Airlines Finally Get Bag Tracking Right: No More Lost Suitcases!
Flights just got a whole lot less stressful. Airlines are slashing mishandled suits by a whopping 70.5% over the last ten years—thanks to slick tech that keeps a tab on every bag from check‑in all the way to your home.
What the Numbers Mean for Your Wallet
- Lost, broken or delayed luggage cost airlines $2.3 billion in last year alone—half what it was a decade ago.
- In 2017 only 5.57 bags went missing per 1,000 passengers, a record low that adds up to 22.7 million worldwide.
- IATA’s new global rule—effective June—requires carriers to track every bag at key stages and share the data with anyone involved in getting it home.
Why This Matters
Long ago, a “bag gone missing” was a nightmare for both airlines and travelers. Now, 70% of carriers promise real‑time updates for your bag by 2020. Companies like Qatar Airways and S7 already let you follow your luggage via a handy app, so you’ll know whether it’s heading to the right airport or stuck in a mysterious transit hub.
Expert Take
Barbara Dalibard, chief executive of SITA, sums it up: “In every service industry, a slip‑up costs big bucks. Fewer incidents mean massive savings—and less anxiety for passengers.” She adds, “We’re at a turning point; airlines are unlocking the real value of baggage data, and it’s paying off.”
Takeaway
When you’re heading out for a trip, keep an eye on your bag’s location—no more surprises or frantic calls to the airline desk. With the new tracking tech, your suitcase is almost as reliable as a pigeon on a mission.
