Who needed that suit anyway
The worst nightmare of any business traveller is a lost suitcase, After all, nothing screws up a tightly planned travel schedule than spending the first day or two trying to chase after luggage or, worse, purchase new clothing. Indeed, I have to assume that’s why most business travellers carry on luggage which is clearly too large for the overhead compartments.
The Economist has come out with a report listing the lost baggage statistics for a number of European airlines. A tip – steer away from TAP Air Portugal or, among the larger carriers, British Airways.
Last I heard the worst American carrier was US Airways, but I couldn’t find any recent statistics. If you know of a site, or have a lost luggage tale to tell, let us know.
In regards to US Airways, you should back up your words with proof. we try our best but when idiots check-in AFTER the supposed check in time, your bag may not make it. Also, mark your bags with tags and have a cell phone number to reach so if your bag IS found it can be delivered to you ASAP! Happy Travels
According to USA Today, back in ‘05 US Airways was king of the domestic airlines when it came to lost luggage, and according to a travel blog the Wall Street Journal stated that “British Airways apparently outdoes even the current US record-holder for most lost luggage, US Airways.” As I couldn’t find the article I can’t say that it’s accurately quoted, which is why I wrote it the way I did.
Living in a US Airways dominated market, however, I’ve read a lot about lost luggage and US Airways, much of which resulted from technical snafus at the airport rather than US Airways. Ultimately it’s the airline which is on the hook (or not, as the case may be), although I’ve flown US Airways a fair amount and they’ve yet to lose my luggage, whereas Lufthansa has done it twice. That, too, probably had more to do with Frankfurt airport than Lufthansa.
The link to the USA Today article is http://www.usatoday.com/money/biztravel/2006-02-16-lost-bags-usat_x.htm. If you find information to the effect that US Airways has ceded the crown for lost luggage to another airline I’d be happy to post it.