Of Course, MIA Was Named Worst in the World for Lost Luggage

Roses are red,
It's been a year since that sad-looking pizza looked like total rubbish,
Miami International Airport was just named the worst in the world for lost luggage.

Adding to its seemingly never-ending list of operational woes (see: here, here, and here), a new study has crowned Miami International Airport (MIA) the worst in the entire globe for handling baggage. According to an analysis from Arka, a California-based shipping packaging company, the airport loses roughly 306 bags for every million flights, or 5.5 bags per 1,000 passengers.

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) came in second on Arka's list, while Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) placed third, and Denver International Airport (DIA) fourth, according to the analysis.

Arka's study examined passenger volume and online searches for "lost and found services" and adjusted search data to reflect searches per million passengers to "ensure fair comparisons between airports," according to Travel + Leisure.

“Losing luggage can quickly turn a trip upside down, and some airports clearly struggle more than others when it comes to baggage handling," an Arka spokesperson said. "It's important for travelers to be aware of where these challenges exist, so they can plan accordingly and take extra precautions."
MIA stands as the top U.S. hub for air travel connecting Latin America and the Caribbean. In 2024, it served a record 56 million passengers — up from 52 million in 2023.

In a February press release, Miami-Dade County said that MIA continues to be the "fastest-growing mega airport" in the U.S. since the COVID-19 pandemic, with its airline seat capacity up 24 percent in 2024 compared to 2019.

The airport, which is currently undergoing a $9 billion makeover that includes terminal redesigns, walkway repairs, and a new Concourse K with additional gates, is no stranger to "worst of" lists.

It was previously named the worst airport in the country for early-morning flight takeoffs and Thanksgiving travel, and among the worst for flight connections.

Global Traveler magazine also recently ranked MIA the best airport for layovers — which, of course, absolutely nobody bought, calling the designation a "joke" and MIA a "third-world country airport."