Source: U.S. Department of Transportation

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation

During the first half of 2014, U.S. airlines mishandled a higher rate of checked bags per domestic passenger than a year ago, according to the latest U.S. Department of Transportation report. The comparison between the average rate of mishandled bags per 1,000 passengers, based on the DOT’s report released this month:

  • January – June 2014: 3.86 bags per 1,000 passengers
  • January – June 2013: 3.22 bags per 1,000 passengers

That’s down from the recent peak of 7.03 mishandled bags per 1,000 passengers in 2007, according to this Wall Street Journal graphic from June.

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The rate of mishandled bags by airline varies widely, the figures show. Virgin America had the lowest rate during the first half of the year (see chart above) and Envoy (formerly American Eagle Airlines) had the highest – the same rankings as a year ago.

Readers: How often do you check bags when flying domestically anymore?