While in-flight theft is rare, French officials are currently investigating whether a pickpocket stole thousands of Euros from passengers as they slept on a recent overnight flight from Tokyo to Paris.
French newspaper Le Figaro reports that approximately 4,000 Euros (USD $5,744) appear to have been stolen from five business class passengers as they slept on the overnight Air France flight.
Most cases of in-flight theft aren’t discovered until the victim has deplaned, and by that point passengers have gone in many different directions, making it nearly impossible to identify a suspect.
Here are a few precautionary measures to avoid becoming a victim of a high-altitude heist:
1. Keep your cash, wallet, purse, passport and other sensitive information in a discreet pocket, money belt or shoe. In-flight thieves often target overhead bins.
2. Travel with lockable carry-on bags. Thieves do not have the time to fumble with a locked piece of luggage.
3. Store your luggage fully underneath the seat in front of you. If your luggage lacks a locking device, position zippers and other entry points away from the aisle.
4. If you plan to sleep (particularly in flat bed fold out seats in first and/or business class) lock all of your valuables in your luggage and store as far away from the aisle or other access points as possible.
In general, try to keep all of your carry-on valuables in one locked bag stored underneath the seat in front of you, or in a safe place on your person. For more information on how to have a have a safe and satisfying travel experience, see our Travel Tips page.
