No Luggage Lost in 30 Years at Kansai International Airport

For most travellers, the fear of lost luggage is real. After a long-haul flight, the last thing you want is to be stranded at the airport without your suitcase. But what if we told you there’s an airport in Japan that has never lost a single bag in 30 years?

Kansai International Airport | John Edward Linden via Britannica Official Website

Welcome to Kansai International Airport—the airport that’s quietly making baggage mishandling a thing of the past. Located in Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city, this engineering marvel has earned global recognition for its flawless baggage handling system, making it a top choice for meticulous Filipino travellers.

Also read: 8 Japan Travel Tips Every Filipino Should Know in 2025

A world-class record that’s hard to beat

Since opening in September 1994, Kansai International Airport has handled millions of bags—10 million in 2023 alone—without ever losing one. In a world where even major airports in the U.S. lost about 3 million bags in 2023, Kansai’s record is nothing short of amazing. It’s no wonder the UK-based Skytrax has named it the best airport for baggage delivery eight times.

How does Kansai do it?

Kansai International Airport | 663highland via Wikimedia Commons

So, how does Japan’s Kansai Airport achieve what most airports can’t? The secret lies in their multi-layered baggage handling system. Every bag is carefully tracked at multiple stages, with staff consistently checking that the number of bags on arrival matches the count at departure. If there’s even a slight mismatch, staff will physically search the cargo hold, sorting room, or even the tarmac until the item is located.

This hands-on approach goes beyond technology. Staff follow a manual specific to each airline, ensuring consistency even with different protocols. Items that are delicate or damage-prone, such as musical instruments, are handed directly to passengers rather than sent through conveyor belts.

Most impressive of all? Kansai aims to have all bags on the conveyor within 15 minutes after landing—an operational goal many airports struggle to achieve even in off-peak hours.

Filipino travellers, take note

Image credit: 89Stocker via Canva Pro

If you’re a Pinoy traveller heading to Japan for cherry blossoms, Universal Studios Japan, or the vibrant food scene of Osaka, you’ll appreciate this level of reliability. No more anxiously waiting at baggage claim or filing reports for missing luggage. For those with balikbayan boxes, pasalubong, or camera gear, Kansai Airport’s luggage delivery system is the peace of mind you didn’t know you needed.

Also read: New Japan Visa Application Centres in the Philippines? What You Need to Know

The takeaway

Travelling to Japan? Consider booking a flight that lands at Kansai International Airport. With its unmatched reputation, efficient systems, and commitment to detail, it’s the ideal airport for any Filipino traveller who values both convenience and peace of mind.

From its perfect record in luggage delivery to its unique location in Osaka Bay, Kansai Airport proves that travel doesn't have to come with baggage drama. Sometimes, the journey does begin with a smooth landing—and a suitcase waiting just where it should be.