According to newly released US government statistics, lost or mishandled bags increased by nearly 25 percent in August as airlines struggled to handle an increase in checked luggage after authorities banned most liquids and gels from passenger cabins. At United Airlines, mishandled bags jumped from 5.4 per 1,000 passengers in July to 9 in August, a 66 percent increase, according to statistics tracked by the Department of Transportation. Overall mishandled bags jumped from 6.5 per 1,000 passengers in July to 8.08 in August. On Aug. 10, U.S. security officials banned most liquids and gels from the passenger cabins of aircraft, resulting in a 20 percent increase in checked baggage. At the end of September, US officials revised the ban, allowing passengers to carry-on small toiletries in a clear plastic bag.