British Airways has been forced to apologise for its record on lost luggage last year. The airline was the worst performer of the 24 members of the Association of European Airlines which as a group mishandled more than 5.6 million bags in 2006.

Eighty-five percent of mishandled bags are returned to their passengers within forty-eight hours, however, some are never returned.

The Air Transport Users Council is calling for a ‘name and shame’ league table to identify the worst offending airlines in the hope that it will encourage airlines to improve baggage handling.

For a light-hearted look at the lost luggage lottery check out this photo spotted on the blogontravel blog: http://www.blogontravel.com/excellent-ambient-marketing-at-venice-airport/

On a more serious note, check out the lost luggage guide at Gatwick Information airport guide for further information.