No problem. We can handle an increase in checked baggage.

That's what all the airlines said when the Transportation Security Administration instituted its liquid and gel ban late this summer.

Nope. Lost luggage numbers spiked in August according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Is anyone surprised?

With the new rules allowing small, travel-sized toiletries in carry-on bags, however, we can all go back to keeping our luggage with us.