UK airport where you're most likely to lose your luggage is named

New findings suggests that while losing your luggage is incredibly rare, the risk is not evenly spread(Image: Getty Images)

For the unlucky few who have lost their luggage, checking in a bag will always feel like a gamble. But a new analysis has revealed that it’s not all up to luck, and that some UK airports are more likely than others to lose your luggage. From missed transfers to mishandled bags during busy travel periods, there are several reasons your suitcase might not make it to your final destination.

But playcasino.com, has revealed the predicted odds of your bag going missing for the UK’s major airports. The odds are based on official complaint figures from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) between 2017 and 2021.

Piles of Lost unclaimed luggage at airport

Smaller airports had fewer complaints but were not necessarily less likely to lose luggage(Image: Getty Images)

These complaints only cover serious cases of unresolved luggage - bags that were never returned to passengers. The complaints were combined with passenger traffic data from each airport, various seasonal factors, known luggage-handling bottlenecks and considerations of each airport (including number of carriers, transfers, flight volumes).

Unsurprisingly, two of the UK’s largest hubs, Heathrow and Gatwick, had the most complaints overall. But when the number of passengers is factored in, they are not actually the worst rated.

Smaller airports like Birmingham had fewer complaints overall - but far fewer travellers too, meaning the per-flight risk is significantly higher than at Heathrow or Stansted. Meanwhile, regional airports like Edinburgh and Stansted offer the safest odds of your bag arriving with you.

The analysis suggests that while lost luggage is incredibly rare, the risk is not evenly spread. If you're flying from Birmingham, the odds that your luggage will be lost are more than 15 times higher than if you're flying from Stansted.

Even Gatwick, a major international hub, carries greater odds than Heathrow - likely due to tighter transfer windows and a more complex mix of short and long-haul routes.

If you want to better your odds of meeting your luggage at your final stop, there are a few things you can do. For one labelling your luggage and ensuring your luggage tag is placed securely and visibly is a must. Another tip is to avoid tight connections when possible, especially through major hubs.

Passengers wait in the check-in area of Gatwick Airport

London Gatwick was the airport with the second-highest odds of losing passenger luggage, according to the analysis(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

That said, the odds of losing your luggage are never completely zero - though it’s important to note they are quite low. One thing you can do if you’re still nervous of the risk is to ensure you pack all essentials, including travel documents, medications, and jewelry in your personal item or carry-on luggage.

Birmingham (BHX) 0.00093%1 in 107,5002
London Gatwick (LGW) 0.00081%1 in 123,5003
Manchester (MAN) 0.00056%1 in 178,6004
London Heathrow (LHR) 0.00050%1 in 200,0005
Bristol (BRS) 0.00014%1 in 714,3006
London Luton (LTN) 0.00011%1 in 909,1007
Edinburgh (EDI) 0.00010%1 in 1,000,0008
London Stansted (STN) 0.00008%1 in 1,250,000