Techie takes revenge: Launches website to expose airlines after girlfriend's lost luggage

After a frustrating experience involving a lost suitcase, entrepreneur Pieter Levels has unveiled a novel website aimed at ranking airlines based on their track record with lost luggage. Named luggagelosers.com, the site provides real-time data on airlines' luggage loss rates, offering travelers insights to potentially avoid mishaps.

The motivation behind this initiative stemmed from a recent incident where Vueling Airlines misplaced Levels' girlfriend's suitcase during a flight from Lisbon to Barcelona. Despite assurances, the luggage ended up in Austin, Texas, leaving the couple stranded without their belongings for several days.

"I created this because Vueling lost my girlfriend's suitcase two weeks ago and it still hasn’t been returned," Levels expressed on social media, reflecting on the frustration that sparked the idea for the website.

Real-Time Data and Methodology

Using automated tools that scour the internet for reports and complaints, luggagelosers.com aggregates data in over 100 languages to compile its rankings. These rankings are not solely based on social media but also account for the airline's size, including flight volume and fleet size, to provide a more nuanced evaluation.


According to the website, Air India currently ranks highest for lost luggage incidents, followed closely by Aer Lingus, WestJet Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, and SpiceJet. Conversely, Japan's All Nippon Airways leads with the lowest reported rates of lost baggage, with LATAM Brazil and Alaska Airlines also performing well.

"It’s a live ranking of airlines by how much luggage they are losing right now," Levels explained, emphasizing the real-time nature of the data.

The initiative has gained attention for shedding light on a typically opaque aspect of airline service. Unlike many industries, airlines do not routinely disclose their lost luggage statistics, leaving consumers reliant on anecdotal evidence and online forums for information.

While the website aims to empower travelers with information to make informed decisions, it also serves as a catalyst for improvement within the airline industry. Levels hopes that by highlighting these issues, airlines will prioritize improvements in their baggage handling processes, ultimately benefiting passengers worldwide.

The launch of luggagelosers.com displays a growing trend towards transparency in consumer advocacy, where digital platforms enable individuals to hold industries accountable for their service standards.