How to Keep Your Luggage Safe From Thieves When Traveling

As millions of Americans are checking bags before jetting off for the holidays, police are warning to beware of baggage bandits when you land. Inside Edition’s Investigative team tried a baggage test of their own. With the permission of passengers, we showed how quickly a producer posing as a thief was able to grab their bags from the carousel and walk away.

[@Rampower1013]

Great job inside edition!! You showed how easy it is to steal luggage, but you never showed how to prevent luggage theft.

[@jean6453]

Ha ha ha I was thinking the same thing . They need to change the title of the video.

[@DJRenee]

Right

[@kastrosadam892]

Nothing but the best and most useful information from Inside Edition

[@FM-jo1jh]

Stay by the carousal and watch for your bag like most people.....

[@Okiknox321]

An inside job

[@nillyk5671]

That's horrible..that poor woman lost her mom's ashes. That's something i could never get over.

[@carter8559]

Especially on the holiday.. Absolutely upsetting

[@SUGAR_XYLER]

🤦‍♀️ dead people don't belong in a jar anyway !!

[@alexis74599]

@@SUGAR_XYLER rude grow up

[@Sailormoonc3038]

She should’ve probably carried on her moms bag instead of checking it in…..

[@HS-PGX]

Most airlines would let you carry your loved one’s ashes as carry on, and some may even be kind enough to leave the seat next to you empty. And if I were in that situation I would definitely carry my loved ones ashes as carry on.

[@sauce_ur_patty]

The baggage system is built entirely on trust. Whatever could go wrong?

[@Photonblastt]

It's sad man, scumbags ruining even the most simplest things

[@MCAincludeTC]

Unfortunately a new system would cause baggage retrieval delays and lots logistics problems.

[@williamlim5234]

@@MCAincludeTC I mean it's better than losing your important stuff in your luggage

[@MCAincludeTC]

@@williamlim5234 as someone else said, don't keep valuables in check in luggage, the alternative is non existent

[@alexander-mauricemillamlae4567]

The trick is getting to the baggage thing ASAP and at least keeping an eye on the point where the bags come out so you know when you should expect it and to immediately look around if it disappears. Source: was travel agent, am the son of one and probably visited more countries by age 10 than most people do in their lives. Twice did anything ever go missing - once the plane took off without me and my parents because my mother was being my mother, we had 3 last calls and so the plane eventually left without us, taking my precious toy transformer with it (I was ~7 at the time), though I believe they were eventually recovered - another was just my favourite lock for my bag, it was a nice, tiny dolphin lock with my name imprinted on it because dolphins have always been one of my fave animals, and presumably it was broken by airport security or some such trying to access the bag's contents. Was very upset about that. Maybe still am, it was a nice lock. Also when I was around 6-8, but different holiday.

[@savetrees6005]

The irony of him having “Steelers” on his shirt while getting arrested is insane

[@oisinlynch8427]

Hopefully they give him a shirt, crop top saying prison booty

[@Finnishedits248]

Ikr man I'm disappointed and I'm a Steelers fan too

[@Ibochic1]

Was waiting to read this comment! Lol. Shame...

[@NUESTwithLOVE]

I'm glad I wasn't the only one who realized that😂

[@shalaywashington6326]

Never put precious items in check on luggage! Put it in your carry on 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@jayasmrmore3687]

What if it’s an item that’s prohibited in carry-on?

[@Z.L.K.]

I was immensely disappointed to not be educated by a luggage specialist professional :(

[@goldenismonica1522]

Also go straight to the baggage claim immediately the flight lands. I’ve had a bad habit of going to the bathroom first after a long flight (which most of us do) only to come out and luckily my bags were still there. But I’ve started to use the bathroom on the plane before landing to ensure I can get straight to the baggage claim, even if it may inconvenience my seat neighbor or flight attendants. 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@DKay-gl3hv]

Agreed. The problem is, getting to baggage claim can be a very long walk. And it's usually right near the exits...

[@Murf181]

You can use the bathroom and reach baggage claim before the baggage start coming out if you walk faster than 1 miles per hour.

[@superbeavers7645]

@@Murf181not in half the airports I've been in

[@Murf181]

@@superbeavers7645 True. I haven't been to many airports but I go to ATL or Dulles often and I almost always arrive at baggage claim before my luggage.

[@alexander-mauricemillamlae4567]

Yup, also always observe the hole where baggage comes out of, so if it disappears from the thing you immediately know who to look for and publicly accuse them of stealing your baggage (tends to be fairly unpopular at airports). For this it's always good to give your baggage a unique identifier, an imprinted drawing, a special band, a lock or some such (though on the last one, beware that security might break it off and just throw it away because they're evil and had to break off a 6-yr old autistic kid's favourite lock in the shape of a dolphin with his name imprinted on it which may still cause some bitterness over 16 years later).

[@AMoose454]

Pilot here and travelled commercial for years: right when your flight lands, wait at the baggage claim. Right where they come out. Never had the issue. You’ll always beat it.

[@ErnestJay88]

That's the reason why you should never ever put a precious item inside your luggage, if someone steal your bag, they only get your clothes. Baggage stealer usually gamble, they hope that they will gonna get something precious or expensive like jewelry, laptop, or something that might become a ransom like "your mother's ashes"

[@yuki97kira]

Exactly..my laptop is always on me

[@fireflymiesumae]

It's disgusting. They do realize that most bags contain clothes, cookies and cologne right?

[@ErnestJay88]

Some luggage contains precious items like laptop, phones, even jewelry, people often put those stuff inside their luggage (i have done that too)

[@InternalxHD]

Exactly.. sell those items duh for money

[@obiwankesnowbi9807]

@@InternalxHD or just put them in your carry on? 🤔

[@jediskunk67]

@@ErnestJay88 That's why I put my valuables inside my backpack, never my luggage!

[@InternalxHD]

@@obiwankesnowbi9807 not everything can fit in a carry on especially when ur moving completely

[@TStadiumhopper]

I guess that's Stealers' fan. 😉

[@SSJHarvey]

Get the hell outta here 🤣🤣🤣

[@imdilyn]

*@The Stadiumhopper* *You still have time to erase your comment.*

[@Patrick-zs1jl]

Lmaoo

[@imdilyn]

@Comrade *two reasons..* *one because you liked your own comment.* *and two, its both cringe and unfunny.*

[@williamlim5234]

@@imdilyn The only one being cringe and unfunny is you here

[@williamlim5234]

They should have put like a QR Scan sticker so when someone want to get their luggage they need to scan that code and also in that QR code they need to put a link where you need to take a selfie so that the security or the luggage department can confirm the ownership of their own luggage base on their id card or their passport

[@mrwaxx]

Great idea

[@XaMarie21]

They need someone like you working for them!!

[@Timeless14]

Alright idea.. However, not everyone owns a smart phone. Also everything you said would've been gibberish to my mom and grandma.

[@williamlim5234]

@@Timeless14 Yes that may be true but security can also scanned it for those who don't have a smartphone particularly the elderlies, it's to prevent large scale of luggage theft just an opinion because in my country this theft also happens

[@Timeless14]

@@williamlim5234 ok I can see that working if security and staff helps along the way :)

[@torenonion]

amazing job inside edition! you showed us 3 bag thieves and then showed us how to steal a bag. this definitely taught me how to keep my luggage safe from thieves.

[@iamthecatalyst.]

You forgot to actually tell us how to keep our luggage safe…. Like the title said.

[@InternalxHD]

Impossible really even if u have locks on them, people still can get locks off.. it's the airport job to keep ur luggage secured and safe

[@watermelgurlie10yearsago51]

@@InternalxHD don’t they have luggage trackers that they can buy?

[@InternalxHD]

@@watermelgurlie10yearsago51 not reliable plus shouldn't have to if airport staff would do their jobs

[@wallflower1852]

Am I the only one who thinking the segment DID NOT REALLY DISCUSS how to keep your luggage safe?

[@jean6453]

My thoughts exactly.

[@coultonharmon2266]

There really is no way except run to the baggage claim when the plane lands and stand directly in front of the place where the bags come out.

[@lovelyfluer]

That’s inside edition for you

[@asahel980]

I would never put my beloved parent's ashes out of my sight if traveling , I just cant take that risk.

[@craigporter1089]

it is horrible

[@UmbralSovereign]

Just when you thought Airports were secure enough. Guess they need to add a new system to make sure nobody leaves the airport without having proper verification the bags they take belong to them.

[@oisinlynch8427]

They should invent bags that only open with your thumb print or eye maybe install a mini bear trap for thief’s hands

[@butteriest1634]

they need a definite system to check that you have your bags when you leave

[@thebelizeaneh]

They don't care about luggage, as long as everyone has been injected with a useless vaccine and everyone has a diaper on their face. Nothing else matters

[@dlbstl]

Like baggage claim tickets?

[@zacheryjequinto7259]

Or you can have a tracker in your bag or the airport can implement a system to scan your ticket and tag on the bag to make sure they match

[@ElusiveRIDE]

I dont understand if he keeps doing it over and over why let him out? This justice system doesnt make sense to me at all.

[@cal.icopen]

this system was always flawed... they make you go on infinite lines to check every single number and letter in your papers and documents but the minute you land you're on your own... you'd think they'd have a system to make sure the luggage you're taking _is_ in fact yours

[@fernandosoares7212]

there is a way to stop this kind of theft. Like placing an airport official at t😊he the exit and check each person's luggage reference number on their ticket to check if it corresponds to that labels on the luggage. if it doesn't match then its been taken by mistake or is being stolen.

[@mishaa7263]

Every time I pick up luggage I think, "what's stopping someone from grabbing any suitcase and leaving?" Especially since the luggage area is open to the public

[@malfan]

In South Africa, the luggage collection area is open only to the arriving passengers. You meet whoever is waiting for you only once you exit this secured area.

[@HS-PGX]

As a frequent flier with status, my bags always come out first. Hell, at the small airport I fly to often, they literally bring my checked bags with us on the little trolley bus that picks us up from the plane! So I literally have no choice but to run to the baggage claim first (in Bangkok airport) or else I will miss my bags arriving.

[@legalmexican]

How to keep your luggage safe from thieves? I'm still waiting to learn how to do that after watching the video.

[@puddlee]

lock this dude up, he’s clearly going to continue lmao

[@mohammadzohorul8887]

This problem can easily be solved with baggage tag scanner.

[@MyLifeStayNFaithMode]

They put it in laws in place in New York for that, cuz I'm pretty sure a lot of artifacts and a lot of people in high positions fly there and they don't want anything being stolen.. One thing I learned they never put things in order like this unless it happened to them or a loved one..

[@mobinxd]

That’s why I put tags on my bag if I travel.

[@ano070602]

That is why I love having trackers and locks on all my luggage.

[@ladyjustice1474]

Smart.

[@randalmercier5234]

I lock mine as well but they still break inside. Try tracking your bags in a foreign country it might be your last trip.

[@HeadsetShiba]

Why would you put ashes in a check in bag?? Even my uncle took my grandmothers ashes in a carry on bag. I feel for the woman who lost her mother, I can't imagine what she's going through

[@BenWinder108]

I never thought of it I always forget there's so much scum living among us honest people. They should really check all the baggage as it comes out the door.

[@mariod1547]

I felt instantly depressed when hearing about the ashes

[@deliztube]

Just put a sticker on your bag that says - " Property of Covid 19 Omicron Patient " No one will touch that

[@djdoemoney]

Lmfao if somebody wants to steal my clothes and shower cap go ahead 😂😂. Anything worth money is in my carry on

[@Moth_Witch24]

Looks like it's time to put security at the baggage carousel

[@clisaa6974]

In the US no one off the street should be able to access baggage claim! In some European countries only people who took a flight can access baggage claim which is smart! Although anyone who took a flight could steal a bag I think it’s less likely. Another thing is they should check bags on way out the door with a quick scanner process. Scan the bag and scan your id or something !

[@tomhanxs]

How could public get into the baggage claims area? Usually that part of the airport is only accessible to the arrival passengers?

[@alexm566]

this carousel system is just wrong. they should hire someone to check ID before giving bags. it would cost them very little per day.

[@latoyadale5747]

That's why you should never put valuables in your suitcases that goes under the plane!🤦🏽‍♀️ Put your valuables in the carry-on bags that you can take on the plane!🙄

[@Tourettes0]

this is why i have airtags lol

[@britlove892]

Lmao the face he made when he got caught 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😭😭😭😂😂💀💀💀 rofl

[@israelvalle28]

I remember that most airports used to check the tags before leaving the baggage claim area, but airports stopped doing along time ago. We should start doing it again in all the airports of the world. 🙋🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🙏🏻

[@jazlymn]

My family keeps our most important items in carry on bags , luggage’s only carry stuff like clothes ( not expensives one or expensive shoes ), tooth brushes & hair brushes

[@allyantwp]

Once my dad saw a aunty taking our bag and he went there to said it is ours but the aunty keep insisting it is hers so my dad unlock the suitcase lock and the aunty casually walk away

[@kingoliver5663]

So where is the explanation on how I could keep my bags safe from theives?! This video was literally just showing us that bags were stolen and a guy was caught.

[@andrewblanc480]

I always wait for bags at the “hole” where they come out of so I get to see mine right away and take it before anyone else even thinks about touching it.

[@holdupwaitaminute.]

Literally a disgrace to humanity.

[@R3views-Reactions]

One day a thief might steal a suitcase containing illegal drugs, and when caught with it could find themselves in prison for a very long time.

[@Wall_flower]

Omg Deborah is back 😍🤩💖 we love you Deborah

[@britlove892]

Please stop stealing it’s not right those r ppls valuable stuff they probably feel terrible the lady who loss her mothers ashes due to theft is upsetting me 😡

[@fusiontailz3554]

I like watching inside edition :)

[@Bazaar_flights]

Same :D

[@justsomeice9585]

Step one simply don’t travel can’t get your stuff stolen if you don’t go in the first place

[@believeinyourself7511]

A lot of those suitcases look alike. I bought myself a big purple paisley suitcase. I can spot it out from far away. Get this: I paid like $50.00 for it in Los Angeles. I got lots of compliments at the luggage carousel at the airport. Buy a suitcase that you can see quickly and grab it.

[@marla79]

Is it from American Tourister? I think I have the same luggage!

[@believeinyourself7511]

@@marla79 Yes

[@raterus]

You should have to scan your baggage claim receipt in order to release your bag on the conveyor

[@MetalHead1012]

Her mother's ashes 😔 that poor lady. I hope somehow she gets them back.

[@ChadLand011]

Costco checks more lol

[@HowToChangeName]

This is why you should wrap the bag if it has valuable and tie something distinct and visible from afar like bright colored rags

[@MrZrazies]

That’s okay. Apple airtag wants to know your location. You’re safe.

[@megabubbles9478]

That’s why I only use carry on when I travel I hate the hassle of picking up the luggage

[@omara9205]

Atlanta needs to do that, checking baggage claims. Especially at the exit to MARTA.

[@Cartoondude135]

As soon as that plane touches down on the tarmac, I immediately dash to the baggage claims and use my eagle eyes to spot my bag(s) and grab them before I do anything else. Breakfast/lunch/dinner (depending on time of day) can wait.

[@Dakkibaby20]

How do these people get in? Wondering this because I just flew into LAX and was actually worried my luggage was stolen ( was waiting for 30mins)...there were about 2-3 security guards per luggage belt area, and my fiancé said it would be hard for anyone random to get in unless they were traveling on the plane with us to steal luggage.

[@DarcieGlam]

In a lot of airports you can go to Baggage Claim directly from outside the airport and it's not locked town for travelers. Atlanta is like that.

[@TunTheOfficial]

I have never thought of this.. crazy

[@sethjensen3241]

I dead ass had my bag take a trip to Las Vegas without me. Came back full of strip club flyers.

[@aloud9738]

I hope they really punish these thieves.

[@GOATLOVER13]

Never steal

[@that1wrestler531]

Put an airtag or Tile in your bag beforehand.

[@porterhouse937]

Wait, every airport I've ever been to you can't go to baggage claim from outside the airport. So you actually have to buy a ticket, land somewhere and then steal luggage.

[@rocked30]

I wonder if you could put a portable gps tagger in each bag then activate them as soon as the plane lands. Go straight to baggage claim and be able to keep track of them until they’re in your possession.

[@kevbo2981]

Put an AirTag in there, it’ll track it always

[@deanflet973]

I travel light just with a backpack 🎒 and carry on is all I need. 👊😎👍

[@thebigmystery7841]

And this is why all my electronics go in my carry on. Yeesh.

[@tedwg7472]

Make sure to also watch your stuff while you're going through security as well. I recently got my JBL headphones taken either by mistake or on purpose while I was going through security.

[@YourCasualChef]

My condolences for the woman who lost the ashes of her mom that man is sick and I hope she finds them soon

[@lalith_adithyan]

even luggage theives???

[@a50ftfall6]

1:16 The thief knows where it is let's get information out of him

[@tamarockstar09]

A soulless person like that probably threw the ashes in the trash with the box

[@hessen1174]

The baggage halls need to be redesigned. This rarely happens in other countries. If you were not on a flight or don’t work at the airport, you shouldn’t have access to the baggage hall

[@LawsonPatterson]

Lol 😂 They said nothing about, “How to keep your luggage safe from thieves.” They only told us to expect thieves….thanks for the heads up 🤣

[@truneilson]

Its appropriate that he was arrested wearing a "Steelers" jacket as he is stealing bags.

[@seganaleqa]

I know airport security sucks because there’s already a lot of steps, but checking to make sure tags match the bags should be a mandatory check point in my opinion.

[@randomleeza3978]

This is why I hate checking my bag in

[@heymircuteness2912]

first time i saw people stealing people bag 😱😱😱

[@duelios.]

i hate how people might actually have to force airports to make more secure baggage claim that would make it harder for regular passengers, i sure do love being American, land of TOO much freedom

[@KpTheG]

I have bright pink luggage with flowers on it and I always keep an apple air tag in it with a lock lol

[@_voca7294]

How did he even enter the luggage area? Buying airplane tickets everytime he wants to steal a bag?

[@dwayneblenkinsopp1095]

he's jacket say's steelers 🤣🤣🤣

[@drozkary7534]

In Puerto Rico before you leave with any luggage they check you at the exit to verify if it matches with your personal and flight info.

[@Suhadisgood]

Nice to know it was 2018 the last time I left was in 2016 nothing was stolen I’m glad I didn’t leave in 2018

[@Elbown]

Please put an AirTag in your luggage

[@mikemaceda3222]

...when all of a sudden, someone gets offended for being asked for proof that the luggage is theirs.

[@sophiaandrews5849]

Did I miss something because I thought they were supposed to tell you how to keep your bags safe maybe its just me

[@thebelizeaneh]

Wrong title. How to keep your luggage safe. They never talked about how, just how easy it is to steal and how many go missing

[@TheJames1579]

So how am I meant to keep my luggage safe then? you didn't answer the title..

[@theL81Again]

Thank you, LaGuardia! Baggage claims should be treated like a coat check.

[@kathng8354]

My gosh I really don’t understand people mind . ??? Terrible. Steal is NO GOOD

[@oldtimefarmboy617]

You have to check your bag at the gate with an airline employee before you can get on an aircraft. You should have to uncheck your bag at the gate with an airline employee as well after you get off.

[@cityplanner3063]

Slap an AirTag in it 😂

[@carmimoultrie1448]

They used to check tags long ago in Atlanta.

[@Ibochic1]

Good thing they check your luggage with your tag in my country - Nigeria.

[@guy152_boy]

I'm waiting for the part when they teach me "How to Keep Your Luggage Safe From Thieves When Traveling"

[@keithcanfield6519]

Wow the dude could of least give the Ashe's back somehow without getting caught up.pretty messed up

[@Briahna13]

Perfect opportunity for a hashtag ad for apple airtags. I’ve actually never considered buying any until now.