Lost luggage

Luggage is more likely to be lost or misdirected if the journey has several legs, as each transfer between different vehicles increases the chance that bags will be mishandled.

Occasionally, a plane may lack sufficient space or have reached its maximum takeoff weight.

In case of lost luggage, travelers are advised to carry all essentials in a carry-on bag, including a change of clothes and anything they would be greatly troubled to lose because of its monetary or emotional value (this excludes security restricted items, that can not be carried inside the passenger cabin).

Some airlines, however, will still repair such damage as a good faith gesture, or offer a discount voucher for a future flight.

In most cases, when delayed luggage arrives, a courier service will deliver it to the passenger's home or hotel.

In 2004, a baggage handler at Baltimore-Washington International Airport was arrested for the theft of mail sent by airplane, including credit cards.

[2] The U.S. Department of Transportation maintains air travel consumer reports, which include statistics on mishandled baggage.