Theft from Hand Luggage

How often does it happen? How can you prevent items from being stolen from your hand luggage during a flight? What to do if it does happen?

How often does theft occur during flights? The answer is that we do not know. Airlines do not share their statistics on theft on board. Thus, data on thefts from hand luggage largely remains hidden. However, several high-profile cases in the media have drawn attention to this problem. Earlier this year, in March, a man was arrested for stealing $80,000 (over €73,000) from the hand luggage of a fellow passenger on a flight from Hong Kong to Singapore. At the end of last year, police arrested a man traveling from Taipei to Tokyo who was suspected of thefts on multiple flights, totalling an amount of nearly €23,000. 

Are these cases indicative of a general increase in thefts from hand luggage? This is not necessarily the case, according to

Jonathan Frankham, General Manager UK at World Nomads Travel Insurance

. Jonathan says: “Although we have not been able to observe clear trends in the submitted claims suggesting that theft from hand luggage is historically widespread or increasing in recent years, it is still crucial to remain vigilant and take steps to secure your belongings and important documents.”

Most people carry several valuable items while flying. Besides a wallet, a passport, and a phone, it is not uncommon to have a laptop, cash, and perhaps a camera or other valuable items. This, Jonathan warns, can make it easy for thieves. “It is a tactic of the thieves to prey on the sense of security of travellers once they are comfortably seated. But it is precisely during these moments – the hustle of meal times, the dimming of the lights, or quick toilet visits – that thieves might strike.”

In the case of the arrest in Tokyo, reports indicated that the 51-year-old suspect pretended to check his own luggage in the overhead bin but actually stole U.S. dollars, euros, and yen from the bags of fellow travelers. The cash was swapped with lower-value currency like Cambodian riel or Indonesian rupiah to maintain the weight and bulk of the wallets.

It’s not just cash or valuables that can be targets. Passports still fetch a high price on the black market.

How to prevent becoming a victim of theft on board

Avoid leaving valuable items like passports, cash, or phones unattended. Keep your valuables as close to you as possible and do not lose sight of them.

Packing smartly is also crucial. Choose a sturdy backpack, preferably one that can be securely closed and marked with colourful zippers for easy identification. If the zipper is missing or tampered with, it is important to alert a crew member immediately.

Store larger bags in the overhead bins to keep them safe. If there is space, it can be helpful to place them across the aisle so you can easily see if a stranger is tampering with them. For valuable items like passports, cash, and phones, it is best to use a secure waist pouch or carry them in your pocket. Avoid leaving anything completely unattended and always keep everything in sight. This not only minimizes the risk of theft but also ensures that insurance claims are not rejected due to negligence.

What to do if you become a victim of theft on board

Report the incident to the airline as soon as you notice something is missing. This must be done in accordance with the guidelines of the Montreal Convention. This international treaty requires airlines to compensate for lost or damaged luggage on international flights. Although the treaty is less explicit about stolen luggage, it is crucial to notify the airline as soon as possible.

What to do if you need to file an insurance claim

Travelers must request and retain all necessary documentation to file their claim. This includes requesting a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) from the airline. Additionally, it is important to keep all related documents such as tickets, baggage tags, and receipts for emergency purchases, as these are essential components of insurance claims. It is also important to involve the local police. Reporting the theft to the police and obtaining a police report is a crucial step, as this provides official documentation of the theft, which is often required for insurance claims.

Once you have informed the airline and the police, it is important to thoroughly review your travel insurance. While policies generally cover such incidents, it is essential to understand the limits and exclusions of the policy, and additional premiums may be needed for valuable items. Then gather all necessary evidence, including proof of ownership, age, and value of the stolen items, and properly submit your claim to your insurance company. It is important for travellers to assess their responsibility in the situation. Ensuring that valuables were securely stored and that luggage was not left unattended is essential, as negligence can affect the validity of a claim.

By remaining vigilant during your flight, using common sense, and following the tips described above, we are confident that your next flight will be free from the unpleasant consequences of theft from hand luggage.

We wish you a safe journey!