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!
The article states that baggage theft reports were up nearly 50% in 2009. With more security resources going toward monitoring cargo and reduced patrols thanks to cost-cutting, passenger baggage is more vulnerable than ever. What can you do? Here are some tips from the WSJ:
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.
That last bullet point highlights the reason UBrand came to being. After seeing someone nearly walk away with my own luggage, I knew there needed to be a more obvious alternative to baggage identification. Black luggage is popular because it is not trendy and hides dirt well, but its ubiquity makes it hard to spot in the airport's endless flow of luggage. I have seen for myself how ribbons and straps get caught in conveyor belts. I am going to send this reporter some UBrand labels to try for himself.
Read the article for yourself - Latest Airport Hassle: Carousel Crooks
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