Does luggage get stolen at airports?

This is a common concern for many travelers, as theft can happen at any airport or airline. I will give you some tips to protect your luggage and your belongings. The first tip is to avoid packing anything valuable or sentimental in your checked luggage. You should keep them in your carry-on bag or personal item.



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According to the Department of Transportation, luggage theft is a common problem. U.S. airlines reported more than three mishandled bags for every thousand in March. More than 1 million bags were stolen in 2018. It resulted in $1.2 billion in missing valuables.

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Baggage thieves often focus on bags that blend in, like ones that are plain black or gray. Don't put valuables in checked baggage. Moreover, if you must check in a bag at the gate, the department recommends you move those valuables into a personal item that you're still allowed to carry onto the plane.

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Across the board, the chance of an airline losing a suitcase — at least for a little while — is around 0.4%, according to LuggageHero. That's about one in every 250 bags. Meena Thiruvengadam is a Travel + Leisure contributor who has visited 50 countries on six continents and 47 U.S. states.

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You may file a claim if you are injured or your property is lost or damaged during the screening process.

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Airlines will likely want to stay out of court, so you must file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) to increase your likelihood of a settlement. If that doesn't work, file a claim in small claims court. That doesn't require an attorney, but each state has maximum limits regarding what you can recover.

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Airlines are legally required to compensate you for lost items and any baggage fees you paid.

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Although luggage trackers often have lithium batteries, they are still allowed in checked and carry-on bags.

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Some items regularly confiscated by TSA include keychain knives, pocket knives, and shampoo or sunscreen in bottles that exceed 3.4 ounces. When these items are found by a TSA agent, they're quickly removed. If this happens, travelers aren't out of options.

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“Of all national airlines, American Airlines lost the most bags in 2022, losing 850 bags per 100,000. That was followed by JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, and United Airlines,” Travel and Leisure magazine reported in a recent article published before the holiday meltdown.

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How Often Do Airlines Lose Luggage? Luggage Hero recently found that more than 680,000 bags were either lost or mishandled in the first quarter of 2022 alone. This means that roughly seven out of every one thousand bags will experience issues during transportation.

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The Benefits of Locking Your Luggage Using a suitcase lock makes it more difficult for baggage handlers or strangers to riffle through your goods at the airport. Not to mention, luggage locks are a great way to ensure your personal belongings won't fall out because the zippers are held together.

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A luggage tag is a small but important part of your travel experience. While many people prefer carry-on bags, luggage tags are an important part of your checked baggage as they help identify suitcases (especially in the case of loss or delays).

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