Lost luggage reaches record levels

The number of people reporting their baggage missing has reached record levels, according to travel insurance organisation Touring. In the first six weeks of the holiday period this year it received 405 reports of lost luggage, up 11% on last year. Over the past five years, the number of reports has increased 73%.

Thefts account for 48% of reports, with the rest is down to baggage going astray in hotels, airports or on the road.

One reason for the trend is simply the increasing number of people travelling, Touring says. However airports are increasingly busy, with short transit times between flights and stricter security controls on luggage also contributing to the confusion. Finally, some travellers simply don’t pay enough attention to their baggage.

“People are generally less attentive when they are on holiday than in daily life,” the organisation says in a widely reported story. It reminds travellers that they should keep an eye on their luggage at all times, and to ensure that it is clearly labelled.