Do you remember the train robbery scene from the 1998 film ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ where Amitabh Bachchan and Govinda plan a whole heist to fool their fellow passengers and steal their belongings? Or the recent film ‘Kill’ where Raghav Juyal along with his gang plans a train robbery?

We have always been told to take special care of our luggage while travelling by train. But can you imagine having to do the same while travelling by air, not just domestically but internationally as well?

While we were mainly concerned about how our checked bags would be handled (or thrownThere are now growing concerns about cabin baggage as well, especially by airline crews. Imagine opening your luggage after a long flight and finding that your valuables are missing.

A unique case of theft in an airplane

There are many stories on social media about valuables being stolen from passengers’ cabin bags. A user on X (formerly Twitter) told how her valuables, including her bag and jewellery, were stolen on an Emirates flight. Another user told how her dupatta was stolen from her lap while she was sleeping on a flight.

Several reports have also detailed incidents of theft on board. Earlier this year, a man was arrested for stealing valuables from fellow passengers on more than 200 flights in a year.

Another report states that jewellery worth lakhs went missing from the check-in bag of a Bengaluru couple. Another report describes how a passenger’s handbag containing a laptop was stolen from the overhead luggage compartment of a flight.

Sharing your experience india todayNeeraj Mishra (name changed on request), a 45-year-old working professional from Pune, tells how an incident of theft on board an aircraft left him shocked.

“I travel frequently, and because of this, I used to be a little careless about my cabin baggage, thinking that no one would steal it. But a few months ago, during my flight from Dubai to New York, when I came out of the lavatory, I noticed a woman loitering around my seat. On closer inspection, I found that she was tampering with my laptop bag. When I pointed this out from a distance, a crew member noticed that she had a few credit cards and a smartwatch in her hand, all of which belonged to me,” he says.

blame the crowd

Lewis D’Souza, director of Tamarind Global (a company specialising in custom travel solutions), suggests that the increasing number of passengers on international flights may be contributing to these incidents.

“Overhead cabin space is usually limited, so passengers often store their cabin luggage away from their seats, making it difficult to keep track of valuables. Long-haul international flights mean passengers may be asleep and distracted, allowing thefts to go unnoticed. Organised crime groups seeking high-value items such as electronics, credit cards, cash and luxury goods are becoming more adept in their methods. In addition, the anonymity and confined nature of aircraft cabins allows them to blend in easily, making their movements difficult to detect,” he explained.

From train robbery to cabin theft

“Although theft has traditionally been a problem on trains because of the long journeys, congestion and lack of security en route, incidents of theft on international flights are certainly a matter of concern,” D’Souza said.

The trend shows how wrongdoers are adapting their tactics to new circumstances, especially with so many wealthy travelers on international flights.

D’Souza adds, “Passengers typically carry high-value items in air travel, making them prime targets. The ease of accessing cabin baggage on flights, as well as the reduced vigilance of passengers during long-haul flights, has led to decreased security during flights. As international travel is on the rise, the number of thefts is likely to increase if security measures to address these issues are not implemented soon.”

Learn how to keep your luggage safe before check-in

To avoid theft of overhead cabin luggage during a flight, be vigilant about your luggage throughout the flight. Always avoid keeping valuables like phones, wallets and passports in the overhead compartment. Pack them in a small bag and keep it under the seat in front of you.

In case you need to use the toilet during the flight, inform your co-passenger about your valuables, or if you are traveling alone, keep your valuables with you at all times.

Remember, there are no CCTV cameras in the cabin, so it can be very challenging to identify the thief once your luggage is lost.

Another tip is to use lockable luggage. You don’t have to carry the old-fashioned chain and lock (essential items for train travel), but a small lock can help keep your belongings safe.

If you travel frequently, consider investing in anti-theft accessories such as a Bluetooth smart padlock, portable safe, hidden shoulder wallet or travel belt. Anti-theft backpacks are also becoming increasingly popular.

It is very important to be cautious throughout the flight. It is advisable to keep bags in the overhead bin right above your seat, to keep them out of reach of thieves. Labeling your luggage can also help avoid confusion.

And if your valuables get stolen

Despite taking precautions, if you suspect that someone has tampered with your cabin baggage, immediately inform the cabin crew about the incident.

“The crew is experienced in dealing with such situations and can assist in documenting the incident. They will also help check for any lost or stolen items in the cabin and nearby passengers,” says Luis D’Souza.

After the flight lands, report the theft to both the airline and airport security. Many airlines have procedures in place to deal with theft during flight and can help investigate the situation.

If you have travel insurance, contact your provider to file a claim, and provide detailed documents like FIR and airline investigation report to airport security/police.

Although such an experience can be emotionally distressing, staying calm and following proper protocol can help you recover stolen items or receive compensation for your losses.