How safe is your Carry-on in the overhead bin? A disturbing trend of theft of other’s bags has been talked about for quite a while of social media sites.

Air travel has become a common mode of transportation for many people around the world. While it is a convenient and fast way to get from one place to another, it also comes with its own set of risks. One of the biggest concerns for travelers is the safety of their carry-on luggage in the overhead bin. With so many people carrying heavy bags and the limited space available, it’s important to know how safe your belongings are, who has access to them and if you will be able to be reunited with your belongings at the end of the flight.

Is your Carry On Safe?

One person on a well known social media platform describes something that occurred on recent flight, where someone grabbed her bag and walked off the flight.

” When I caught up. He said someone asked him to get it for him because he was sitting in the back of the plane..which doesnt add up because why would you then continue on to customs if you were going to hand it to someone else. I asked for description and he gave a very generic description of a man with tattoos, at which point i gtfo.

He had no carryon of his own, only a backpack so he was fully intended to run away with it..I mean I ran ~200m from the gate to catch up to him, almost to the point of no turnaround.”

How Common is Carry On Theft?

According to US department of transportation, Airport baggage theft account for more than 1 million bags stolen a year, or more than $1.2 billion worth of loss.

A steward for an airline said, “It’s a very very common thing. There’s very little that the airport will do because it’s so hard to track. It could just be someone walking by and seeing a nice bag and going “sweet, free stuff”.”

Understanding Overhead Bin Security

In addition to wanting your bags to stay safe, you also want to get them back in one piece.

Lock Mechanism Fundamentals

The lock mechanism on overhead bins is an important aspect of their security. Most overhead bins are equipped with a simple latch mechanism that can be easily opened by pulling down on the handle. However, some newer aircraft have upgraded their overhead bins with more advanced locking mechanisms that require a key or a combination to open.

Passengers should be aware that the lock mechanism on their overhead bin is not foolproof. In fact, there have been instances where thieves have been able to bypass the lock and steal items from the bin. Therefore, it is recommended that passengers keep their valuable items with them at all times.

Potential Risks to Carry-On Items

Carry-on items are a convenient way to keep your essential belongings close at hand during a flight. However, there are potential risks associated with storing your items in the overhead bin. This section will discuss some of the risks that passengers should be aware of.

Theft and Tampering

One potential risk is theft or tampering of carry-on items. While airlines have security measures in place to prevent unauthorized access to the cabin, there have been instances of theft and tampering in the past. Passengers should keep an eye on their belongings and report any suspicious behavior to the flight crew.

Damage During Flight

Another risk is damage to carry-on items during flight. Overhead bins can shift during takeoff and landing, causing items to fall or shift. Additionally, turbulence can cause items to shift and become damaged. Passengers should ensure that their items are securely stored in the overhead bin and consider using protective cases for fragile items.

Loss During Boarding or Deplaning

Finally, there is a risk of loss during boarding or deplaning. Passengers may accidentally leave items behind in the overhead bin or forget to retrieve them during deplaning. Additionally, items may be lost or stolen during the boarding process. Passengers should double-check the overhead bin before leaving the plane and report any lost items to the airline immediately.

Overall, while there are potential risks associated with storing carry-on items in the overhead bin, these risks can be mitigated by taking precautions such as securing items properly and keeping a close eye on belongings.

Preventative Measures for Passengers

Passengers can take several preventative measures to ensure the safety of their carry-on luggage in the overhead bin.

Use of Locks and Security Devices

One of the most effective ways to secure a carry-on bag is by using locks and other security devices. Passengers can choose from a variety of locks, including combination locks, key locks, and cable locks. These locks can be used to secure the zippers on the bag or to attach the bag to the overhead bin.

It is important to note that TSA-approved locks are recommended to avoid damage to the bag in case of inspection. Passengers should also avoid using cheap locks that can be easily picked or cut.

According to another commenter on social media, “Flight crew here. People love to try and take our bags. Hide a tracking device in the lining of your suitcase. When it leaves your proximity of your area it will give you an immediate alert.”

If you can afford to check your luggage and use a TSA lock, you may have better luck.

Proper Packing Techniques

Proper packing techniques can also help prevent damage and theft of carry-on items. Passengers should pack their bags in a way that distributes weight evenly and avoids overpacking. Overpacked bags can burst open during turbulence or cause injury to other passengers when the bin is opened.

Passengers should also avoid packing valuable or fragile items in their carry-on bags. Instead, these items should be packed in a separate bag and kept with the passenger at all times.

Another commenter said,”This is why I’m now in the habit of traveling with one carryon that is small enough to simply fit under the seat in front of me. My bag is similar to this Swiss Gear Bungee, just a 10 year old version. And it’s big enough to fit my laptop, toiletries, one or two pairs of shoes, a purse and a weeks worth of clothing. I also learned how to pack clothing extremely tightly.”

Awareness and Vigilance

Passengers should always remain aware and vigilant of their surroundings when traveling. They should keep an eye on their bags at all times and report any suspicious behavior or unattended bags to airport staff or security personnel.

Passengers should also avoid placing their bags in the overhead bin away from their immediate seat. This can help prevent theft or damage to the bag during the boarding process. While this is not always possible, if you board early it is much easier to accomplish

By following these preventative measures, passengers can help ensure the safety and security of their carry-on luggage in the overhead bin.

Another tip by a reader says,

“This is going to sound silly, but I literally NEVER buy plain luggage. I’m talking black, navy, red, solid color luggage. My hard-sided carry on is from the kids section at Target. Light pink with seafoam details and leopard print – it stands out. I also have a silly little luggage tag that’s a rainbow with my name on it and if you take the insert out, on the back it has all of my information clearly printed. Yes, I know someone can just take that off but the point is that 1) most people won’t steal luggage that they think belongs to a child and 2) I have traveled many times, even with families and I’ve never seen someone else with my carryon. Not once. I’ve gone through big airports, small airports and not once have I seen someone else with mine.

If someone even pretends “I thought it was mine” I’m going to call them on it. “OH REALLY MISTER? You thought the pink leopard print suitcase was YOURS? Your name is ALSO Essie? How insane! Let’s see your ID to see if our birthdays are the same because what are the odds?””

Conclusion

There is no foolproof way to ensure the safety of carry-on luggage in the overhead bin. It is largely dependent on the actions of the passenger and airline staff.

Passengers should ensure that their carry-on luggage is properly stowed in the overhead bin, with no loose items or protruding objects. They should also follow the airline’s guidelines regarding the size and weight of carry-on luggage.

Get a carry-on that fits under your seat, or spring for checked luggage if you want to keep your belongings as safe as possible.

Source: Reddit