Unfortunately, theft on airplanes happens. Fellow passengers and airline employees have all been implicated in onboard theft.
It is hard to say how large of a problem theft is because airlines do not report it, wanting to avoid the negative publicity.
Many travels may not realize something is missing until they get to their hotel or return home.
If the theft was financial like a fraudulent charge to your credit card you might not realize anything is wrong until you receive your next statement or log into your account to check your balance.
To avoid being a victim of theft, take precautions to protect your belongings.
Secure Bags with TSA Approved Luggage Locks
Purchase enough TSA approved luggage locks to secure all your bags. TSA approved luggage locks are locks that secure luggage while permitting security authorities to unlock and inspect your bags.
Place Carry-on Bags Upside Down Zipper Facing Inward
Board the plane early so that you can get an overhead bin near your seat where you can keep an eye on your things. Place your carry-on bag upside down with the front of the bag facing inward when storing them in the overheard compartment. This makes it much harder for someone to rifle through the bag.
Personal Items
Aside from your carry-on bag, airlines also allow for a personal item bag to be taken on-board. Most carriers require that they fit beneath the seat in front of you. Place the bag so that any pockets or compartments are facing toward you and not toward the front of the plane where the person sitting in the seat in front of you can access the bag.
Pack Securely
When packing items in your bags don’t put anything valuable in bags you intend to check and don’t put anything of value in the outside pockets or compartments. Instead purchase an anti-theft crossover bag or anti-theft belt bag that you keep on your body. The airlines are experiencing a record number of lost, stolen and misplaced luggage. Don’t take a chance that your valuables will not make it to your destination.
Uniquely Identify Your Luggage
Many bags look similar, and thieves often use the excuse that they thought the bag was theirs. Attach a tag to each bag with your contact information. Also attach something to your bags so that they are easily identifiable, this saves time in baggage lines helping you to spot your bags quickly and also makes them easy to recognize if a thief has your bag. Some things you can use are a scarf or ribbon,
Apple Air Tags & Samsung Smart Tags
These are great for tracking your belongings. Attach them to your valuable items and put one in each bag. You can use an app on your smartphone to track anything that is missing.
Portable Motion Alarm
Many passengers sleep, read or are otherwise distracted during a flight. You might purchase a portable motion alarm and attach it to your carry-on bags. These will alert you with a sound if the bag is tampered with.
Stay With Your Bags During Security Checks
Walk through security lines with your luggage. Your bag may clear the X-ray scanner before you are finished going through the metal detector. Keep your bag with you until you are ready to walk through the metal detector and release your bag just then.
Take Only What You Need
Don’t travel with valuables you don’t need. Tech items, handbags, jewelry, watches and other expensive items are prime targets for thieves.
Purses & Wallets
Don’t carry your wallet in your back pocket or your purse over your shoulder where a thief can easily grab them. Instead carry a crossover or belt bag like I described earlier.
Coats & Suit Jackets
If you take a coat or jacket don’t keep valuables in the pockets and don’t hang it over the back of your seat where the person behind you can get into the pockets, keep it on your lap or next to you if you are not wearing it.
Don’t Leave Possessions Unattended
If you leave your seat during the flight, make sure a travel companion keeps an eye on your belongings. If you are traveling alone take anything valuable with you.
Items To Keep with You at All Times
I recommend packing everything in one carry-on bag and a personal items bag. Both can be kept with you while on the plane. Doing this will ensure that no bags are lost, and you will have everything you need when you arrive at your destination.
If you must check bags, there are some things you should not pack in your luggage. Your smartphone, important travel documents and identification, credit cards and other forms of payment you are taking along, medications and your travel itinerary. If your bags are lost or stolen, you will still have those important items with you. Without them you would not be able to make a call, identify yourself, pay for a room, car rental and other necessities or take your medication.
See my article on How to Pack Everything in One Carry-on Bag
And my article on How to Keep your Documents Safe While Traveling
What to do if you are the Victim of Theft
Before leaving on your trip create an inventory list and take photos of the items you pack. You will need this if anything is lost or stolen.
Even if you are careful theft can still occur. If something turns up missing during a flight notify the flight attendant immediately. Ask her what steps you need to take to file a claim with the airline. Be sure to file a written report and get a copy for your records.
Review the airlines laws and regulations. Each airline is different, but they may be liable for certain losses.
File a police report and get a copy of the report for your records.
If you have travel insurance file a claim with your insurance company.
Contact your homeowners or rental insurance company. Some insurance plans will cover losses and theft when traveling.
Contact your credit card company. Some cover theft of carry-on bags and other items.
Check the airports lost and found department. Something may have been lost and not stolen.
If your credit or debit card, driver’s license, or any other personal document was stolen report the loss immediately to each institution. If you have not already frozen your credit with the three major credit bureaus, Equifax, Transunion and Experian call or visit their website to place a security freeze. Freezing your credit can prevent identity and financial theft. You can also freeze your credit with two lesser-known credit bureaus, Innovis and National Consumer Telecom & Utilities Exchange.
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