Air Travel Tip: Keep Your Valuables at Your Feet

CBS Boston reports:

In-flight theft is the new reality when it comes to air travel, according to George Hobica ofairfarewatchdog.com.

“It’s easy pickings,” he said.

Travel experts such as Hobica say theft on planes is a growing problem, with bags getting swiped, valuables stolen and pockets picked. Jewelry, money and medications are often the sought-after prizes, Hobica said.

One of the reasons in-flight thefts are rising is because more travelers are trying to avoid checking their bags these days.

“People don’t want to pay the check-bag fee,” Hobica said, adding, ”They also know there can be a lot of theft from baggage handlers.”

More passengers carrying on luggage means overhead bins are packed. Travelers often cannot use an overhead bin near their seats, putting their valuables out of sight. This clearly makes it easier for a thief to quickly steal something without being noticed.

Experts advise passengers to keep valuables out of the overhead bins and at their feet.

Also, when I travel, I always mark luggage that I plan to check with some type of tape that I can spot from a great distance. It use to be the orange stickers that FedEx used to mark Saturday deliveries. Against a black luggage background, I could spot my luggage immediately. FedEx switched to a different color Saturday label that doesn't stand out as well, so I have switched to some zebra tape that I bought at a Walgreen's. I never have trouble spotting my luggage on a baggage carousel.