What Do You Have in Your Checked Bags?

This article and video are shocking.  The video shows baggage handlers at Italian airports stealing from people's luggage.  This reality does not completely surprise me.  What stops people from the temptation?  Until now, they could get away with it.  Luckily, I have never been a victim to this crime. The article and video have targeted Alitalia across the country of Italy, but I am sure other airline employees around the world behave similarly.

What can we do about it? I don't know about you, but I tend to be pretty attached to my things. I do not like having to relinquish anything.  If I had my way, all I travel with would go on the plane with me. I am not exactly a light traveler, but I dread the thought of losing anything.  Nowadays with so many restrictions on what we can take on board with us, it becomes even more challenging not to pack in cargo some of our valuables.  But really?  Cash?  On the video, I saw these people pocketing money found in the suitcases.  The only reason I could think to send cash through cargo is if I were carrying more than the amount allowed without having to declare it, which I think is $10,000 US.  So far carrying too much cash is a burden I have yet to be concerned with.

If we could all travel lighter, everything would be simpler.  I realize it is not always possible to travel light especially when traveling to different climates, for extended periods of travel, and a mix of activities from sports to business.

The point of this blog post is simply to bring it to your attention that stealing does go on.  If you value your valuables, please be mindful of what you choose to place in your checked bags. Perhaps even go a step further and ask yourself if it's really necessary to travel with that item.  

Safe travels.  Buon viaggio!