A Reminder to Never Put Your Valuables in the Overhead Bin

May 04, 2016

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2 min read

A Reminder to Never Put Your Valuables in the Overhead Bin

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When flying, it's easy to put your bag up in the overhead bin and forget about it entirely until you're ready to deplane. But it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your goods at all times — especially items that are especially valuable. Whenever possible, it's always ideal to put your valuables under the seat in front of you so they're always within sight.

Earlier this week, a 39-year-old man flying on Emirates reported that when he got to Hong Kong, he noticed that he was missing two watches and foreign currency from his bag, worth about $26,000 — the items were stored in the overhead bin. When he got to Hong Kong, the man reported it to the flight crew, who then informed the police.

You might also want to avoid placing your bag near a a look-alike.

According to the Hong Kong government, the number of instances of in-flight theft has increased. In 2014, the number of reported in-flight thefts was 48, and in 2015, that figure jumped to 60. In Hong Kong, authorities said there are more reports of theft on medium- and long-haul flights.

Those figures generally cover items that are intentionally stolen, but if you check your bag (or even if you don't), it's always possible that things could end up getting misplaced. In those cases, you could benefit from a credit card that offers lost or delayed luggage coverage. Cards like Citi Prestige and Chase Sapphire Preferred will cover expenses if your bag is severely delayed, but American Express cards actually offer a Baggage Insurance Plan, although you're limited to $2,000 for checked bags or $3,000 for carry-ons with The Platinum Card from American Express and $500 for checked bags or $1,250 for carry-ons with Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express, assuming you pay for your ticket in full with your eligible Amex card.

H/T: CNN

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.