News
30 million bags go missing
21 March 2006
Around 30 million bags were mishandled by airlines in 2005, according to a new study.
Research by IT data provider SITA discovered that increasing numbers of passengers are left waiting at airport luggage carousels following a failure of airlines to correctly handle baggage.
In particular, SITA raised concerns that airlines' tight turnaround times, enhanced security and increased airport congestion are to blame for the growing trend of missing luggage as handlers struggle to adequately follow complicated procedures.
SITA's managing director Francesco Violante believes many airlines will have to do more to tackle the problem which is costing the industry around $2.5 billion per annum and increasing the level of customer complaints.
Mr Violante explained: "Growth is welcome but it has to be better managed if airlines and airports want to improve the passenger experience by eliminating delays from the system.
"The industry needs more sophisticated baggage reconciliations systems and greater use of self-service such as check-in through kiosks and on the web. This will all help to simplify travel, reduce delays and baggage misconnections."
Ninety-nine per cent of the missing luggage is eventually reunited with its correct owner within an average of 1.3 days.
© Adfero Ltd
Research by IT data provider SITA discovered that increasing numbers of passengers are left waiting at airport luggage carousels following a failure of airlines to correctly handle baggage.
In particular, SITA raised concerns that airlines' tight turnaround times, enhanced security and increased airport congestion are to blame for the growing trend of missing luggage as handlers struggle to adequately follow complicated procedures.
SITA's managing director Francesco Violante believes many airlines will have to do more to tackle the problem which is costing the industry around $2.5 billion per annum and increasing the level of customer complaints.
Mr Violante explained: "Growth is welcome but it has to be better managed if airlines and airports want to improve the passenger experience by eliminating delays from the system.
"The industry needs more sophisticated baggage reconciliations systems and greater use of self-service such as check-in through kiosks and on the web. This will all help to simplify travel, reduce delays and baggage misconnections."
Ninety-nine per cent of the missing luggage is eventually reunited with its correct owner within an average of 1.3 days.
© Adfero Ltd
