Luggage by plane, in 2024 in Europe they were lost (or stolen) 28 per minute
The Sita report: last year « unfortunate » 6.3 suites every thousand passengers. Of the 33.4 million problematic trolleys, almost 15 million have been reported in Europe. From 2007 to today over 47 billion dollars of extra costs for vectors
In the year in which air transport recorded the record ever of passengers embarked, for the first time – net of Covid – the number of luggage intended for the upset, damaged or stolen has dropped. Although Europe is confirmed one of the most critical macro-ares with 28 suitcases per minute that I end up having a problem. To certify it are the data provided by the new Sita report, one of the reference companies in the supply of technology for the sector.
The budget
In 2024 the planes embarked a total of 5.3 billion passengers globally, underlines Sita. The leap of travelers was accompanied to the increase in the suitcases to be managed from the moment of deposit at the check-in counter until the final destination airport ribbon returns. Of these 33.4 million have been recorded as « misunderstood », that is, lost, sent by mistake elsewhere, damaged or stolen.
The improvement trend
The report shows that the income rate of baggage continued to decrease, going from 6.9 every thousand passengers of 2023 to 6.3 in 2024, « with an improvement of 67% compared to 2007 », calculates Sita. But Europe is located above the world average, with an almost double rate: the year spent in the old continent per thousand passengers 12.3 stowed trolley had a problem, equal to just under 15 million pieces, according to the estimates of the Courier.
One suitcase in 3 does not always come back
Second located of the 33.4 million disguised luggage, over two thirds (22 million) « was found within 48 hours, demonstrating the ability of the industry to rapidly reunite passengers with their luggage ». But, making a simple calculation, it also means that a third of the personal effects (over 11 million) or are lost forever or find the owner after more than two days from the reporting of the problem.
The role of technology
« Despite the progress, the inconvenience of the luggage cost about 5 billion dollars in 2024 to the industry, » calculates the company. « We have witnessed a radical change with the automation and widespread use of real -time tracking – explains David Land, CEO of Sita in a note -. Passengers today expect the experience with their luggage to be easy and transparent as to use a ride sharing or delivery app. It is no longer just about carrying luggage, but of offering a fluid and connected journey ».
