New data from the Department of Transportation (DOT) reveals that US airlines mishandled over 1.1 million checked bags in the first half of 2026. This averages to about 0.5 bags mishandled per 100 enplaned, a rate similar to 2025.
A mishandled bag includes luggage that is lost, delayed, damaged, or stolen. The DOT’s monthly air travel consumer reports compare the 13 largest US airlines based on their baggage handling performance.
In 2026, American Airlines had the highest rate of mishandled bags, with an average of 0.73 bags per 100 enplaned. Envoy Air, a regional subsidiary of American, followed closely with 0.72 bags per 100 enplaned. United Airlines ranked third, with a rate of 0.66 bags per 100 enplaned.
On the other end of the spectrum, Allegiant Air performed the best, mishandling just 0.12 bags per 100 enplaned. This shows a significant difference in baggage handling efficiency among carriers.
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The data comes at a time when most airlines have raised the cost of checking luggage to an average of $45 for the first bag on domestic and short-haul international flights. Despite these higher fees, the overall mishandling rate remains consistent with previous years.
Travelers can monitor their luggage using tracking devices like Apple AirTags. Many airlines now integrate AirTag data into their baggage tracking systems, allowing passengers to share location information with customer service through mobile apps.
Below is the full ranking of US airlines for the first half of 2026, based on the DOT’s data:
- American Airlines: 0.73 bags per 100 enplaned
- Envoy Air: 0.72 bags per 100 enplaned
- United Airlines: 0.66 bags per 100 enplaned
- SkyWest: 0.55 bags per 100 enplaned
- Republic Airways: 0.53 bags per 100 enplaned
- Alaska Airlines/Hawaiian Airlines: 0.53 bags per 100 enplaned
- Frontier Airlines: 0.51 bags per 100 enplaned
- Spirit Airlines: 0.47 bags per 100 enplaned
- PSA Airlines: 0.44 bags per 100 enplaned
- Delta Air Lines: 0.38 bags per 100 enplaned
- Southwest Airlines: 0.32 bags per 100 enplaned
- JetBlue Airways: 0.31 bags per 100 enplaned
- Allegiant Air: 0.12 bags per 100 enplaned
