My friend Lee lost her gift set, which is a box of expensive makeup and electronics, from her checked baggage the first time she returned from Bangkok.
I sincerely hope this has never happened to you, but missing valuables are a common issue, especially on international flights.
In this post, I’ll tell you what to do if valuable items go missing from your checked bag and how to prevent it from happening. I’ll also share what you can do if your items get damaged or stolen.
Let’s get started with some useful tips.
TL;DR
Theft from checked baggage is rare, but it can happen.
Make sure to never pack expensive items like jewelry, cash, electronics, or medications in your checked bag.
Use a TSA-approved lock to help protect your luggage.
Check your bag and its contents before leaving the airport.
If your bag was inspected by the TSA, look for a baggage inspection notice inside.
Report missing or damaged items to your airline or the TSA as soon as possible.
Take photos of your luggage and its contents before your flight to help support any claim.
Always keep valuable items in your carry-on is the best way to avoid theft.
Never pack expensive items in your checked bag / Photo by Monstera on Pexels.com
Can Anyone Just Steal Your Items From Your Checked baggage?
Airport baggage procedures are a bit complicated, and checked bags go through a long process before they reach the airplane cargo hold.
No matter what airline you are flying, checked bags are x-rayed, searched, and sometimes manually inspected to ensure they do not contain any prohibited items before they are handed over to the luggage handlers, who sort each bag onto the correct flight.
During this process, not just anyone can touch your bag.
Only security officers and luggage handlers have access to your suitcase.
Security officers will confiscate an item if they consider it a possible security concern, or they may accidentally place it in the wrong bag because of the limited time they have.
Even so, there are rare cases where an irresponsible officer may act against the law and intentionally take an item from a passenger’s bag (though this is certainly not the norm).
Some irresponsible ramp workers and luggage handlers also may act against their duties, but this is uncommon because they usually don’t have enough time to open a bag, and airports have surveillance cameras throughout baggage handling areas.
However, it still happens occasionally, like in the Miami International Airport case where hidden cameras caught ramp workers stealing items from suitcases.
How Often Are Items Stolen From Checked Bags?
Honestly, missing items in checked baggage are not something that happens all the time.
However, on long international flights, it can happen more often because dishonest employees may assume passengers are traveling far away and seize the opportunity.
Jewelry and watches are among the most commonly stolen items, so it’s best to never leave expensive valuables inside your checked bag.
The TSA in the United States already warns travelers: “Do not place jewelry, cash, electronics, medications, or fragile items in your checked baggage.”
What To Do If Your Items Are Missing In Your Checked Baggage?
Whenever you collect your bag from baggage claim, check whether it was opened by security officers or someone else.
Take a quick look inside your bag to make sure everything is intact, especially if you suspect it was opened during security screening.
If the TSA searched your bag, they will leave a baggage inspection notice inside.
Here is an example.
The TSA notice inside checked baggage
If you discover that an item is missing or damaged and there is a TSA notice inside, you can file a missing item complaint with the TSA and also submit a claim to your airline.
This procedure applies to both carry-on and checked baggage. If a security officer damages or mishandles any item, you should file a claim.
On the other hand, if there is no notice inside the bag, do not leave the airport before reporting the missing item and submitting a claim to your airline. They will do their best to investigate and locate your belongings.
Airports have security cameras installed throughout the baggage handling areas, so they can review the footage to determine what happened to your bag.
According to a 2018 study published in Security Journal, luggage theft does occur at airports, and researchers found that smaller U.S. airports experienced higher theft rates from checked baggage than larger airports.
Will You Get Reimbursed For Stolen Items?
It depends on the item.
The amount of compensation you’re entitled to depends on both the item and the airline’s policy.
Most airlines state that they are not liable for the loss or damage of expensive or valuable items packed in checked baggage.
For example, airlines or the TSA are unlikely to compensate you for a $2,000 watch.
Even if you file a claim with the TSA or your airline, the process can be lengthy, and it may take up to six months for your claim to be fully investigated and for you to receive a response.
Here are some of the items that most airlines will not reimburse if they are packed in checked baggage:
1. Travel With Carry-On Luggage Instead of Checked Baggage
In the digital age, the best way to prevent theft of your valuable items is to travel with carry-on luggage only.
This allows you to keep your belongings with you at all times. There are also many other benefits to traveling light. Travel Fashion Girl highlights many of them in this post.
2. Keep Your Valuables With You
If you need to check a bag, don’t pack any valuable or expensive items inside it.
If your carry-on bag is gate-checked at the airport, you can still remove your valuables and keep them in your personal item.
You can also leave unnecessary valuables at home. Many of us end up traveling with expensive items that we don’t actually need.
3. Lock Your Baggage
Using a high-security lock helps keep your bag secure and prevents it from being opened by unauthorized people, but you should choose a TSA-friendly lock.
Security officers may need to inspect your bag if they cannot identify some of its contents.
Using a TSA-approved lock, which works with the TSA’s universal locking system, allows officers to inspect your bag without damaging the lock.
If you don’t use a TSA-approved lock, you risk having it cut off during inspection.
If you don’t have a TSA lock, or simply don’t want to use one, you can use a zip tie instead. This provides a basic level of security without risking an expensive lock if your bag needs to be opened.
4. Take a Photo of Your Luggage and Its Contents
Before locking your bag and handing it over to the airline, take a few photos of both the outside and inside of your luggage.
These photos can serve as valuable evidence if an item goes missing or your luggage is damaged.
You can also hide an AirTag inside your bag so you can easily track its location, even if the airline cannot.
Final Thoughts
In theory, something like this shouldn’t happen, but it’s always worth taking precautions.
Luggage theft is relatively uncommon, and most travelers never experience it, although it does happen from time to time.
By taking a few simple precautions, you can greatly reduce the risk of losing valuables from your checked baggage.
Keep all expensive items with you in your carry-on, use a TSA-approved lock on your checked bag, and if you suspect your bag has been opened, make sure you check that everything is still inside before leaving the airport.
Happy travels
I hope this helps
FAQ: Items Stolen From Checked Bags
Frequently Asked Questions About Items Stolen From Checked Bags
How common is theft from checked baggage?
Theft from checked baggage can happen but it is rare. Most checked bags arrive without any problems, but it’s still a good idea to keep your valuables in your carry-on.
What items are most commonly stolen from checked luggage?
Small, valuable items like jewelry, watches, electronics, cash, and prescription medications are the most common items that are stollen.
Can TSA officers steal from checked luggage?
It’s very rare. If the TSA opens your bag for inspection, they usually leave a baggage inspection notice inside. If you think something is missing, you can file a claim with the TSA.
Can baggage handlers steal from checked luggage?
It can happen, but it’s uncommon. Most airports monitor baggage handling areas with security cameras, and reports of theft are investigated.
Which bags are more likely to be targeted by thieves?
Bags that look expensive or have luxury brand tags may attract more attention. A plain suitcase with a TSA-approved lock is often a better choice.
Are international flights more likely to have luggage theft?
Not necessarily. International trips usually involve more baggage handling, which means there are simply more chances for bags to be opened or delayed.
Do TSA-approved locks prevent luggage theft?
Most locks will not guarantee that your bag won’t be opened. TSA locks mainly allow security officers to inspect your bag without cutting the lock, but they also can discourage luggage handlers form opening the bag.
Should you report missing items before leaving the airport?
If you notice something is missing, report it to your airline before leaving the airport. It’s much easier to investigate while you’re still there.
Gargie, is writer, traveler & a digital marketing specialist
passionate about traveling and exploring new cultures. She is a savvy traveler who likes to pack light, testing various luggage brands and seeking out budget-friendly airline options. Gargie enjoys creating unique recipes when she’s not on the go.
