The “friendly skies” are a playground for bad guys, so says a mile high know-it-all.
Keeping your eyes on your prized possessions is a worthwhile effort while at 30,000 feet, according to a former flight attendant. She warns that pick-pocketing passengers are often onboard and on the lookout for loot.
“Flying is often seen as a safe and organized experience, but the reality is that there are many things passengers don’t know,” Barbara Bacilleri, 31, a travel influencer from Argentina, told JamPress. “Things that can turn a flight into an uncomfortable or even dangerous situation.”
As if flying hasn’t become scary enough in recent months.
“While you’re sleeping or distracted, someone could be rummaging through the overhead bins, stealing from suitcases without anyone noticing,” continued Bacilleri. “Others take advantage of bags placed under the seat, quickly slipping out valuables without drawing attention.”
“Some thieves even purchase tickets just to board a plane and steal,” said the blond.
And she’s not just blowing hot air.
Unfortunately, passenger-on-passenger pilfering is becoming an all too common crime.
Zhang Xiuqiang, a 52-year-old Chinese national, was recently accused of swiping $23,000 in cash from carry-on luggage that belonged to his fellow travelers during a short flight from Vietnam to Singapore.
A Delta Airlines worker was even apprehended for nabbing a traveler’s bag which contained over $285,000.
However, in skyway robbery, there’s typically no recourse.
Bacilleri, who previously blasted “disgusting” moms for changing their babies’ dirty diapers atop airline tray tables, said cabin crew members cannot prevent in-flight thievery.
“If you get robbed mid-flight, there are no security cameras or police officers to turn to until you land,” she noted. “Many airlines take no responsibility if something goes missing, and even if you report the theft upon landing, recovering your belongings is nearly impossible.”
The plane pro urged jet-setters to become ultra-vigilant about their belongings.
“To avoid becoming a victim, never lose sight of your valuables,” she encouraged. “Keep your important items, documents, and money with you at all times.”
“Because if you realize what’s missing after landing, it’s already too late,” said Bacilleri.
Meanwhile, the former flight attendant spilled other sky-high secrets.
She went on to note that overhead bin space directly above one’s seat isn’t always available.
“When you buy a ticket, the airline is only selling you transportation from point A to point B,” explained the expert. “Everything else is extra.”
“You are not paying for a specific luggage space,” the millennial said, “just for the right to bring a carry-on if your fare allows it.”
For some, limited overhead bin territory could mean that their bags might be stowed several rows away from their seats.
“It’s not ideal,” Bacilleri conceded, “but it’s completely normal.”
What isn’t normal, according to the pro air-hostess, is the notion that flight attendants are supposed to help flyers lift heavy suitcases into the overhead bins.
“If you can’t lift your bag over your head, consider removing some items,” Bacilleri suggested. “And if that’s not an option, check it in as hold luggage.”
For the sake of her former colleagues, the ex-cloud cruiser advises air travelers to test their strength against the weight of their bags at home.
“If every passenger asked for help, they would be lifting hundreds of kilos per flight,” said Bacilleri. “If they get injured, they can’t continue working.
“Even worse, if they hurt themselves helping a passenger, the airline won’t take responsibility,” she noted, adding most cabin crew members will also make expeditions for the elderly and folks with legitimate medical conditions.
“But outside of these cases,” said Bacilleri, it’s entirely up to the crew whether they want to lift 100 suitcases per flight.”
“While many flight attendants are happy to assist, they are not obligated to do so,” she insisted.
“So if you can’t handle your luggage yourself, why should someone else do it for you?”