Denver International Airport’s Baggage Claim Ranked Among Most “Lawless” in the U.S.
Travelers passing through Denver International Airport (DIA) might want to keep a closer eye on their suitcases—especially at baggage claim. According to a new report from AirAdvisor.com, DIA ranks among the top ten U.S. airports for luggage loss and theft, based on Google search data and traveler complaints.
The airport, which set records in 2024 with over 82 million travelers and 730 tons of cargo, is one of the busiest in the world. And with that much activity comes a heightened risk of something going wrong—especially when it comes to retrieving checked bags. On average, it takes a passenger about 23 minutes to walk from their arrival gate to the baggage claim area at DIA. In that time, your bag may already be circling the carousel or left unattended, making it vulnerable to theft or confusion.
AirAdvisor found that DIA had approximately 5,800 Google searches related to lost luggage, placing it just behind major hubs like LAX, JFK, and Chicago O’Hare. The worst offender? Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, which had nearly 17,000 searches regarding lost baggage. While Denver didn’t top the list, its inclusion among the top ten should raise concern for frequent flyers and vacationers alike.
With limited oversight in baggage claim areas and the sheer volume of passengers coming and going, DIA’s chaotic luggage pickup has earned a reputation among travelers as a kind of “wild west.” As summer travel ramps up, experts advise using AirTags or similar tracking devices, labeling your bags clearly, and getting to the carousel quickly after landing. Because in Denver’s baggage claim, your luggage might land safely—but it doesn’t mean it’ll wait for you.
