Do this to Avoid Airport Theft

According to travel security experts like Kevin Coffey, it is your carry-on that is likely to be a victim of theft, not your checked-in luggage. For this reason, this article will explain steps you can take to avoid airport theft and avoid being a victim of airport theft.

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How does theft of your carry-on occur?

Believe it or not, airport employees are one of the top reasons why carry-on theft happens. Whenever you are asked to volunteer to have your carry-on transferred to checked-in luggage due to limited overhead bin room on the airplane, that is when most theft occurs. The airline is not responsible for any lost items that may occur during this conversion. In one such incident that was famously recorded, the person tracked her lost bag to the home of an airport employee and confronted him. More on this later, but please do not confront any thieves on your own. Bring someone with you.

The value of your carry-on and why it is a prime target

Most people do not think deeply about how valuable their carry-on is compared to the other luggage they bring with them. Your carry-on most likely has items that are extremely valuable, such as your wallet, jewelry, phone, passport, keys, and medications, among other items that you hold dear and want to keep close at all times. These items are likely standard for most people’s carry-ons, and thieves know this too. They can easily bet that whatever carry-on they steal will be packed with high-value or important valuables. To avoid airport theft, it is crucial to recognize the value of the items in your carry-on.

First step to avoid theft

The first step to avoid airport theft is to gather all your valuables and place them in a separate bag within your carry-on. This makes them easily trackable, and you can gather all of them in an instant. Also, having your most valuable items in a separate bag allows you to take them out and place them in the seat pocket in front of you or under your seat. You can bring them with you on the plane if airline staff ask you to transfer your carry-on as checked-in luggage due to limited bin space.

Next, get an item tracker

Item trackers are affordable and a blessing when it comes to tracking your luggage, and I think everyone should have at least two on hand. At least one for your checked-in luggage and one for your carry-on. These item trackers have battery juice that last for months on average and have remarkable accuracy to locate your items if they are misplaced or lost. Best of all, they have a loud beeping noise to help you locate them in case they are hiding in someone’s bag or behind a pile of suitcases. The top three most popular trackers today are Apple Airtags, Chipolo One, and Pebblebee Clip. Apple Airtags are recommended for iPhone users, while Chipolo One and Pebblebee Clip are recommended for Android users. Descriptions and prices are available below for those who are interested. Using item trackers is an effective way to avoid airport theft.

3 Recommended Item Trackers

Have a trusted person sign into your account to track location

Whatever tracking device brand you are using, have someone you trust be able to log in case your carry-on has been misplaced. Sometimes you may not have an internet connection, or the connection may be of poor quality (this happens often). That person can go ahead and let you know where the item is and also turn on the beeping sound to help you locate the item. Most preferably, this person is your immediate family member like your spouse, parent, or children. Best friends can also be great candidates too. This step ensures you can avoid airport theft by having a backup plan.

Avoid confrontation

If you locate where your item is and find out that it’s being held in an area away from the airport, such as at someone’s house, bring a friend with you and notify the authorities. Do not confront anyone on your own; you have no idea what danger they can bring. Most likely, people who commit theft are not society’s most temperate citizens. Just saying. Avoiding confrontation is a critical part of your strategy to avoid airport theft.

Key Takeaways

Airport theft happens all the time, no matter how safe you think your valuables are with you. One of the most common ways to lose your items is through airport staff when you volunteer to transfer your carry-on to checked-in luggage due to limited overhead bins. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent your most valuable items from being stolen by placing them in a separate bag and utilizing technologies such as item trackers. Item trackers are still new and not widespread, but they can be a lifesaver. For additional resources on item trackers, I posted a couple of links below.