How To Keep Your Valuables Safe From Thieves On Planes — So You Don’t Become The Next Inflight Theft Victim

Cases of inflight thefts on planes are on the rise. Most recently, a Chinese national was caught stealing US$885 (S$1,200) in cash on a Singapore-bound from Jeju on Scoot, and was sentenced to eight months in jail. 

Sadly, this is far from an isolated case, as more and more travellers are falling prey to thieves on planes — who may be operating in syndicates — and getting their belongings and valuables stolen from overhead compartment bins during flights.

So more than ever, it’s pertinent for travellers to be alert and take precautions to mitigate the risk of getting your valuables stolen on a flight. We’ve gathered 10 useful tips below to help protect yourself from in-flight theft.

Before the flight

#1: Pack with intention

For starters, store valuables in zippered or button pockets of your carry-on bags, especially pockets in the interior rather than the exterior quick-access ones. This will increase the time thieves will need to get to the contents within, thereby increasing chances of them getting noticed or caught, or just giving up with the theft altogether.

Look for features such as multiple interior pockets, anti-theft zippers, and even RFID protection that the Tigernu 3906 backpack offers. For added security, consider getting a mini travel safe for valuables, such as the Oria Portable & Anti-Theft Security Case. 

#2: Make sure your carry-on bag stands out 

In a sea of ubiquitous black, grey, and navy bags, it makes sense to have standout features on your bag that you can immediately recognise as yours. The bright colours of a Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack deter thieves as they easily draw attention. But if you don’t want to purchase a new bag just for travelling, go the more economical way and make your carry-on bag more visible and unique with smaller items. Consider attaching a ribbon, a bright zipper pull from Eagle Creek, or an adorable Nom Gem Biscuit Keypouch that doubles as a keychain. Similarly, luggage can be secured with the colourful Travel Blue Heavy Duty 2-inch Luggage Strap.

#3: Get travel insurance 

Most folks get travel insurance with trip cancellations, medical expenses, and other emergency assistance in mind. But the next time you purchase a new travel insurance policy, read the fine print to ensure that it also covers theft and loss of baggage and personal valuables. Do note that the policyholder needs to be responsible for their belongings. As such, negligence may not result in a successful claim. You would also need to file a police report with the local authorities that details your loss. 

#4: Place the luggage in the overhead compartment opposite your aisle

While convention has us stowing our carry-on luggage in the overhead compartment directly above our seat on the plane, it makes more sense, security-wise, to place it in the compartment of the opposite aisle. This makes it easier to spot if anyone is trying to rummage through your bag. Also, flip the bags upside down so that the zips and outer pockets become less readily accessible to thieves. 

During the flight 

#5: Lock and tag your bags

While it might seem troublesome to lock and unlock your bags each time you need to get something from your carry-on bag, it beats getting your valuables stolen. Secure your bags with conventional locks like the Eagle Creek 3 Dial Travel Sentry Approved Lock and Cable. For extra precaution, add an Apple AirTag to track its whereabouts. Some netizens have also shared the tip of attaching a bell, which offers an audible cue whenever your bag is moved. Try the Montbell Trekking Bell Square for this purpose. 

#6: Keep valuables on you at all times onboard 

We recommend keeping valuables such as your passport, wallet, and essential medication on you at all times. A small crossbody bag, such as the Lululemon Curved Crossbody Bag, or a money belt, like the Pacsafe Coversafe V100 RFID Blocking Waist Wallet, would suffice. Alternatively, a jacket with inner pockets that you will wear throughout the flight would work, too. Otherwise, keep your bag underneath your seat rather than in the overhead bin, but take it with you when you leave your seat.

#7: Don't leave your valuables unattended 

Unless you’re travelling with a companion who can watch your belongings, we recommend taking your valuables with you every time you go to the washroom. Consider using the Spigen Universal Passport Holder to keep your passport, cash, and cards in one compact, handy case or the Flippysox Premium Socks with Patented Zipper Wallet, which also keeps your feet warm. 

#8: Remain vigilant

We get it. You just want to plug into Netflix or fall asleep as soon as possible to make the flight time pass quickly. However, stay aware of your surroundings, especially on long-haul flights where perpetrators would want to strike under the cover of darkness. Don’t be afraid to inform flight attendants if you encounter suspicious behaviour. 

After the flight 

#9: Check your belongings before disembarking

Don’t rush to exit the plane - take time to take stock. Ensure that all your essentials are present and accounted for before you disembark. You are going to have to queue at immigration anyway, so spend a little time here so you can enjoy your trip without fretting over lost items. 

#10: Report any missing items to the cabin crew immediately 

If the worst happens to you and your personal valuables have been stolen, quickly report it to the cabin crew members. Then, file a police report with the local authorities. As mentioned earlier, the report is necessary to not only aid possible retrieval but also to claim travel insurance. 

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