Have you ever abandoned your luggage?

Rising fees and stricter airline rules could make this a global problem

Air travelers are leaving behind hundreds of suitcases at airports and hotels every month in Japan. Now, there are concerns this problem could spread to the rest of the world.

For example, Narita Airport in Tokyo stores dozens of unclaimed bags every day, and many are never retrieved. Kansai airport in Osaka and Chubu airport in Nagoya have reported similar pile-ups.

The reasons? Airlines’ stricter limits on checked and carry-on luggage, the high cost of disposal, and travelers who buy bigger bags to haul souvenirs home — then ditch their old ones.

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