Airplane Robbery – Does It Happen?

I received an email telling the story of how someone was robbed during their flight while they were sleeping.  On that particular flight, several people had things stolen from their luggage in the overhead bin, by someone who sat in the back of the plane and observed where people put their luggage.  Luckily, the person noticed before the plane unloaded and the perpetrator was caught, with items and money from several passengers.

There was also a mention of a woman who had things stolen from her purse by her seatmate while she was sleeping.

Regardless of how often this may or may not happen, it is definitely worth considering and taking preventive steps.  Here are some ways to protect yourself:

• keep all valuables on your body, at all times.
• take your purse (if you are a woman) to the bathroom with you, do not leave it at your seat.
• lock luggage that goes in the overhead bin
• do not travel with valuable jewelery, or excess cash.  It is better to use an ATM on arrival.

Personally, I take a window seat so that I can keep my things against the wall, the farthest point away from any passenger.  I wear a light jacket with an inside pocket where I keep my passport, cash, credit cards and cell phone.  And I always make sure that my zippers is closed on my shoulder bag, where I have my computer, cords, book and online necessities.

This is definitely not a fun topic, but a few preventive measures can save you the pain of losing anything and interrupting your fun time when you land.