It might be wise to think twice about checking a bag when traveling through JFK. According to a recent CBS News story out of New York, more than 200 bags are stolen by airport workers every day at New York’s JFK airport.
Law enforcement sources told Kramer that thefts at the airport have increased at a staggering and alarming rate. There are now more that 200 a day — and that’s every day. Baggage handlers, jetway workers and even security people are all in on the ongoing scam to steal you blind.
The story mentions one lady who allegedly lost $160,000 worth of jewelry from her checked luggage. (Although this does call into question the wisdom of checking $160,000 worth of jewelry. 😉 ) Interestingly, a large number of thefts occur in the belly of the airplane, where workers are relatively concealed, away from hidden cameras. Bags can be transported out of the airport in many ways, sometimes on vehicles, sometimes as trash.
Also mentioned is that the thieves seem to profile luggage. If you’re coming from an airport with a reputation for being a vacation destination for the wealthy, or if you’re checking your Louis Vuitton luggage, you are more likely to become a target for theft.
Although JFK handles around 100,000 passengers every day, the idea that a number of bags in the hundreds are stolen every day is staggering.
The full story:
The Flying Consultant 