TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Millions of bags are mishandled at airports each year, but Miami International Airport is the “worst baggage handling hub,” according to a study by California-based packaging company Arca.
According to research by Arca, MIA loses approximately 306 bags per million flights, or 5.5 bags per 1,000 passengers. Travel and Leisure said around 1,000 flights pass through MIA each day, causing confusion for airport staff and passengers with lost luggage.
Arca said its decision was based on an analysis of two factors: passenger numbers and online searches for lost and found services.
Arca has adjusted its data to reflect searches per million passengers to ensure a fair comparison of airports when determining lost baggage reporting.
“It’s important that travelers are aware of where these challenges exist, plan accordingly and take extra precautions,” an Arca spokesperson said in a statement to Travel & Leisure. “At the same time, airports must continue to invest in improving their systems to ensure that passengers’ belongings arrive safely and on time.”
Arca reported that Chicago O’Hare International Airport was ranked second as the worst hub for baggage handling, and Singapore Changi Airport was ranked third.