How to keep your cabin baggage safe during a flight

Remember that train heist scene from the 1998 movie ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’, where Amitabh Bachchan and Govinda plan a whole gimmick to fool their fellow passengers and sweep away their luggage? Or more recently, in the movie ‘Kill’, where Raghav Juyal arranges an elaborate train theft with his gang?
We’ve always been told to take extra care of our luggage when travelling by train. But can you imagine having to do the same on a flight, not just domestically but internationally as well?
While we used to worry mainly about how our checked-in bags were handled (or thrown) by the airline crew, now there are growing concerns about cabin baggage as well. Imagine unpacking your luggage after a long flight, only to discover that your valuables are missing.
Social media is full of stories about valuable items being stolen from travellers’ cabin bags. On X (formerly Twitter), a user shared how her valuables, including bags and jewellery, were stolen on an Emirates flight. Another user talked about how her scarf was stolen off her lap while she was asleep on a flight.
Several reports also detail incidents of in-flight theft. Earlier this year, a man was arrested for stealing valuables from co-passengers on over 200 flights in just over a year.
Another report stateed that jewellery worth lakhs went missing from the check-in bag of a Bengaluru-based couple. One more report mentioned how a passenger’s handbag containing a laptop was stolen from the flight’s overhead luggage compartment.
Sharing his experience with India Today, Neeraj Mishra (name changed on request), a 45-year-old working professional from Pune, describes how an in-flight theft incident left him stunned.
“I am a frequent traveller, and because of this, I used to be a little casual about my cabin baggage, thinking no one would steal it. But a couple of months ago, on my flight from Dubai to New York, when I came out of the restroom, I saw a lady wandering around my seat. Upon closer inspection, I noticed she was fiddling with my laptop bag. When I pointed this out from a distance, one of the crew members noticed she had a couple of credit cards and a smartwatch in her hand, items that all belonged to me,” he says.
Louis D’Souza, director at Tamarind Global (a company specialising in bespoke travel solutions), suggests that the increasing number of passengers on international flights might be contributing to these incidents.
“Overhead cabin space is usually limited, so travellers often store their cabin luggage away from their seats, making it harder to keep an eye on valuables. Long-haul international flights mean passengers may fall asleep and get distracted, providing a chance for thefts to go unnoticed. Organised crime groups seeking high-value items like electronics, credit cards, cash, and luxury goods are becoming more adept at their methods. Moreover, the anonymity and confined nature of a plane cabin make it easier for them to blend in, making their activities harder to detect,” he shares.
“While theft has traditionally been a problem on trains due to prolonged journeys, crowded conditions, and lack of en-route security, the shift to international flights is certainly alarming,” D’Souza adds.
This trend shows how wrongdoers are adapting their tricks to new settings, especially with so many wealthy travellers on international flights.
D’Souza continues, “Air travel usually involves passengers carrying high-value items, making them prime targets. The ease with which cabin baggage can be accessed on flights, combined with reduced passenger attentiveness during long-haul flights, has created a gap in in-flight security. As international travel increases, theft numbers are likely to rise if security measures to address these issues are not implemented soon.”
To avoid in-flight theft of overhead cabin luggage, be vigilant about your belongings throughout the flight. Always avoid keeping valuable items like phones, wallets, and passports in overhead compartments. Pack them in small bags and store them under the seat in front of you.
If you need to use the restroom during the flight, inform your co-traveller about your valuables, or if travelling solo, keep your valuables with you at all times.

Stay attentive to keep your luggage safe (Photo: Getty Images)

Remember, there are no CCTV cameras in the cabin, so once you lose your belongings, it can be very challenging to identify the thief.
Another tip is to use lockable luggage. You don’t need to carry an old-fashioned chain and lock (train travel must-have), but a small lock can help keep your baggage secure.
If you’re a frequent traveller, consider investing in anti-theft accessories such as a Bluetooth smart padlock, a portable safe, a hidden shoulder wallet, or a travel belt. Anti-theft backpacks are also becoming increasingly popular.
Staying attentive throughout the flight is crucial. It’s advisable to store bags in the overhead bin just above your seat to keep them out of reach of potential thieves. Labelling your belongings can also help avoid confusion.
Despite being cautious, if you suspect someone has tampered with your cabin luggage, immediately inform the cabin crew about the incident.
“The crew is experienced in handling such situations and can assist in documenting the incident. They will also help check the cabin and nearby passengers for any misplaced or stolen items,” says Louis D’Souza.
Once the flight lands, report the theft to both the airline and airport security. Many airlines have procedures for handling in-flight theft and can help investigate the situation.
If you have travel insurance, contact your provider to file a claim, providing detailed documents like an FIR with airport security/police and an investigation report from the airline.
While such an experience can be emotionally taxing, staying calm and following the proper protocol can help you recover stolen items or obtain compensation for the loss.