Airports lose 'unacceptable' amount of bags

THE amount of luggage lost at airports was deemed "unacceptable" by EU Transport Commissioner Antonio Tajani yesterday.

Last year 32.8m bags were reported missing in transit around the world, with nearly five million "delayed" at Europe's airports alone, according to a commission survey.

Mr Tajani is calling for the latest technology to be used to keep track of passengers' bags and crack down on what he called a global phenomenon.

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The commissioner, speaking at a baggage handlers' conference in Rome, said: "For too long passengers' rights have been neglected when it comes to lost and damaged luggage, an issue which is a global phenomenon.

"This is unacceptable and, while the numbers are decreasing, it is still an issue that not only causes damage to the passenger but also to those in the industry such as airlines, national authorities and insurance companies.

"This is why I think we need to dramatically improve the current situation."

According to the European Passengers' Federation, one piece of luggage is reported missing for every 64 passengers.

Passengers whose luggage is lost often fight for months for compensation, averaging 950.

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