Sachin Walls
While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) plays a vital role in keeping American airports safe, some officers have been accused of stealing from passengers. Theft can occur anywhere, and it can be challenging to prevent it entirely. However, travellers can take precautions to minimise the risk of theft and know what steps to take if their belongings are stolen. This includes keeping valuables in carry-on luggage, staying alert, and knowing how to file a claim and report with the TSA and law enforcement.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who is stealing? | Passengers |
| What is being stolen? | Cups, artwork, books, flatware, fruit, door hinges, televisions, a grand piano, fireplace |
| Where is it being stolen from? | Airport lounges, rooms in hotels attached to airports |
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What You'll Learn
TSA officers have been known to steal from passengers
Unfortunately, TSA officers have been known to steal from passengers. In 2012, a convicted TSA security officer, Pythias Brown, revealed that there was a "culture" of indifference that allowed corrupt employees to steal from passengers' luggage with impunity. Brown, who worked at Newark Liberty International Airport, stole more than $800,000 worth of items over a four-year period. He was only caught when he tried to sell a camera he had stolen from a CNN producer's luggage on eBay, forgetting to remove the news network's stickers.
Brown is not an isolated case. Between 2003 and 2012, 381 TSA officers were fired for theft, and there have been several other reported incidents of TSA officers stealing from passengers. In 2023, two TSA agents were arrested after being caught on camera stealing cash from bags at a security checkpoint. They distracted travellers while taking money from their pockets and wallets. In the same year, two other TSA agents were accused of stealing from passengers at Miami International Airport, with video clips of the thefts released by the Florida State Attorney's office.
While the TSA disputes that theft is a widespread problem, representing less than one-half of one percent of officers employed by the agency, it is still a concern for travellers. To prevent becoming a victim of theft, travellers can take certain measures, such as enrolling in TSA Pre-Check when flying domestically or Customs and Border Protection's Global Entry when flying internationally. This allows passengers to stay closer to their bags and belongings during security checks. Additionally, travellers can put tracking devices in their luggage, keep valuables in their carry-on bags, and remain alert in the security line to keep their bags in sight as much as possible.
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How to prevent theft from your luggage
Unfortunately, luggage theft is becoming more common at airports around the world. To prevent your luggage from being stolen, consider the following:
Before you fly
- Avoid purchasing high-end or designer suitcases, as these can quickly become targets of luggage thieves. Instead, opt for a colourful or patterned bag that is easily identifiable. Alternatively, a tattered, faded, and frayed suitcase may be overlooked by thieves.
- If possible, don't pack valuables and breakables in your checked luggage. If these items are lost, stolen, or damaged, you likely won't be compensated by your airline. Always carry valuable items such as your phone, laptop, or headphones on your person or in your carry-on luggage, where they can be kept safe and within sight.
- If you're travelling with items of great value, consider additional security measures such as GPS tracking.
- Tag all your belongings with your identification, especially those that will be placed in a security checkpoint bin.
- Book flights using a credit card that offers insurance for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage.
At the airport
- Stay close to your bags and belongings at all times, especially at security checkpoints and baggage claim.
- If your belongings are pulled for secondary screening, insist that you can watch them.
- If you must use the restroom, do so after collecting your luggage, and position yourself near the carousel's entry point until you have taken possession of your bag.
- If you fly domestically, consider enrolling in TSA Pre-Check, which allows you to stay closer to your belongings as they move through security. If you fly internationally, enrol in Customs and Border Protection's Global Entry programme, which offers similar benefits.
Tracking devices
Consider placing a tracking device, such as an Apple AirTag, inside your checked luggage and carry-on items. This will allow you to track their location and find them if they go missing.
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What to do if something is stolen from your luggage
Unfortunately, luggage theft is a common occurrence, and even those who are supposed to protect us, like TSA agents, have been caught stealing from passengers. If something is stolen from your luggage, here are some steps you can take to try and resolve the issue:
Before Your Trip
- Take pictures of everything in your luggage and photocopy receipts for those items. Make duplicates of the photos and prepare two envelopes containing the photos and receipts. Give one envelope to a trusted friend who is not travelling with you and keep the other with you.
- Put an Apple AirTag or its equivalent in your checked luggage and carry-on item so you can track its location.
- If you fly domestically, enrol in TSA Pre-Check. This will allow you to stay closer to your bags and belongings as they move through security.
- If you fly internationally, enrol in Customs and Border Protection's Global Entry. This will not only give you TSA Pre-Check privileges but also allow you to get to the baggage claim area before your luggage appears, preventing someone else from grabbing your bag.
During Your Trip
- Keep valuables in your carry-on luggage whenever possible.
- Stay alert in the security line and try not to let your bags out of your sight.
- If travelling with a companion, keep a few people between you while going through security. This way, you can watch each other's belongings while taking turns in the body scanner.
After Your Trip
- If your luggage is missing entirely, report it to your airline.
- If a specific item is missing, start by checking with the airport's lost and found department.
- If the item is not in lost and found, file a claim with the TSA through their website. Provide as much detail about your lost item(s) as possible, including receipts, appraisals, and flight information.
- If you believe an expensive item, such as electronics or jewellery, was stolen, call the law enforcement office at both your departure and arrival airports and file a report for stolen goods.
- Expect a resolution time of up to six months after submitting your claim.
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The process of filing a claim with the TSA
While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) plays a vital role in keeping American airports safe, some of its officers have been accused of stealing passengers' belongings. If you believe a TSA agent stole something from your luggage, here is a step-by-step guide on how to file a claim:
Step 1: Contact the Airport's Lost and Found Department
Before filing a claim, it is recommended to contact the airport's lost and found department to verify if your item was accidentally left behind or misplaced.
Step 2: Identify the Security Provider
Not all airports in the U.S. are secured by the TSA. Some airports employ private security firms for screening. Therefore, it is essential to determine whether the TSA or a private company provided security at the airport in question. You can usually find this information on the airport's website or by contacting the airport directly.
Step 3: Gather Information and Evidence
When filing a claim, it is crucial to provide as many details as possible about the incident and the lost or damaged item(s). This includes supporting documentation such as receipts, appraisals, and flight information, and any other relevant details about your lost item(s). If you have any proof of misconduct or negligence, such as video footage or eyewitness accounts, be sure to include that as well.
Step 4: File the Claim
You can file a claim with the TSA through its official website. The TSA Claims page provides guidance for travelers who need to file a claim due to lost, damaged, or missing property during the security screening process. Alternatively, if you believe a TSA agent touched you inappropriately, injured you, or discriminated against you, you may file a complaint specifically addressing this type of incident.
Step 5: Expect a Resolution Timeframe
After submitting your claim, be prepared to wait for a resolution. In some cases, it may take up to six months to receive a response and conclude the process.
It is important to act promptly when filing a claim, as every state has a time limit on how long you have to initiate this process. Additionally, consider enrolling in programs like TSA Pre-Check to stay close to your belongings during security checks and minimize the chances of theft.
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The likelihood of being stolen from at the airport
While the high-security atmosphere of airports might deter thieves, it is still possible for theft to occur. In fact, there have been several documented instances of airport personnel, including baggage handlers, airport security, and TSA agents, stealing from passengers' bags. This could be due to the ease of access these individuals have to luggage in places where few people are around. Additionally, TSA-approved luggage locks can make it easier for unscrupulous security officers to access your belongings, as they have the right to cut any locks that are difficult to open. As such, it is crucial to take precautions to minimise the risk of theft when travelling through airports.
Firstly, it is advisable to avoid bringing valuable or expensive items unless absolutely necessary. If you must travel with valuables, keep them in your carry-on luggage or on your person at all times. Items such as jewellery, electronics, and cash are more likely to be targeted by thieves, so extra caution should be exercised when packing and transporting these belongings.
Another strategy to deter potential thieves is to make your luggage visually distinctive. A generic-looking suitcase blends into the sea of similar bags, making it easier for a thief to claim it as their own by mistake or intentionally. By adding unique markings, an unusual paint scheme, or brightly coloured accents, you reduce the risk of mistaken identity and make it harder for criminals to target your luggage without attracting attention.
Additionally, staying vigilant and mindful of your surroundings is crucial. Whenever possible, avoid letting your bags out of your sight, especially at security checkpoints and baggage claim areas. If you need to step away, ask a trusted travel companion to keep an eye on your belongings until you return. Being alert and aware can deter potential thieves from targeting your luggage when you are nearby.
Furthermore, consider utilising tracking devices such as Apple AirTags or similar products. By placing these devices in your checked luggage and carry-on items, you can actively monitor their location and quickly determine if they have been misplaced or stolen. This technology empowers you to take immediate action if your belongings go missing.
In conclusion, while the likelihood of being stolen from at the airport cannot be eradicated, implementing the strategies outlined above can significantly reduce the chances of theft. By taking proactive measures, travellers can deter opportunistic thieves and safeguard their belongings more effectively. Vigilance, discretion, and proactive security measures are key to mitigating the risk of theft during air travel.
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Frequently asked questions
If your entire luggage is gone, report it to your airline. If you're missing a specific item, start by checking with the airport's lost and found department. If the item isn't in lost and found, file a claim with the TSA and provide as much detail as possible. You should also report the theft to the police.
Keep valuables in your carry-on luggage instead of your checked luggage. Stay alert in the security line and keep your bags in sight. You can also put an Apple AirTag in your luggage to track its location.
File a claim with the TSA and provide as much detail as possible. You can also report the theft to the police. It can take up to six months for a claim to be investigated.
While there have been reports of TSA officers stealing from passengers, the chances of this happening are very low. In 2014, the US airport with the most TSA complaints was JFK in New York with 891 complaints, but it handled 53.3 million customers that year.
