Airports are one of the most secure places on the planet. Not only does every passenger go through physical screening, but their identities are run against government targeting databases.
There are more law enforcement agencies on premises at a major international airport than anywhere else. There’s TSA, local police, DEA, Customs and Border Protection, FBI and that’s just to name a few.
Yet people can just walk into the arrivals level of an airport, walk up to baggage claim, and pick up bags belonging to anyone that they wish – and walk right out.
- People keep trusting their valuable belongings to this system, instead of carrying anything important onboard themselves
- Somehow, most of the time people get their stuff back
- When they don’t, we act like it’s the airline’s fault
There used be people checking baggage claim tags at New York-area airports years ago. You’d have to show your claim check to leave with a bag. But I haven’t seen this since I was a kid.
Overall the system works well most of the time. We live in a high trust society, and there are cameras everywhere so if bags go missing on a consistent basis and in a predictable way, someone might decide to pull up security tapes. Not only are there more law enforcement on premises at airports than pretty much anywhere else, there are more cameras, too. Just about everything you do is being recorded.
Airlines can gain access to these tapes pretty easily most of the time. Victims of crime don’t have such an easy time. And unsolved luggage theft underscores this point. The incidents should be much easier to solve! Someone has to want to go out of their way to do so, though.
Interestingly, though, just as you don’t know what happens to your bags neither do airlines. A couple of men scammed airlines of more than $500,000 by filing false lost luggage claims. Check bags, pick them up at baggage claim, and the airline doesn’t know your bags aren’t lost! Eventually the men were caught and charged. I guess the temptation to ‘go big’ was just too great.
I’ve seen agents checking luggage claim tags in Chicago with Delta, in Mexico City with Aeromexico, and Havana with government/security/police-looking officials.
Another reason why I never check a bag, unless I really have to. Thankfully, in customs restricted areas of airports, there is at least a barrier from the general public entering to take your things. And, of course, there is the occasional accidental misidentification of a similar looking bag by a fellow passenger. In the end, it’s just stuff–it can be replaced–but still, it’s not fun to lose it.
We really need ubiquitous “door-to-door” luggage delivery services so people don’t need to schlep their bags through the airport to begin with.
I walked through customs with someone else’s bag recently. I was a non-descript grey bag I rarely use, and by the time I got to bag claim it was the only vaguely similar bag left, so I just grabbed it (newbie mistake I know). Didn’t realize until hours later that it was filled with women’s clothing.
It turned out to be a good thing I had it though, I was able to call the number on the name tag and we were able to exchange our bags directly. Would have been a much bigger hassle to have to get my bag from someone when I didn’t have theirs.
(She took my bag first, for the record.)
There’s no way for real enforcement. Maybe if someone sees something strange like a person walking into the terminal and walking away with a bag that’s gone around several times.
I don’t check bags because if my bag goes on a separate flight then it’s sitting awhile alone before an airline rep will secure it.
@Denver Refugee –I think there are services offering that for skis/ boots, snowboards, bicycles, etc., basically for larger equipment. Haven’t tried that yet. I mean, if you’re actually in Denver, then you probably just put ’em in your car then drive up I-70 anyway–that’s much more convenient.
@Christopher Raehl –You’re a good fellow to see that through.
@George N Romey –This is the way. Carry-on only!
Airports in most countries in the world have their baggage claim before exiting the secure area, thus preventing random people from going trying to steal bags. Not in the US for some reason.
That is the way Dulles is set up for international arrivals, by the way. Just not for domestic luggage. Suspect that has more to do with stopping smuggling, though.
@Gary — It wasn’t just as NYC-area airports. I remember having to show my claim check at LAX, MSY, and SFO to name but three — but, yeah, that was a long, long time ago.
The problem (as I see it) is that a) a lot of people toss their claim checks almost immediately, or b) never take them in the first place — never said that was smart, only that people do it. (I, on the other hand, misplace them all the time only to find them 4-6 weeks after I’ve returned from the trip in question. However, I make sure that my medications are in my carry-on, my laptop and cords are in my “personal item” (backpack), along with my passport…in other words, the only thing in my checked suitcase are shoes and clean or dirty clothes, depending upon whether I’m outbound or inbound. If someone wants my dirty clothes, I’ll file a claim and get a new wardrobe…
@George N Romney — If I could ever figure out how to spend two weeks in Europe or Asia with just a carry-on, believe me I’d do it. Not because I worry about losing my luggage, having it mis-shipped or stolen — perhaps I’m naïve, but it’s never happened to either my wife nor myself* — but simply because of the hassle of dragging it around.
@Denver Refugee — There ARE services like that for luggage; they just aren’t ubiquitous.
@Anonymous — It’s in the States, too, but only for international travel (clearing Customs). For domestic flights, it’s potentially open season. But that’s a great idea…
In my opinion there is an even bigger security problem at all airports. You check your bags with the airline and then you often, particularly in large airports, have to queue to have yourself and any carry-on items scanned/checked. The only check before you enter the queue is for your boarding card and ID. At Atlanta airport for example there can be hundreds of people in the queue, zig-zagging multiple times before they reach the point at which they and their carry-on bags will be checked. It is when you are in the middle of this crowd of people that you are the most vulnerable. None of the bags being carried by any of the people in the queue have been checked. Only the person carrying a bag knows what’s inside. A suicide bomber could be in the queue, waiting until he/she gets to the middle of the queue and detonating the bomb where it will cause the most mayhem
The technology to include basic RFID tags in the printed luggage label has been around for many years. Automatic scan and verification of the tag at specific chokepoint has been implemented in inventory management for “forever”.
@2025 –Cool name. Tragically, Brussels (BRU) experienced your hypothetical in 2016. Perhaps, we should adopt what many ‘developing’ nations do at their airports…multiple layers of security. For instance, in New Delhi (DEL), you must show ticket documents (email confirmations, etc. and passports/ID) to even enter the departures area (prior to desk check-in). Or, in Kigali (KGL), Rwanda, there is a literal vehicle scanner (massive x-ray machine) that drivers literally must go through, while passengers go through a separate screening area, all before even entering the grounds of the airport. Then again, none of this is very ‘efficient’–but it’s not simply ‘theater’ in those places.
The domestic baggage claim at Terminal 4 at JFK used by Delta is no longer a public space. You can only enter it by going through the right exit from the secure area and if you go through an alternative exit like I did on my last trip there with a check bag security will stop you. I had to show them my bag tag to get into the claim area to retrieve my bag.
On arrival with AA domestically recently, I saw a guy scan every bag as it came onto the carousel. I assumed it was so someone couldn’t claim their luggage never arrived.
I travel with checked bags all the time. Never had one lost. Delayed: all the time. Since the last leg of any flight for me is two hours in a train and fifteen minutes on foot, I make sure that my return-leg bags are filled with dirty laundry. That way, when they miss a connection coming home, I’m happy: a car will hand-deliver last week’s underwear.
But yeah, don’t put valuables underneath.
I’ve never had any luggage go missing. I typically do carry-on only depending on the trip. On my last trip, I did check bags. I was handed a receipt for them. Once I landed, nobody checked. It seems to me that Airlines like to argue about the location of a bag when it’s lost. Mine have AirTags in them. The airlines are finally getting AirTag friendly in locating your bag.
Another thing that is a problem only in the USA, where thievery is so prevalent.
Now you want more regulations? And more people (with weapons?) to increase costs (or taxes) even more?
“When they don’t, we act like it’s the airline’s fault.”
Of course it is the airline’s fault. The airline personnel were handed our baggage and they gave us
claim checks for them. Checked baggage is either paid for or is part of the package price for a higher priced ticket.
@Mary — There are thieves everywhere, not just the USA. Don’t worry, the current administration will de-regulate, abolish, and/or privatize everything soon enough–not my preference. You can still blame whoever you want regardless. (To be on the safe side, for baggage, just do carry-on only.)
The only airport in the USA that I know of that checks your baggage tags is Boston. It has been a while since I have been there, so I don’t know if BOS still does that.
My bag doesn’t leave my sight, other than being stored in the overhead bin while in flight. Anything that doesn’t fit in my backpack doesn’t come with me.
For a thief, it’s a pretty low probability of actually scoring something valuable versus dirty underwear.
@Al LeFeusch — Hear hear! Light traveling whenever possible for the win. The peace of mind is very comforting.
Gary made a good point about just because everything is recorded doesn’t mean that any one individual needing it for this purpose or something else would be able to access it which can be unfortunate.
Checking of bag tags is a good idea, maybe there’s an innovative way to mass-implement it without slowly down the process too much.
Now now Gary, don’t be advocating for tighter measures down there, you’ll be cutting off my sources of fashion and accessories. Not to mention my side hustle of selling the items I don’t like.
Government security isn’t concerned with the safety of passenger luggage, only with whether such luggage contains articles that aren’t permitted on an airplane that’s about to fly. Once the plane has landed a passenger’s checked luggage is her/his worry and responsibility.
If yours is stolen as was sometimes the case with the young man formerly employed by the Biden administration, tough luck.
Back in the 1970’s when we were contracted by the airlines, it was quite different as was the concept. I worked for Andy Frain and then Lincoln Zonn’s subsidiary, Lincoln Assoc. When a Pax went thru security screening, they were “airline sterile” until they egressed the baggage claim at their final destination.
We never let the visiting public into those areas.
If you were an arriving Pax and wanted to exit Baggage Claim, we warned them they had to return upstairs to departures and be prescreened to return to Baggage Claim
I left Passenger Screening to pursue a career in law enforcement with the local Sheriff’s Office. We were the law enforcement that sat at the screening area.
When TSA negotiated to take over air port security, they were clear that they had no interest in Baggage Claim. They felt it unnecessary. The focus was safe flying. Physical Baggage claim checks themselves aren’t necessary because they are on your electronic documents on your mobile phone, plus nowadays the claim checks have your name printed on them.
TSA still feels security in baggage claim is unnecessary, but I would submit that on 01/06/2017 Esteban Santiago-Ruiz pulled off a mass shooting in the baggage claim of Terminal 2, killing 5 people and injuring 36. Graphic Video: https://youtu.be/Gf512p2f2Xk?si=RQHVPDB6oGYJ9_F2
The last time I saw checked luggage bag tag checkers on domestic arrival at a US airport was at LGA, and it was within the last 15 years but before Covid. But it was rare enough by then to be memorable (as a nuisance since I needed to dig around to find my bag claim check to show the guy even as the bag and bag tag had my name on it and I had ID in hand to show it was mine.
I always have an Apple Airtag in my checked bags. I can easily see if my bags are traveling with me, or if my bags leave the airport before I do. I can follow my bags to any location in the city and no, I won’t approach a house, but the po-po will if I call them regarding my property being stolen. Note that I’ve never had to do that, but it’s calming knowing my bags are in the same location as I am.
Anyone remember when the airlines stopped matching luggage tags to claim checks. I have vivid memories into at least the 80s. They used to check the claim check then pull the tag. If they did that now no one would want to wait.
This has nothing to do with Federal Law Enforcement and everything to do with the Airlines. It makes no financial sense for Airlines to spend money on securing luggage leaving their care. Not too mention how long it would take to ensure proper bag reconciliation with every passenger.
I’m from the UK and when travelling to the US it’s always baffled me why baggage claim is landside and have always thought this myself. In the UK (and many places in Europe I’ve been) baggage claim (even domestic/shengen) is still airside. Sure another passenger could make off with your bag but at least someone can’t just come in off the street and take it.
I havent traveled in about 15 years but are planning tp 2026 with my daughter. Back then i paid extra for our seats but doesnt look like that now. I am disablef (for real) so i woll be traveling with numerous ✋️ pieces of equipment. 2 walkers ( 1 walker to use on plane and one rollator i can use. When i go on vacation the plan is to bring a battery operated chair. My fear is luggage handlers might through my chair off the plain and break it or someone might steal it and then i will be unable to get around. I will also have a stepper to help me get into bed. At on point recently i couldnt stand or walk at all due to bone spur pressing into my spine. Reading all these security issues, what would / could someone suggest i do
They were checking tags tonight in Jfk terminal 8. First time I’ve seen that I think
&1990. We ALl know that’s NOT why you don’t check a bag!! Stop posturing
Many years ago before there was a TSA, in San Diego we had to show our luggage claim ticket to security to verify that the luggage we were leaving with was ours. I don’t know why that stopped.
@David Tead — Forgetting something?
Usually for the joke/attack to work, you need to be slightly more specific.
Like, are you alluding that I am of a particular… profession? orientation? faith? ethnicity? ideology?
‘We know you’re (x), so that why ya never check a bag!’ *laughter*
It’s on the ‘cheap’ end of the comedic spectrum (you know, ‘punching down’), but ‘you do you’ as they say.
Also, it technically doesn’t have to be disparaging, which could be part of the surprise. Like, the expectation is that you say something mean-spirited, but then, when you don’t, it’s ‘humorous’ in that way. Maybe that’s what you were going for. How clever of you!
‘You don’t have to check a bag because you’re such a nice fellow!’ *ba dum tss*
Or maybe you said something so vile, so unforgivable, that Gary had to step in and clean it up, but he doesn’t moderate like that, so I don’t think so.
Either way, I’d probably respond on how you ‘made my day’ or give a good ole ‘feed me’ (if you’re particularly nasty).
Call this an ‘assist’ (take it to the net!)
It’s pretty straightforward: law enforcements primary objective is passenger safety. The baggage it’s not. I would rather have them concentrate on making sure something horrible doesn’t get on the plane with me, and very willing to risk losing something if they have to choose between one priority or another
@Jim. I remember being puzzled when SAN opened the West Terminal in 1978 and the baggage claim area was fenced off (sort of) and it was designed to funnel people through just a few openings where someone was positioned to verify that your claim checks matched the bag tags before you could exit the baggage claim area. For a while they only did this in the West Terminal, but eventually duplicated it in the East Terminal.
Throughout the 1980s, I never saw this being done at other airports in other western states.
@David, separate a Delta tag and take a look. There’s a RFID tag in there, been there since 2014 if memory serves. I ran that program to get them to 99% accuracy.