American Airlines Beats Envoy Air, Republic Airways, United, JetBlue, Delta in Super Dreadful Luggage Mishandling Nightmare, Now Find Out Why Your Bags Are at Risk: Read Before You Start Your Winter Trips

Published on December 26, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

American Airlines beats Envoy Air, Republic Airways, United, JetBlue, and Delta in the super dreadful luggage mishandling nightmare, making it the airline to avoid this winter. With staggering numbers, American Airlines has mishandled more bags than any other airline, leaving millions of passengers at risk.

The shocking statistics reveal why your bags are at such high risk this holiday season.

As American Airlines continues to top the list of worst offenders, the question remains: can you trust them with your luggage? Find out why your bags may not make it to your destination, and how other airlines like Envoy Air and Republic Airways also contribute to the luggage nightmare. It’s essential to read this before you start your winter trips to understand the risks and prepare for the worst. Keep reading to find out why your holiday travel plans could be in jeopardy.

Nightmare Before Christmas – American Airlines Tops the Luggage Mishandling Charts

As millions of Americans prepare to jet off for Christmas, a nightmare looms for many – luggage mishandling. New data reveals American Airlines has mishandled the most luggage of any US carrier since 2021, with a staggering 1.75 million bags lost. American Airlines leads the pack, with 8.71 bags lost per 1,000 enplaned, highlighting the severe baggage crisis this holiday season. Other major airlines such as Envoy Air and Republic Airways are not far behind, contributing to an alarming number of mishandled bags. This article dives into the shocking stats, breaking down the worst carriers for luggage mishandling and offering insight into how this affects millions of travellers. Keep reading to find out which airlines should be avoided, and what you can do to safeguard your holiday trip.

American Airlines: The Luggage Nightmare Continues

American Airlines, the world’s largest carrier by scheduled passengers carried, holds the dreaded title of mishandling the most luggage in the United States. Since 2021, American Airlines has mishandled a jaw-dropping 1.75 million bags, or 8.71 bags for every 1,000 enplaned. This makes the airline the biggest culprit in the baggage fiasco, with an overwhelming total of mishandled bags. With such a vast fleet of 960 aircraft, it might be unsurprising that the airline, which serves destinations worldwide, faces such challenges. However, with the busy holiday season upon us, this statistic underscores a major concern for travellers. What can passengers expect when travelling with American Airlines this Christmas? Higher chances of baggage delays, and potentially, loss. If you’re flying with American Airlines, you might want to think twice about what you pack in your checked luggage.

Envoy Air: The Shadow of American Airlines’ Luggage Losses

In second place, Envoy Air, a regional airline operated by American Airlines, follows closely with 8.25 bags lost per 1,000 enplaned. This regional carrier, which flies to over 150 destinations, is no stranger to mishandled luggage. Since 2021, Envoy Air has mishandled 224,236 pieces of luggage. While it might be smaller than its parent company, the airline’s mishandling record still impacts countless travellers each year. With over 27 million bags enplaned, Envoy Air faces a serious issue in managing baggage logistics. As we approach the Christmas rush, those flying on Envoy Air should consider taking extra precautions, such as travelling with carry-on luggage, to avoid the stress of lost bags.

Republic Airways: A Serious Contender in the Baggage Blunder Game

Republic Airways, ranking third on the list, is another regional airline under the American Airlines umbrella. Responsible for mishandling 194,667 pieces of luggage, Republic Airways has a relatively high mishandling rate of 7.01 per 1,000 enplaned bags. Operating over 27 million flights annually, this regional carrier plays a crucial role in transporting passengers across the US. The mishandling stats raise concerns, especially with a significant portion of the lost bags including wheelchairs and other mobility vehicles. It is essential for passengers flying with Republic Airways to be prepared for potential baggage issues, particularly during high-traffic periods like the holiday season.

Alaska Airlines: A Major Airline Struggling with Baggage Loss

With a mishandling rate of 6.69 bags per 1,000 enplaned, Alaska Airlines comes in at fourth place for luggage mishandling. Known for serving both the US and Canadian markets, Alaska Airlines has mishandled over 400,000 pieces of luggage, with 60 million bags enplaned since 2021. While Alaska Airlines is one of the largest carriers in the US, it still faces considerable challenges when it comes to managing baggage. As holiday flights ramp up, the strain on airport infrastructure and baggage handlers will likely result in more misplaced luggage. Passengers flying with Alaska Airlines should ensure they have insurance coverage and pack essentials in carry-on luggage to avoid unnecessary stress.

United Airlines: Mishandling Millions of Bags, But What Can Be Done?

United Airlines ranks fifth with 6.43 bags mishandled per 1,000 enplaned. With over 144 million bags enplaned since 2021, United has mishandled over 930,000 pieces of luggage, including 3,349 mobility vehicles. Despite being one of the largest US airlines, United faces a serious issue in managing luggage, particularly when flying to over 300 destinations globally. Passengers on United Airlines should take extra steps to ensure their bags are properly tagged, and consider carrying essential items in their carry-on luggage. With the holiday season rapidly approaching, luggage mishandling is expected to rise, and passengers may find themselves among the 0.87% of unlucky travellers whose bags go missing.

PSA Airlines and the Growing Luggage Mishandling Epidemic

PSA Airlines, ranked sixth, has mishandled 207,060 bags out of 34 million enplaned, resulting in a mishandling rate of 6.06 per 1,000 bags. Operating a fleet of 500 aircraft, PSA Airlines plays a significant role in the American Airlines network, flying to over 150 destinations. The airline’s mishandling of luggage is a growing concern, particularly for passengers relying on regional flights. In addition to luggage mishandling, PSA Airlines is also responsible for losing a notable number of mobility vehicles. As holiday travel increases, PSA Airlines passengers may face increased delays and potential mishandling of their checked baggage.

JetBlue Airways: Luggage Mishandling Continues Amidst Holiday Rush

JetBlue Airways, one of the largest low-cost carriers in the US, operates over 1,000 flights daily and has mishandled 251,388 pieces of luggage. With 44 million total bags enplaned, JetBlue has a mishandling rate of 5.67 per 1,000 bags. As the holiday season approaches, passengers flying with JetBlue should be prepared for the potential delays and losses that come with the airline’s substantial baggage mishandling numbers. JetBlue’s relatively high mishandling of mobility vehicles is especially concerning, and those with essential medical equipment may need to plan alternative solutions, such as carrying on important items.

Delta Airlines: Big Airline, Big Luggage Problems

Delta Airlines ranks eighth in mishandling with a rate of 5.10 per 1,000 bags enplaned. Despite the airline’s global reach and more than 217 million bags enplaned, it has mishandled over 1 million pieces of luggage. Delta’s mishandling issues, including the loss of mobility devices, continue to affect thousands of passengers. The holiday season is expected to exacerbate these challenges, and passengers flying with Delta should expect a slight chance that their baggage may be delayed or misplaced. It’s crucial to stay vigilant and consider travel insurance for added peace of mind.

Spirit Airlines: The Budget Airline with a Baggage Problem

Spirit Airlines, ranked tenth for luggage mishandling, has seen 185,610 pieces of luggage go missing out of 37 million enplaned, with a mishandling rate of 4.93 per 1,000 bags. While Spirit Airlines may offer budget-friendly fares, passengers should be aware of the risks associated with checking in luggage. With the holiday travel rush approaching, it’s advisable for Spirit Airlines passengers to carry essential items with them and opt for travel insurance. The airline’s mishandling of bags is a growing concern, and those flying Spirit Airlines may face significant baggage delays.

The Impact of Luggage Mishandling on the Holiday Season

As the busiest travel period of the year approaches, luggage mishandling continues to affect millions of holiday travellers. According to data, there is still a 0.87% chance that American Airlines will mishandle your luggage, and though this may seem like a small number, the cumulative effect is significant. Passengers can take several measures to protect themselves from baggage loss during the busy holiday season, including checking luggage insurance policies, packing essential items in carry-ons, and ensuring bags are properly tagged with contact information. Despite these precautions, the growing problem of luggage mishandling remains a major concern for airlines across the country.