Thanksgiving Travel: Which Airlines Mishandle the Most Bags and How to Protect Yours

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Nov. 3, 2026 — As millions of Americans prepare to travel this Thanksgiving, the focus may be on reaching their destination, but what happens to their luggage along the way matters, too.

Squaremouth, the nation's leading travel insurance marketplace, analyzed 2025 U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) data to identify which airlines had the highest and lowest mishandled baggage rates.

The Worst Airlines for Baggage Handling

• United Airlines Network: 0.72%
• American Airlines Network: 0.66%
• Hawaiian Airlines: 0.54%

The Best Airlines for Baggage Handling

• Allegiant Air: 0.09%
• JetBlue Airways: 0.31%
• Southwest Airlines: 0.38%

These rates represent the number of mishandled bags per 100 checked bags loaded onto flights.

With the holiday travel season approaching, these findings offer a timely reminder for travelers to take precautions when checking their bags and understand their options if their luggage is delayed, lost, or damaged.

How to Protect Your Bags This Thanksgiving
Chrissy Valdez, Senior Director of Operations at Squaremouth, recommends the following precautions for travelers:

• Keep essentials in your carry-on, like medications, valuables, and important documents.
• Take photos of your luggage and belongings before your trip.
• File a report with your airline immediately if your bag is delayed, lost, or damaged.
• Keep documentation of incident reports and receipts for expenses from luggage issues.

How Travel Insurance Can Help
Airlines have their own baggage policies, but their remedies may not cover every expense travelers face when luggage is delayed, lost, or damaged. Travel insurance can provide an additional layer of financial protection.

• Baggage Delay: May reimburse essential purchases while waiting for delayed luggage.
• Baggage Loss: May cover eligible belongings that are lost or stolen.
• Baggage Damage: May cover eligible items damaged in transit.

For more tips on protecting your belongings and to see the full airline rankings, visit Squaremouth's guide to the best and worst airlines for luggage handling.

About Squaremouth
For over 20 years, Squaremouth has helped more than 4.7 million travelers quote, compare, and purchase travel insurance online. Renowned for award-winning customer service, transparency, and an unbiased approach, Squaremouth has led travel insurance comparison since 2003. As America's largest travel insurance marketplace, Squaremouth.com features more providers and plans than any other platform. 

Contact
Lauren McCormick
Manager of Public Relations
[email protected]

SOURCE Squaremouth