More Than One Million Bags Never Recovered

The Air Transport Users Council AUC announced that more than 40 million bags were misplaced by airlines in 2007, compared with 30 million bags in 2005.

Of the 40 million pieces of lost luggage, more than one million — or one bag per 2,000 passengers — were never recovered.

Likening air travel to a "luggage lottery," the council said in a report that the annual number of mishandled bags was rising and could be as high as 70 million by 2019.

Complaints lodged with the council show airlines are often reluctant to meet claims for compensation, leaving passengers out of pocket. Many airlines ask for receipts before agreeing to pay — receipts that most passengers do not have. This results in reimbursements far below the value of the claim, the council says.

And like insurance companies, the airlines reduce payment on the grounds of depreciation of the value of the items in the bag.

"And it's not just about the money, there is also the inconvenience and stress from waiting for news of the whereabouts of their luggage," the report states. "Mishandled baggage can affect the enjoyment of a holiday or the usefulness of a business trip."

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