Technology improving airline luggage handling

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

One of the biggest fears when you fly is getting to your destination without your stuff.

NewsCenter 7’s consumer reporter Rachel Murray reports today on how often it happens, and ways to avoid the problem altogether.

Lost luggage rates have dropped significantly since the peak in 2007 when 7.2 bags per 1,000 passengers were lost. The rate in 2015 was about 3.3 bags for every 1,000 passengers.

Airlines like Delta and American Airlines now let you use the web or a mobile app to track your checked bag. Delta offers 2,500 frequent flier miles to members if their bags are lost.

The overall improvements to baggage handling come after carriers spent millions of dollars to upgrade their systems.

Tug drivers now get real-time updates of gate changes so they can change their path and ensure that bags make their connection. Scanners allow bags to be tracked throughout the system, preventing a suitcase bound for Chicago from being loaded onto a plane to Detroit.

Gate agents have printers to help tag bags that are checked at the last minute because of full overhead bins. And, overall, fewer bags are being checked because of bag fees.

Experts says to avoid it you should get to the airline early to make sure your bag has time to get to the plane, and also print out a copy of your itinerary and put it inside your suitcase in case the tags get ripped off.

Full report starting at 5 p.m. on WHIO-TV. Watch live on the WHIO mobile app.

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