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Five ways to keep your luggage safe through the airport
One of the biggest concerns expressed by first time flyers is in regards to luggage safety. Where does my luggage go after I check it at the counter? Who will handle it? Who will look through it? Will it even be on my flight?Using a luggage lock can add an extra layer of security, but it wont prevent the TSA from looking inside. They're specifically allowed to remove the locks from any bag that they want to search, so unless you have a TSA approved device it's going to get cut off. Why get a lock if the TSA can simply remove it at free will? Because it prevents access to other people (baggage handlers, ticket agents, etc) in the chain of operation. It's also a deterrent to anyone who sees your bag on the arrivals carousel at your destination airport.
Speaking of the arrivals carousel, there's no riskier place for your luggage to sit, so make sure you get to the beltway as soon as you can after your flight arrives -- any random straggler can pick up your bags and wander off if they're not picked up immediately.
To that end, make sure that your bags have distinctive features with which you can track them. We're not saying that you have to get a hot pink leopard print roll-aboard, but a colored sash or a unique baggage tag will help you identify your bag on the carousel, in a thief's hands or to a wayward airline agent.
Another piece of data that will help keep track of your luggage is the baggage receipt. When the ticket agent at the departure airport prints out the sticker that will be attached to your bag, he or she will also print out a receipt that will often be attached to your boarding pass (or its jacket.) Hold onto this -- airline representatives can use it to track your bag.While you're in the process of filing away your receipt at the ticket counter, by the way, make sure to look over the shoulder of the ticket agent to check the destination of your bag. It should be printed in large characters next to the bar code. Hint: if it says SJO and your actual destination is SJU, ask the agent to double check the route.
Naturally, many of these tips are rendered null if you opt to carry on your bags. In addition to saving a load of extra fees, your bags will travel by your side for the entire duration of your trip, drastically reducing any risk involved and saving a little bit of time to boot.
Either way, it's important to remember that baggage loss or theft happens to a minuscule volume of air travelers, less than 8 in 1000 on average. Keep those statistics in mind and use the above security tips, and at the very least, your mind will be more at ease.
Naturally, many of these tips are rendered null if you opt to carry on your bags. In addition to saving a load of extra fees, your bags will travel by your side for the entire duration of your trip, drastically reducing any risk involved and saving a little bit of time to boot.
Either way, it's important to remember that baggage loss or theft happens to a minuscule volume of air travelers, less than 8 in 1000 on average. Keep those statistics in mind and use the above security tips, and at the very least, your mind will be more at ease.
Gallery: 10 of the worst luggage incidents in the world
Filed under: Airlines, Transportation, Airports, Budget Travel
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
crister Mar 22nd 2010 3:42PM
i remember reading on lifehacker.com a few weeks back about one way to to keep your bags safe was to buy a cheap starter gun and speak to the first agent you can at the airport declaring that you have a weapon in your suitcase as starter guns are classified as weapons and don't require a permit. i can't recall the post exactly, but apparently this trick works for a lot of people and those who travel with expensive equipment like video and sports stuff that they can't carry on the plane with them. you get a ticket from the agent and so on.
Scott Carmichael Mar 25th 2010 4:43PM
This sounds like "fun" on paper (or on a blog), but in reality, it is a pain in the ass.
For starters, you need to go through the process every single time you check a bag, and there are places where you won't be allowed to carry the bag (like the local bar or restaurant).
Plus, history has taught us that the baggage handlers don't care what they steal - and they have stolen guns in the past. So, perhaps your "gun inside" bag might actually get more attention than it would if you just checked a cheap generic bag.
Malaycobra Mar 22nd 2010 11:23PM
I don't bother to lock my bags anymore, as even the TSA ones never seem to come back. It seems they very rarely bother to lock back up.
You're better off using zip ties or key chain rings. Easy to cut, but keeps wandering fingers out of your bag. They are also very cheap.
Me? If some minor league thief wants to sort through my sweaty shorts, good luck to him. I never put anything more valuable than a toothbrush in my checked baggage.
To the poster above, make sure you're not traveling to a gun hating airport in NYC. You're likely to find the cops waiting for you.
thiefhunter Mar 23rd 2010 12:27AM
Good advice! I'd also suggest a tight belt around most any suitcase. I've seen countless "exploded" bags on the carousel. Not a pretty picture. I'm very much for hard-sided luggage: http://bobarno.com/thiefhunters/2008/10/luggage/
Nate678 Apr 13th 2010 2:30PM
Yeah, I had my bag "explode" on my trip to spring break this past year. I didn't have a TSA lock, but I figured my bag would at least stay zipped shut. Of course after one more round with the Airport crew it broke right open and I ended up losing a couple things in my suitcase! It's ridiculous how unaccountable airlines are for some of the damage that they cause.
Based on some of the comments here, I think I'm going to try and go a different direction than TSA locks the next time I travel. I did find these things called Luggage Huggers that seem like they could do the trick. And I don't think I'll be misidentifying my luggage with one of these on either!
Dano Mar 25th 2010 2:11PM
I remember when they actually had people at the baggage claim exit checking your baggage receipts with the ones on your bags so as to prevent this kind of theft. But inexplicably, the airlines stopped doing that. Just like all the automation that's going on everywhere, more people put out of work and we're wondering why unemployment is so high. Seems to me that would be a whole lot cheaper anyway since it would reduce all the lawsuits and inflated insurance claims by people who have had luggage stolen...
Phred Mar 25th 2010 3:40PM
The last few Airports I flew into had no one at baggage claim for security. Anyone could walk out with a couple of extra bags. This is the main reason people bring large bags on the plane, and it slows up getting on and off the planes. They have lots of security at the gates, none at baggage claim. They need to wise up and put a few people in these areas.
Misty Mar 25th 2010 2:25PM
I wouldn't waste my money with TSA-approved locks. They claim that they have a key that will open these locks, but my experience is they still continue to cut the lock even though they have the means to open it without causing damage.
amciotola Mar 25th 2010 3:32PM
I use TSA locks all the time and I've had my bags searched by them, as indicated by the stickers or papers they leave in the bag to tell you they did so. My TSA locks are never damaged - this on domestic and trans Atlantic flights. I also only fly Delta or their partners (out of convenience since they fly out of my local airport) so that could be a reason.
Rafael Mar 27th 2010 3:32PM
I agree. If they don't have the key to a specific lock or if they are in a hurry they will simply cut the TSA-approved lock anyway.
b1lly Mar 25th 2010 3:04PM
Just one question.
How will a lock warn people to stay away from my luggage at my destination, when the TSA will cut it off before my departure?
suzaroo Mar 25th 2010 3:13PM
Don't count on carry on luggage being safe. My friend's carry on bag is still missing after two days, as I type. She took a small comuter type plane from Chicago to Nashville after flying from San Francisco. She was not allowed to take her carry- on to the small plane due to space limitation, I suppose. The airline first said it was found, then said it was not, then she was told that it was sent back to San Francisco,then that changed to Denver.She is still waiting..........
elorac Mar 25th 2010 3:33PM
I still believe the best way to travel is to pack your bag and ship it ahead of time your destination. Especially when you are on your way home. With the fees that airlines are now charging for luggage, it's probably about the same to ship it FedEx or UPS.
Doug Mar 25th 2010 4:38PM
I've shipped luggage a number of times. It is rarely if ever cheaper to ship it via FedEx Express or any type of air service. It can be cheaper to ship via FedEx Ground or UPS but it depends on the distance traveled. The airlines charge the same domestically no matter how long the flight is but shipping charges are based on the distance traveled. Therefore for a shorter trip it can often be cheaper to ship but you have to allow the time for ground shipment and be sure there is someone on the other end to claim it. Will the hotel you are checking into hold your luggage until your arrive? You better be sure. Also shipping doesn't guarantee that your luggage won't be lost. I've still had lugged that I shipped get misdirected and delivered after it was supposed to.
caroleiseman Mar 25th 2010 3:41PM
I travel all the time and my kids and twice now someone else has taken my suitcase by accident.. all those roller bags look the same and I even had a ribbon tied on mine.. My kids bought me a purple suitcase for the holidays and it has been the best solution ever.. you can spot it right away and NO ONE wants to steal it.. way too visible!
KatieCouric'sNemesis Mar 25th 2010 4:10PM
This is to anyone who thinks of stealing my luggage...just what do you think you're going to get?
WalMart quality tshirts. Underwear. Kmart shoes. Jeans. Oh, and all those wonderful travel size hygiene products.
Not to mention the cheap WalMart suitcase.
Good luck!
ou812ic? Mar 25th 2010 4:16PM
with todays airlines, im just happy if my luggage makes it to the baggage claim area..I mean after what they NOW charge you for baggage its a bonus to see it get there.
jm Mar 25th 2010 5:55PM
I have to agree, Hon. Unless you are traveling for business (many are) take CRAP. Wear things you are VERY comfortable in, and if you forget something you need, shop at $1 stores when you get to your destination. I don't travel for business, only pleasure. So, I'm off the hook for fancy-schmancy clothing.
Remember when people dressed up to travel? NO MORE! Who want's their good clothing damaged or stolen?
Put the expensive stuff in your carry-on and keep it with you at all times. Put the junk like street clothes and jammies in the checked bag. You can replace that stuff for a few bucks.
Jay Mar 25th 2010 6:15PM
One rule of thumb: the things you absolutely, cannot afford to replace or do without should ALWAYS be carried on the flight with you! Don't check in anything that cannot be quickly replaced (underwear, a sportjacket, gym shoes). Have something on your luggage that catches YOUR eye quickly, so that you can spot your luggage quickly at the baggage claim.
Jenn Mar 25th 2010 6:19PM
Oh yeah a miniscule amount. That's why when I was in France for 3 weeks, in the fall of 2006, a slew of Air France baggage handlers were arrested for thousand upon thousands of dollars of stolen luggage and property.
Thankfully our baggage reached our destinations as they should have, although we couldn't lock our luggage. Though there were a few things to heavy, I made sure most of the gifts I bought went into my carry on bag. They told me the heavy stuff (two iron door stops c.15 euros ea.) would have to go under the plane or I could just give it to them. Meaning Air France like all other airlines, would keep them and sell them. Leaving them with the profit and me a loss. Don't think so!!