In 2023, airlines worldwide saw an improvement in their baggage handling performance according to a report by aviation technology company SITA. The report, titled Baggage IT Insights Report, revealed that airlines mishandled 6.9 bags per 1,000 passengers, which was a 9.2% decrease from the previous year. This improvement is notable considering that passenger traffic increased by approximately 30% during the same period.
One interesting finding from the report was the difference in mishandled baggage rates between domestic and international routes. The mishandled-baggage rate on international itineraries was significantly higher at 12.1 per thousand compared to 2.4 per thousand on domestic flights. This suggests that airlines may need to pay more attention to their baggage handling procedures on international flights to reduce the number of mishandled bags.
Overall, airlines mishandled a total of 36.1 million bags in 2023, with the majority of mishandlings attributed to baggage delays. According to SITA, 82% of mishandled bags were due to delays, while the remaining cases were related to damaged or pilfered bags, as well as lost or stolen bags. Transfer mishandling was identified as the most common cause of delayed bags, accounting for 46% of all mishandled baggage incidents.
The data from SITA’s report highlights the importance for airlines to continually improve their baggage handling processes to provide a better experience for passengers. By addressing issues such as transfer mishandling, damaged bags, and lost items, airlines can enhance their overall customer satisfaction and reputation. Investing in advanced tracking solutions, employee training, and efficient baggage handling technologies can help airlines reduce the number of mishandled bags and improve their operational efficiency.
Looking ahead, the airline industry must remain vigilant in monitoring and improving their baggage handling practices to keep up with the increasing demands of air travel. As passenger numbers continue to rise, airlines will need to invest in technology, training, and infrastructure to ensure that baggage handling processes are efficient and reliable. By prioritizing baggage handling improvements, airlines can enhance their competitiveness and reputation in the industry, ultimately leading to a better travel experience for passengers.