How often does luggage get stolen on trains?

Luggage theft on trains is as rare as theft of airline baggage, just use common sense. Put your bags where you can see them from your seat, ideally on the racks directly above your head or on floor-standing racks inside the seating area close to your seat.



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Claims for lost checked baggage must be submitted within 30 days of the date of the incident to the Office of Customer Relations (Attn: Baggage Claims, Amtrak, 1 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001). For more information, call us at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) and ask for Customer Relations.

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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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Luggage theft on trains is as rare as theft of airline baggage, just use common sense. Put your bags where you can see them from your seat, ideally on the racks directly above your head or on floor-standing racks inside the seating area close to your seat.

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Lock Checked Luggage Some suitcases come with locks pre-installed that require a combination in order to open the bag. If your suitcase does not have this, you can invest in a TSA-approved luggage lock to keep your valueables safe.

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Each passenger may bring two personal items, 25 lbs. (12 kg) and 14 x 11 x 7 inches each, and two carry-on items, 50 lbs. (23 kg) and 28 x 22 x 14 inches each, onboard.

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

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Most comprehensive travel insurance plans include coverage for baggage loss and, if your baggage is not permanently lost or damaged, baggage delay. Some coverage may include the cost of essential items you purchase while you wait for your delayed luggage to be returned.

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Baggage handlers, airport security, and TSA agents may have access to your luggage behind closed doors. While most of these individuals are just trying to make an honest living, there have been numerous documented instances of airport personnel stealing from passengers' bags.

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Storing Items Carry-on and personal items must be kept with you, stored in overhead racks, under seats or designated baggage areas.

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If you happen to lose or misplace something on the train or in a station, submit a lost item report so we can try to help you find it.

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The most common luggage mishaps Mishandling during transfer is one of the primary reasons why luggage may be delayed or lost. This can occur when handlers do not have adequate time to transfer bags between flights.

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According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, you are entitled to compensation for reasonable incidental expenses you incur because of your delayed baggage, up to the maximum liability limits, set by statute. For U.S. domestic flights, this is $3,800 per passenger.

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When it came to airlines that lost the most baggage, that same study found that Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines came in ninth out of 17 major airlines. “Of all national airlines, American Airlines lost the most bags in 2022, losing 850 bags per 100,000.

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If you must check your suitcase, try to book a non-stop flight whenever possible — especially if you're flying international. According to SITA, the mishandling rate on international routes is 8.7 bags per thousand passengers; on domestic routes, it's 1.85 bags per thousand. Go carry-on only.

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Each traveler can check up to 4 bags (2 free and 2 at $20 per bag). Size/weight limitations apply.

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Each traveler can check up to 4 bags (2 free and 2 at $20 per bag). Size/weight limitations apply.

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Even though locking your checked luggage can be a good idea, it's not a solid guarantee that your personal belongings will be safe. Unfortunately, there are a lot of clever folks who know how to bust open a combination lock. Also, some thieves simply slice through a soft-sided bag to grab its contents.

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Putting a lock on your bag is not obligatory, but you might still consider getting it. These locks won't stop the thief from stealing your suitcase or bag, but they might prevent them from stealing the things you have inside. Most thieves don't really like to complicate their life and deal with lock picking.

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