This Popular Florida Airport Earned Its Title As The Worst In The World For Losing Luggage

Florida is known as the "cruise capital of the world" and as a bustling gateway to the Caribbean and Latin America. But it has also recently earned an unenviable title. A survey by shipping and logistics specialist Arka, cited by Nine News, analyzed data to identify which airports are the most prone to baggage mishaps — and Miami International Airport (MIA) is being labeled as the worst airport in the world for losing luggage.

The magic of Florida begins the moment you step off the plane, with the warm, humid air carrying the promise of sun-drenched beaches, vibrant nightlife, and unforgettable family memories. What you are not expecting on arrival is for the airport code MIA to stand for "missing in action" — as in your bags are nowhere to be seen. According to the survey, MIA loses 5.5 bags for every 1,000 passengers, which may not seem like such a large number until you realize the airport handles 152,000 passengers daily, so that represents over 800 bags going bye-bye on any given day.

These statistics hit differently the moment the conveyor belt is empty and you realize you are one of those numbers. Your mind starts to race. Do you have enough essentials in your carry-on? Did you have anything valuable in the missing bag? Did you remember to take a photo of your suitcase and its contents before you left? Is the bag just delayed, or is it gone forever? And inevitably: Why me? It may be a small comfort to know that you are not alone.

The airport's layout, after decades of piecemeal expansion trying to catch up with explosive growth, is a labyrinth. Newcomers and frequent fliers alike recount tales of confusing signage, long, circuitous walks between gates, and a general sense of bewilderment where connecting flights feel like a cross-country hike.

While the airport has invested in modernization efforts, the sheer volume of travelers can quickly overwhelm the system. Miami-Dade County said in a press release in early 2025 that MIA is the fastest growing major airport in the U.S., and that in 2024 the airport broke records for the third consecutive year with a 6.8% surge in passenger traffic to 56 million, plus 3 million tons of cargo handled.

The airport's management is not oblivious to its reputation. A $9 billion capital improvement program dubbed MIA's Future-Ready Modernization in Action Plan is underway, aiming to modernize facilities, expand concourses, and improve the overall passenger experience, according to a press release.The future-proofing exercise will prepare MIA to handle 77 million passengers and 4 million tons of cargo by 2040. In the meantime, however, passengers just have to grapple with the grittier side of global travel.

The best guarantee to keep your belongings with you is packing light so you can travel in style — carry-on only. Avoiding checking your luggage is not just for the risk of losing your belongings, but also for the fact that you will have to physically lug that suitcase for the duration of your trip. If you absolutely must check a bag, always make sure you have a carry-on that includes a change of underwear, an outfit, basic toiletries, and any important documents. Be mindful when you are packing your suitcase that this could be the last time you see anything you put in there, so consider leaving anything at home that may have a high sentimental or monetary value. Remember to remove any old tags or stickers that may confuse the automatic scanners. 

Allowing plenty of time is key to navigate any busy airport without losing your mind. Checking in early improves the chances that your bag will make it on your flight, so it's best to figure out how early you need to get to the airport – and in the case of notorious airports like Miami, tag on an additional time buffer. The same applies if you are connecting to an ongoing destination: Try to pick a flight with extra layover time if you can — it'll be worth the wait just for a chance to enjoy a Cuban cortadito coffee and a guava pastelito treat at the legendary Café Versailles at Miami Airport.

Another important tip is to prepare just in case your luggage does get lost. One simple idea is to add a clear label with your information both on the outside and the inside of your suitcase. A better solution is to throw in one of those electronic GPS tags that tracks its location. You can also secure your luggage with TSA-approved suitcase locks. In general, think of your suitcase as your travel sidekick — trusty when prepared, but never to be completely relied upon.