Passengers are checking less luggage as a result of the ongoing trend for baggage fees from major carriers.
Statistics show a recent drop in the number of lost bags and passenger reports for missing bags were down almost 30 percent compared to 2007's figures, with 1.3 million fewer items of luggage recorded as missing in 2008.
Industry experts suggest that this is because passengers are checking fewer items and instead taking carry-on luggage on flights.
Aviation Consultant Robert Mann told The Chicago Tribune: "The fewer bags you check, the fewer bags you lose."
Several of the major airlines, including United and American Airlines, announced charges for checked bags last year. Passengers now have to pay in the region of $15 to check a bag or can instead take a carry-on bag free of charge.
American Airlines saw a 26 percent improvement in lost baggage claims during 2008, with 150,000 fewer reports.
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