Do baggage handlers ever steal items out of checked luggage?

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Mexico Traveler

YES. Like in all professions in life you have mostly honest people and you will have dishonest ones as well. Fortunately my bags have never been broken into, but it does happen. It also can happen when the TSA is inspecting the bags at the security line. Bad people exist in every aspect of life. This does not make all others bad by any means.

For your bags, purchase TSA approved locks so you can secure your items. Make a list of what you have in your bags. When claiming your bags if you suspect something is wrong, check your bags or go to the airlines baggage claim representative and discuss the matter with them.

When making a complaint, be sure to tell them what has happened and how you expect them to resolve the issue. Do not expect them to tell you how they will resolve the issue. If you are missing clothes you tell them how much they were and that you expect them to reimburse you for them.

But I would say 99.999999999999999% of the time you will have no problem.

Jean Talon

The majority don't. But some do.

ironchain15

Yes, they do. I know some people that have had missing items when they opened their suitcases. Personally, if these fools want my smelly underwear, they can have it.

Mr Smart

baggage handlers are like any other group, a few thieves will steal things. also the TSA is ALLOWED to open your bags and check the contents for security reasons, but they are required to leave a note inside each bag they open.
3rd, if your bag is lost or late, and delivered to your home by a courier, they are independent, and have no background check before being hired. Thats why 68 suitcases were found in a dumpster behind a pet store in NYC. All had been opened, the couriers took what they wanted, then dumped the bags (from various airlines) a week ago or so.

dcgirl

Yes. It is not common but it does happen. Even the airlines will tell you "don't put cameras or anything else of value in your checked baggage."

GEEGEE

Most likely, there are bad apples in any group of employees. Common sense would indicate not to pack items of value or sentiment in checked baggage to prevent theft or misrouting of the bags.

Kenneth M

Although less frequent nowadays (more eyes watching due to 9/11), there is still a chance to have items stolen from your luggage. If it is a valuable, carry it onboard.

alienaviator

They sure do. Have a look at these sites and you wont believe your eyes!

http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/A-baggage-handler-took-my-camel-suit/2005/04/07/1112815671754.html

http://news.airwise.com/story/view/1113449420.html

You can be sure every airline would have bad apples like these guys.

zeebya

The composer John Williams now carries all his sheet music as a carry-on, after a handler stole his music sheets once.

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