We learned this week that two people were arrested for stealing up to 1,000 pieces of luggage from baggage claim carousels at the Phoenix airport. While this is shocking news, it also isn’t that surprising, considering how relaxed security is in the arrivals area of the airport, compared to the departures level.
If you’re like most travelers, you take great care with any luggage that you plan to check, usually securing a tag with your contact information in the event your bag becomes lost. At the ticket counter, you may have to pay a fee to check your luggage, but you have the comfort of knowing that your bag’s been tagged carefully by the airline. And before it goes down a conveyor belt, you get a claim receipt so you can retrieve your bag later.
Even carry-on bags are closely watched when you’re departing. Announcements over the airport loudspeaker constantly remind you, “Do not leave your bags unattended.” And on your way to the gate, your luggage is carefully inspected and goes through an x-ray machine before you can even board the plane.
With all this care, security and tracking, why is it that when you arrive at your destination, you often see unclaimed bags circling the carousel in baggage claim? And when you go to retrieve your luggage, why is no one there to check your claim tag or identification? When you think about it, the suspected criminals in Arizona may have concocted the perfect crime. It’s a wonder that they ever got caught.
Have you ever had your luggage lost … or stolen? And were you reunited with your bag, or was it lost forever? Share your stories in the comments section.
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