Miami International Airport Ranked Worst in the World for Lost Luggage

For travelers worldwide, few experiences are more frustrating than reaching your destination only to discover that your luggage hasn’t made the trip with you. With airport baggage handlers managing an estimated 26 million bags annually, the risk of misplaced or delayed luggage is real—and the struggle between checking a bag or sticking to carry-on luggage is one many passengers face.

Now, Arka, a California-based provider of custom shipping packaging, has conducted an in-depth analysis to determine which airports are most prone to lost luggage incidents. By looking at passenger volume, baggage mishandling rates, and search trends for airport lost and found services, Arka’s study offers valuable insight into where travelers are most likely to encounter baggage issues.

Miami International Airport Tops the Lost and Found List
The title of “worst airport for baggage handling” goes to Miami International Airport (MIA). Serving as a major gateway to the Caribbean and Latin America—and a popular hub for cruise passengers—MIA processes nearly 1,000 flights per day and welcomes approximately 52 million passengers annually.

According to Arka’s findings, MIA loses about 306 bags for every million flights and 5.5 bags per 1,000 passengers. This makes it one of the busiest airport lost and found departments in the United States. For travelers, this means a higher-than-average chance of filing a lost luggage claim when flying through Miami.

Other Airports With High Lost and Found Activity
While Miami takes the top spot, several other airports also have elevated baggage mishandling rates and lost luggage complaints:

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) – Ranked No. 2 overall, O’Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world, making it a frequent source of airport lost and found inquiries.

Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) – Coming in at No. 3, Changi is the first international airport on the list. While often celebrated for its efficiency, it still sees above-average lost luggage reports based on search data.

Denver International Airport (DIA) – Ranked No. 4, DIA handles significant passenger traffic and is no stranger to lost baggage claims.

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) – At No. 9, DFW’s size and passenger volume contribute to a steady stream of lost and found service requests.

How Arka Measured Lost Luggage Risk
Arka’s analysis focused on two primary factors:

Passenger Volume – The total number of people traveling through each airport annually.

Lost and Found Search Data – Online search frequency for “lost and found services” related to each airport, adjusted to reflect searches per million passengers.

By combining this search data with regional baggage mishandling rates (measured per 1,000 passengers), Arka was able to highlight airports where lost luggage reports occur more often than average.

Why Lost and Found Matters for Travelers
An airport’s lost and found department plays a crucial role in reuniting passengers with their belongings. From misplaced suitcases to forgotten electronics, these services handle thousands of cases every year. However, high volumes of lost items can strain airport systems, leading to longer wait times and more complicated recovery processes.

For passengers, knowing which airports have higher baggage mishandling rates can help in planning. If you’re flying through one of these hubs, you may want to take extra precautions to reduce the chance of needing to contact the airport lost and found office.

Expert Tips to Avoid Lost Luggage
Even at the best airports, the risk of lost baggage can never be fully eliminated. However, travel experts and baggage specialists offer these tips to minimize your chances:

Allow Extra Time Between Connecting Flights – Rushed baggage transfers increase the risk of mishandling.

Label Your Luggage Clearly – Include your name, phone number, and email both inside and outside the bag.

Use Tracking Devices – Products like AirTags or Tile can help you track your luggage in real time.

Keep Valuables in Your Carry-On – Never check essential items like passports, electronics, medications, or jewelry.

Photograph Your Bag Before Traveling – This helps in filing a lost and found claim if your luggage goes missing.

What to Do If Your Luggage Is Lost
If your luggage doesn’t arrive at your destination, here’s how to navigate the airport lost and found process:

Report It Immediately – Visit the airline’s baggage claim counter before leaving the airport.

Get a Reference Number – This will be essential for tracking your claim.

Contact the Airport Lost and Found Office – Some items may be misdirected but remain within the airport’s lost property system.

Follow Up Regularly – Keep a record of all communications and check in until your item is found or reimbursed.

Lost luggage can disrupt even the most carefully planned trip, and Arka’s research makes it clear that some airports face more challenges than others in handling baggage efficiently. Whether you’re departing, arriving, or making a connection, understanding airport lost and found trends can help you prepare and protect your belongings.

By following expert tips, staying vigilant, and knowing how to use lost and found services effectively, travelers can reduce stress and improve their chances of a smooth, baggage mishap-free journey.