equals roughly 5.5 mishandled bags for every 1,000 passengers. With tens of millions of travelers each year, these figures place MIA at the top of the global lost luggage rankings.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport ranked second in baggage mishandling. Denver International Airport was listed fourth, while Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport came ninth.

The presence of multiple U.S. airports in the top ten highlights that lost luggage is a nationwide problem, not limited to Miami. These airports consistently rank among the busiest in the world, making operational efficiency critical.

Photo: Japan Airlines

Study methodology and findings

The study measured two main factors. First, it tracked online searches for airport lost and found services, normalized per million passengers. Second, it reviewed official baggage mishandling rates per 1,000 passengers.

Combining both gave a more reliable view of airports most prone to baggage problems. Miami scored poorly on both metrics, explaining its ranking.

Factors considered in Arka’s analysis

Here are a few key statistics that came out of the report:

• Miami International Airport loses 306 bags per million flights.
• MIA manages 52 million annual passengers and nearly 1,000 daily flights.
• Chicago O’Hare (ORD) ranked second in baggage mishandling.
• Singapore Changi (SIN) was the first non-U.S. airport to appear in the top rankings.
• Denver International (DEN) and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) were also listed among the worst 10 airports.

MIA’s role as a major hub for Latin America and the Caribbean increases baggage handling complexity. International flights require more transfers and customs checks, raising the risk of misplacement.

High passenger turnover further strains handling systems. Without constant upgrades and staff training, the risk of luggage loss continues to grow.

Photo: Brussels Airlines

Global comparison and losses

Singapore Changi International Airport’s ranking shows baggage issues exist beyond the U.S. However, American airports dominated the top positions, indicating the problem is worse in the U.S.

This suggests a need for significant investment in U.S. airport infrastructure and operational improvements to keep pace with passenger growth.

Lost luggage leads to financial loss, inconvenience, and emotional stress. Travelers may need to replace essential items or wait days for delayed bags.

Business passengers face missed opportunities if equipment or documents are delayed. Such incidents lower overall passenger satisfaction and can harm the reputation of an international hub.

LAS Baggage Claim, McCarran International Airport; Photo- Michael Kappel | Flickr

Minimizing baggage issues

Investing in automated baggage systems reduces manual handling errors. Training staff in transfer efficiency and customs coordination ensures smoother operations.

Clear and accessible lost and found processes improve passenger trust. Publishing transparently mishandled data may also encourage airports to adopt stricter performance standards.

Passengers, on the other hand, can use the following methods to minimize their baggage issues.

• Keep essential items like medicine and electronics in carry-on luggage
• Label checked bags clearly with contact information inside and outside
• Use luggage tracking devices or smart tags for real-time updates
• Photograph luggage before check-in to help with claims
• Choose flights with longer connection times to reduce transfer risks

Another way to reduce the likelihood of baggage problems is by paying attention to how and when you check in. Passengers who arrive early often give ground staff more time to process and transfer luggage correctly, especially for international connections.

Choosing nonstop flights instead of multi-leg journeys can also lower the risk of bags going missing during transfers.

Travelers should also monitor airline apps, which now frequently update baggage status from check-in to arrival. Staying proactive and aware of these options can make the difference between smooth travel and frustrating delays.

Travelers can also consider using brightly colored or uniquely patterned luggage to make it easier for handlers to identify and reduce mix-ups. Additionally, keeping digital copies of important documents and boarding passes can simplify claims if bags are delayed or lost.

Photo: YouTube Thumbnail

Bottom Line

Miami International Airport’s ranking as the worst airport for lost luggage highlights an urgent need for improvement. While other U.S. airports also rank poorly, Miami’s statistics show a particularly serious issue.

Travelers can take precautions, but long-term solutions depend on airport and airline investment in modern baggage systems and operational reforms.

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