Here's another hassle to consider the next time you head through an
airport on to your next destination: Luggage theft. The Wall Street
Journal's Scott McCartney recently reported
that luggage theft is on the rise throughout the world. Case in point:
A Phoenix couple was recently found with 1,000 pieces of stolen luggage
and belongings
piled floor-to-ceiling in their home. They had been taking the bags
off carousels at the airport. And its not just everyday people
pilfering the baggage carousels. Several Portland, Oregon
baggage handlers were recently caught stealing items and posting them
for sale on Ebay...from an airline-owned computer no less!
Avoiding Baggage Theft
Baggage theft hits many travelers. Here's how to protect yourself:
- Never put anything of value in checked luggage. Airlines don't cover it. Small, easily pocketed items are most at risk, from jewelry and electronics down to battery chargers and golf balls.
- If you can't carry valuables onboard, ship them separately. With shipping companies, you can insure your valuables and get tracking information.
- Don't rely on luggage locks. They are easily broken or bypassed.
- If you do find something stolen, report it immediately to the airline, to the TSA and to local airport police.
- Mark your bag with colorful ribbon or straps (that won't get caught in conveyor belts) so it can be spotted easily on a crowded carousel. That lessens the chances someone else will walk off with it, intentionally or by accident.
Read the article for yourself - Latest Airport Hassle: Carousel Crooks
