These U.S. Airlines Mishandled the Most Bags, According to New Travel Insurance Data
With record Memorial Day air travel expected, Squaremouth analyzed DOT baggage data to find which airlines had the highest mishandled bag rates.
A record 3.66 million Americans are projected to fly over Memorial Day weekend, according to Squaremouth, and more travelers usually means more opportunities for checked bags to go missing, arrive late, or show up looking like they lost a fight with the baggage carousel.
Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison marketplace, analyzed the latest U.S. Department of Transportation data on mishandled baggage claims filed with airlines in 2025. For this study, “mishandled baggage” includes luggage that was lost, delayed, or damaged in transit.
The numbers are ranked by mishandled bags per 100,000 passengers, which is important because the biggest airlines naturally handle more luggage overall. When adjusted for passenger volume, regional carriers take several of the top spots.
The 10 U.S. Airlines With the Most Mishandled Bags, Ranked
10. Delta Air Lines
Delta had 364,329 mishandled bags in 2025, according to Squaremouth’s analysis, working out to 219 mishandled bags per 100,000 passengers.
That’s still a lot of unhappy baggage claims, but by rate, Delta landed at the bottom of this particular top 10 list.
9. Republic Airways
Republic Airways reported 50,994 mishandled bags in 2025, or 240 per 100,000 passengers.
Regional airlines can be more exposed to connection-heavy routes, smaller airports, and tight transfer windows, which can make luggage logistics trickier.
8. Southwest Airlines
Southwest had 418,350 mishandled bags in 2025, with a rate of 246 per 100,000 passengers.
The overall number is high, but Southwest also carries a massive number of passengers, so the per-passenger rate gives a more useful comparison.
7. United Airlines
United reported 397,709 mishandled bags, or 272 per 100,000 passengers.
For travelers connecting through major hubs, this is a good reminder to keep medications, valuables, chargers, and a change of clothes in your carry-on whenever possible.
6. American Airlines
American Airlines had the highest total number of mishandled bags on the list, with 489,612 reported in 2025. Its rate was 293 mishandled bags per 100,000 passengers.
Squaremouth also noted that when American’s data is reviewed alongside regional subsidiaries PSA Airlines and Envoy Air, American ranks as the worst-performing major airline overall for mishandled luggage.
5. Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines reported 34,346 mishandled bags in 2025, with a rate of 396 per 100,000 passengers.
That rate puts it higher than several much larger carriers, even though its total number of mishandled bags is lower.
4. Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines had 111,069 mishandled bags, or 309 per 100,000 passengers.
For anyone checking luggage on a multi-leg itinerary, this is where a small amount of pre-trip organization helps: photograph your suitcase, keep receipts for higher-value items, and avoid packing anything irreplaceable.
3. SkyWest Airlines
SkyWest Airlines reported 158,408 mishandled bags in 2025, with a rate of 345 per 100,000 passengers.
SkyWest operates many regional flights for larger airline partners, so travelers may book through a major airline but still fly on a regional carrier.
2. Envoy Air
Envoy Air had 70,467 mishandled bags in 2025, or 369 per 100,000 passengers.
Squaremouth highlighted Envoy Air as one of the worst-performing regional subsidiaries for mishandled baggage, along with PSA Airlines.
1. PSA Airlines
PSA Airlines ranked first in Squaremouth’s analysis, with 62,640 mishandled bags and a rate of 446 per 100,000 passengers.
Squaremouth noted that PSA Airlines has major bases in Charlotte, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., making baggage protection especially worth considering for travelers flying through parts of the Eastern and Southeastern U.S.
And baggage issues are just one way air travel can go sideways. A recent viral United flight video showed why travelers should know what to document when something goes wrong onboard, too.
A Viral Video Shows a Passenger Being Soaked by Liquid on a United Flight. Here’s What Travelers Should Know
The passenger says he was left wet and frustrated mid-flight. The incident has travelers debating what airlines should do when something goes wrong onboard.
Her 92-Year-Old Father Was Stranded Mid-Flight Connection — Now She’s Teaching Travelers Their Rights
When a 92-year-old veteran was stranded mid-journey, his daughter learned just how easily the system can break down, and how other travelers can protect themselves.
1 in 4 Americans Think Pajama Pants Should Be Banned on Flights — Apparently Tampa Airport’s Viral Joke Hit a Nerve
Tampa International Airport may have been joking when it said it wanted to “ban” pajamas, but a new survey suggests the debate it kicked up is very real.
Forget the Fancy Neck Pillows — Here’s How Travelers Really Survive Long-Haul Flights
Seasoned travelers shared their go-to tricks for getting through those 10+ hour flights without wrecking their back, sleep, or sanity.
Read more: Forget the Fancy Neck Pillows — Here’s How Travelers Really Survive Long-Haul Flights
someday a trip
I’ve actually had a lot more problems with Delta than any of those other airlines.
This is such a useful breakdown to have before booking summer travel. It’s easy to look at the total numbers and assume the massive airlines are the worst, but seeing the rate per 100,000 passengers really changes the perspective—especially regarding those regional carriers.
I flew Delta to from Oakland to Tampa a long time ago and when I checked my bag, I noticed the carousel going to the back wasn’t moving, but I figure they knew what they were doing, What a surprise when I got to Tampa and my luggage didn’t.
I never flew but always thought of that
How do they keep doing this
Nothing ruins a trip faster than lost luggage!
Thanks for sharing this information. Good info.
sad that this happens at all, in my view.
Well, that is just about most of the major airlines plus a few smaller ones. How frustrating!
Losing your bag on vacation is the stuff of nightmares.