This is the U.S. airline most likely to mishandle your baggage, according to DOT data

Air travel these days can be a real test of your patience, from endless security lines and cramped middle seats to lengthy delays and overpriced (and underwhelming) airport food. But nothing quite matches the agony of standing at the baggage carousel, watching it spin endlessly while everyone else leaves with their belongings, leaving you alone, only to find out your suitcase is currently on a solo trip to Des Moines.

Data from the U.S. Department of Transportation reveals that U.S. airlines mishandled over 1.05 million checked bags during the first six months of 2026. That averages out to about 5,800 luggage mishaps every day across the country. And according to a new analysis by travel company Global Work & Travel, the likelihood of your bag taking an unexpected detour depends heavily on which airline you fly with.

So who's the worst offender? American Airlines logged the highest rate of baggage issues, mishandling 0.73 bags per 100 enplaned (totaling nearly 252,000 bags). Envoy Air followed closely behind with a rate of 0.72 per 100. United Airlines took third place among major carriers at 0.66 per 100.

On the other hand, some carriers performed exceptionally well. Allegiant Air boasted the lowest mishandling rate by a wide margin at just 0.12 per 100 bags, with JetBlue (0.31) and Southwest (0.32) also putting up impressive numbers. Overall, baggage handling is actually improving, with total mishandled bags down nearly 100,000 compared to the same period in 2025.

To help keep your belongings on the right track, travel expert Jürgen Himmelmann offers a few practical tips before you drop off your bag:

• Take photos: Snap a quick picture of the outside of your suitcase and its contents to make identification easier if it goes missing.
• Clear off old tags: Peel off barcode stickers from previous trips so automated systems don't send your bag to last year's destination.
• Pack smart: Always keep essential items like medication, keys, electronics, and a change of clothes in your carry-on bag.

A little preparation goes a long way toward keeping your vacation stress-free from takeoff to landing, but data shows that some airlines cause more stress than others.

10 U.S. airlines most likely to mishandle your bags, according to DOT data

1. American Airlines
2. Envoy Air
3. United Airlines
4. SkyWest Airlines
5. Republic Airways
6. Alaska Airlines
7. Frontier Airlines
8. Spirit Airlines
9. PSA Airlines
10. Delta Air Lines