Have you ever had your laptop wrapped within your clothes and put into your check-in luggage? It seems safe – the clothes protect your laptop and you have a lock for the luggage.
However, you may want to reconsider doing so the next time you go on a trip.
I’ve personally witnessed baggage handlers throwing the luggage while they are loading and unloading them. Videos of these can easily be found online as well.
While the baggage handlers may have been pressed for time, it appears that there has been other ways our luggage have been mishandled.
Treasure Hunting
An airport baggage handler was recently arrested – he was found to be in possession of a Bluetooth speaker which he rummaged through luggage for.
A 2 minutes 40 seconds clip was released of him flipping luggage (Rimowa luggage owners, I feel your pain) and unlocking them.
The baggage handler was later charged with robbery.
Hitting Close To Home
While this seems like an obscure incident, items do get stolen more often than we’d think. Often, it goes unnoticed and undocumented. These stolen items could range from something as small as a portable charger to an Apple MacBook.
And an Apple MacBook was exactly what got stolen out of a colleague’s luggage recently.
Despite being wrapped and cushioned with layers of clothes, the handlers managed enough effort and time to pry it open. The laptop was taken out of a sealed luggage.
Our colleague was shocked – to say the least.
“My suitcase was sealed with a TSA lock and I’ve traveled many times without any issue. I assumed it would be the same this time with my flight from Singapore to Tokyo, which aren’t exactly known as “unsafe” places.
When I got to my hotel and reached for the zip on my suitcase, the first thing I noticed was that the lock was missing. This was an immediate red flag, but I still unzipped my bag with some optimism. And that was it, dozens of work documents and years of photos gone along with my laptop.
I tried calling Singapore Airlines after. They then explained that it was not their responsibility, but the airport security handlers, so they could barely offer any assistance. Essentially, it could have been stolen anywhere from Changi Airport to Narita Airport, making it close to impossible to track even if I tried calling up both airports.
One thing they made clear was that it wasn’t their problem. I quickly realized that any further attempts weren’t getting me anywhere, so I soon accepted my reality and gave up.
Great way to start my holiday in Japan.”
Taking Precaution
While the airline is often the first we’d go to for a mishap like this, the ones who are running the backend processes are in fact the airport security and baggage handlers.
In an interview with Skyscanner, a baggage handler revealed that there are professionals at airports who steal from passengers’ bags and luggage.
CNN also reported that between 2010 to 2015, more than 30,000 baggages in the US claimed to have items missing, and 25,000 of them were checked baggages. In other words, they were tampered with.
Since then, 513 Transport Authority Administration (TSA) officers have fired in relation to these crimes. These petty thefts amounted to a staggering USD2.5 million (SGD 3 million) and the recent incident suggests that this is not a declining trend.
Of all the airports in the world, John. F Kennedy International Airport (JFK) has the most number of reports made on missing items from baggages. CNN’s report also included footage of baggage handlers stealing money out of passengers’ wallets.
Reinforcement of airport liability should be in place, but until then – it is recommended to seal your bags with an extra layer of film – it also serves as an additional precaution against people who want to sneak something into your bag.
In the case of an event like this, always purchase a travel insurance – it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Alternatively, make sure that your valuables are with you in your carry-on bag.
