When something gets stolen from your luggage, it’s an experience you’ll never forget. Unfortunately, I had an experience a few years ago I’ll never forget. Upon arriving at the airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, my LOCKED bag came out on the luggage carousel opened and obviously broken into. I was so startled that I just started yelling, “Help, help, my bag has been broken into!” I don’t know if this is a strange reaction or not. All I know is that I was super tired from the flight, needed to get my luggage, and transit to another flight to Cape Town. The thieves had rifled through the whole bag, touching everything.
Luckily I didn’t have anything monetarily valuable in the bag. I did have a bunch of gifts that were stolen. And I ended up throwing out some items that had been touched, and sundries too. Just felt creepy. I got no help at all from staff at the airport. Airport personnel just said, “This is Johannesburg.”
While you may never have had, and hopefully never will have, belongings stolen from your luggage, it helps to be prepared for the just-in-case. A good rule of thumb when it comes to luggage theft is to plan for the best and prepare for the worst. You can never be 100% prepared against theft. There are, however, precautions you can take. Also, understanding the claims process can help you respond quickly and effectively should the worst actually happen.
Here’s what to do when property is stolen from your luggage in the airport.
6 steps to take when your belongings have been stolen.
1. Report missing luggage to your airline.
If your luggage is gone entirely, report it to your airline.
2. Check lost and found.
If you’re missing a specific item, start by checking with the airport’s lost and found department.
3. File a claim with the airport.
If the item isn’t in lost and found, it’s time to file a claim with the airport authorities. When filing your claim, include as much information as possible. This might mean receipts, appraisals, and the information about your flight. These specifics will all help speed up the claim processing experience.
4. File a claim with the airline.
Each airline has its own regulations for processing reports of missing items. Contact your airline’s customer service department to learn about your options. Sometimes airlines have customer service desks at airports. When they don’t, this becomes a hassle/challenge so it’s up to you whether it’s worth the time and energy to pursue your claim.
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5. Report the theft to the police.
If you think an expensive item (such as electronics or jewelry) was stolen from your luggage, call the law enforcement office at both your departure and arrival airports and file a report for stolen goods. Be sure to request a copy of the police report. This comes in handy as your claim is processed.
6. Consult your insurance company.
If your missing item doesn’t turn up during the investigations, check with your insurance company to see if it will cover the loss. Many homeowner’s or renter’s insurance plans will cover theft. Some credit card companies may also provide coverage.
Once you’ve filed a claim, you’ll usually receive a letter detailing any next steps you need to take. Unfortunately, it can take up to six months for a claim to be investigated. Claims involving law enforcement typically take longer.
Also be aware that screening at some airports is carried out by private companies. If you think the theft occurred during the screening process, you’ll need to contact the airport directly in order to file a claim.
6 tips for preventing theft
While there are steps you can take if a theft occurs, it’s even better to prevent theft in the first place. These tips can help prevent theft, and if you need to file a claim the tips also help when processing a claim.
1. Document your belongings.
When possible, take pictures of everything in your luggage and photocopy receipts for those items that are valuable. This will prove you were in possession of the item(s) prior to any theft. Make duplicates of the photos. Next, prepare two envelopes containing the photos and receipts. Give one envelope to a trusted friend who won’t be traveling and keep the other one on hand.
2. Don’t check valuables.
This may seem like an obvious tip but it doesn’t hurt to have a reminder. Jewelry, electronics, and cash are all easy targets in checked baggage. Keep these items in your carry-on or on your person at all times.
3. Pack light.
What’s better than keeping your valuables nearby? Keeping all of your luggage on hand. I know this isn’t always possible, though.
Learn how to pack light and you just might be able to fit everything you need into a carry-on. This will eliminate any worry about your luggage being in somebody else’s hands.
4. Use distinctive luggage.
Thieves will be less willing to steal your butterfly print bag covered in stickers than yet another plain black suitcase. So if possible, skip that black luggage and opt for a more distinct bag.
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5. Stay vigilant.
When it comes to clearing security, review the contents of your carry-on AFTER screening at security points. Be sure you have everything you were carrying prior to moving through security.
6. Use the buddy system.
This may be my favorite tip. If you’re traveling with a companion, keep a few people in between you while going through security. That way you can watch out for each other’s belongings while you take turns going through the body scanner.
Final Thoughts
I’m glad that my Johannesburg experience was a one-off travel tale. There are differences of opinions on whether to lock luggage and how best to prevent theft. However, think through these tips and use them accordingly. Even if you put into place only one or two of them, knowing what to do in the event of theft or taking some precautions when you travel can’t hurt, right?
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3 comments
Sorry that that happened to you. The blasé attitude of the airport staff isn’t very comforting either. A couple of questions if possible:
1) Did you recoup any monies for replacement items and/or a new suitcase, and if so through what agency?
2) Was your suitcase a high-end brand or was there anything else that may have made that particular bag more appealing to thieves?
Thanks for reading and taking time to ask your questions, Christian. Nope, no recoup at all. Definitely not a high-end brand at all. An oldish duffel bag. Go figure, right?
That’s a bummer dude. I flew frontier from SEA to LAS recently and they took two bottles of champagne out of our bag. I didn’t notice the missing wine until we got to the hotel. I filed a claim with Frontier for $130 for the wine. They denied the claim and pointed me to their contract of carriage and that liquor is not covered. It was a bummer to lose our wine but I guess that’s what you get for flying frontier. Your article is making me wonder if my credit card might cover the loss. Thanks for writing!