Mishandled baggage counts continue to fall

BTN News
Friday, 14 June 2024

The air transport industry’s rate of mishandled baggage has continued to improve, according to the new SITA Baggage IT Insights 2024 report.


The number of bags mishandled by the industry fell from 7.6 to 6.9 per 1,000 passengers in 2023. 

This was despite passenger numbers rising above 2019 levels for the first time in five years, growing to 5.2 billion. 

But the industry still faces challenges, particularly managing surges in baggage volumes.

Pushing ahead with the industry’s digitalisation agenda is vital, according to the survey, focusing on AI for data analysis and computer vision tech in automated baggage handling.

SITA says that push must include full automation, good communication and full visibility of each bag’s journey. 

Other research reveals passenger anxiety about delays and cancellations (32 per cent in 2023). 

It shows that two-thirds of airlines now offer unassisted bag drop, and 85 per cent of airports offer self-service bag drop. This reflects industry demand for self-service tech for better passenger flows. At the same time, passengers want to use their mobile phones as they travel, including at bag collection. 

Today, 32 per cent of passengers rely on bag collection information sent straight to their mobiles. Better communication and visibility for passengers will encourage more use of digital self-service and give passengers control over their journey.

Collaboration is critical. While airlines and airports share baggage data, there’s still room for improvement. At baggage collection, only 58 per cent of airlines share data. At the same time, 66 per cent of airports share baggage delivery data with airlines. The survey cites IATA’s call for full baggage tracking and real-time status data as part of its Resolution 753 initiative, with data sharing across the bag journey. 

The survey also points to Airports Council International’s call for self-service, real-time communication, and visibility for passengers to reduce stress and anxiety.

Mishandled baggage counts continue to fall

BTN News
Friday, 14 June 2024

The air transport industry’s rate of mishandled baggage has continued to improve, according to the new SITA Baggage IT Insights 2024 report.


The number of bags mishandled by the industry fell from 7.6 to 6.9 per 1,000 passengers in 2023. 

This was despite passenger numbers rising above 2019 levels for the first time in five years, growing to 5.2 billion. 

But the industry still faces challenges, particularly managing surges in baggage volumes.

Pushing ahead with the industry’s digitalisation agenda is vital, according to the survey, focusing on AI for data analysis and computer vision tech in automated baggage handling.

SITA says that push must include full automation, good communication and full visibility of each bag’s journey. 

Other research reveals passenger anxiety about delays and cancellations (32 per cent in 2023). 

It shows that two-thirds of airlines now offer unassisted bag drop, and 85 per cent of airports offer self-service bag drop. This reflects industry demand for self-service tech for better passenger flows. At the same time, passengers want to use their mobile phones as they travel, including at bag collection. 

Today, 32 per cent of passengers rely on bag collection information sent straight to their mobiles. Better communication and visibility for passengers will encourage more use of digital self-service and give passengers control over their journey.

Collaboration is critical. While airlines and airports share baggage data, there’s still room for improvement. At baggage collection, only 58 per cent of airlines share data. At the same time, 66 per cent of airports share baggage delivery data with airlines. The survey cites IATA’s call for full baggage tracking and real-time status data as part of its Resolution 753 initiative, with data sharing across the bag journey. 

The survey also points to Airports Council International’s call for self-service, real-time communication, and visibility for passengers to reduce stress and anxiety.