Lost luggage remains one of air travel’s biggest headaches, and it's getting worse. According to the US Department of Transportation’s Air Travel Consumer Report for August 2025, which looks at data gathered between January and June, one in four travelers has experienced the loss of a bag, and damaged luggage is even more common. While most bags are eventually returned, nearly a quarter of passengers never see theirs again.
The report ranks US airlines from best to worst for lost luggage and also highlights international carriers notorious for baggage mishaps. The findings are eye-opening and might convince you to stick to carry-ons.
Click through our gallery to see which airlines top the list and which ones might make you think twice before checking a bag.