Most bags is "lost" (delayed is the proper term) when the incoming aircraft is delayed, for any reason, and the remaining time is too short to unload it, sort it, (screen it), deliver it to the connecting flight in time. The connecting aircraft normally won't wait, unless there's substansial amount of bagggage. Delays cost moneyt. Baggage handlers have to prioritize by the number of bags that will "make it". Ofcourse, staffing levels etc. plays a big part in this.
The delayed ('lost') baggage is then moved to an area where it will be retagged for a later connection - this could be a direct flight to the destination, or be routed via up to (normally) two other airports, depending on the availability of flights. Sometimes it'll have to wait for the next day.
Normally, the baggage tag is registered with a "now onboard" message in a worldwide system called Worldtracer, which essentially is a huge Oracle database in Atlanta, with a rudimentary terminal input. If it's not (lack of training? lack of time?), then, no, the airline does not know where the bag is.
The delayed ('lost') baggage is then moved to an area where it will be retagged for a later connection - this could be a direct flight to the destination, or be routed via up to (normally) two other airports, depending on the availability of flights. Sometimes it'll have to wait for the next day.
Normally, the baggage tag is registered with a "now onboard" message in a worldwide system called Worldtracer, which essentially is a huge Oracle database in Atlanta, with a rudimentary terminal input. If it's not (lack of training? lack of time?), then, no, the airline does not know where the bag is.
And RFID won't fix it.