Baggage theft on the increase...

[Walter Plinge]

Interesting article from the Wall Street Journal's 'Middle Seat' --

As travelers get ready for holiday flights, they might want to skip tucking presents into their checked suitcases this year. That's because baggage theft is on the rise.

Baggage Theft At Airports Is On the Rise - WSJ.com

 

[james4321]

Brings up a subject that has been raised here before - the merits of wrapping luggage in stretch wrap. I'm a fan of this service and use it all over the world, and articles like this simply reinforce, for me, the value of secure, completely encompassing stretch wrap. And it is commonly available in many USA airports too, despite much ill informed comment to the contrary.

 

[Walter Plinge]

Brings up a subject that has been raised here before - the merits of wrapping luggage in stretch wrap. I'm a fan of this service and use it all over the world, and articles like this simply reinforce, for me, the value of secure, completely encompassing stretch wrap. And it is commonly available in many USA airports too, despite much ill informed comment to the contrary.

OK for crooked baggage handlers but doesn't prevent a thief from taking your bag off the carousel.

I've never seen bags in cling wrap on a carousel.

I guess the moral is: don't take expensive anything on a trip. Keep one change of undies and take pyjamas, toiletries and camera, lap-top, &c., in your carry-on.

 

[anat0l]

Problem is with liquid rules etc. good grog is a prime target. Of course, the resolution is then not to buy good grog in the first place....

Stealing from the luggage carousel is just plain low. It almost happened to me once; what a hullabulloo to get my bag back from a very stubborn pax - almost got physical, thank goodness the staff were nearby.

Of course, it goes without saying to make sure your bags have name tags; preferably, the bag should also have some sort of distinguishing feature on it (e.g. not black if you can, ribbon, coloured band, etc.)

As for baggage handlers stealing stuff (let alone - gasp - TSA officers!), I think there's not a lot you can do about it...