An ex-flight attendant has revealed insider knowledge about in-flight thefts – and the common mistakes most flyers make.
Barbara Bacilleri regularly shares her tips, tricks and hacks for those frequently taking to the skies with her 708,000 followers (@barbiebac).
The 31-year-old has now divulged insider information, including how to keep your belongings safe – and who really owns the space above your seat.
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“Flying is often seen as a safe and organised experience, but the reality is that there are many things passengers don’t know,” the flight attendant told What’s The Jam.
“Things that can turn a flight into an uncomfortable or even dangerous situation.
“From the chaos of carry-on luggage to in-flight thefts, there are hidden truths airlines don’t tell you.
“And by the time you find out, it might be too late.”
THEFT HAPPENS IN PLANES TOO
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The most shocking secret is that theft happens on airplanes too.
She said: “Most passengers never expect it, because we assume we are safe once on board.
“But while you’re sleeping or distracted, someone could be rummaging through the overhead bins, stealing from suitcases without anyone noticing.
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“Others take advantage of bags placed under the seat, quickly slipping out valuables without drawing attention.
“The worst part? If you get robbed mid-flight, there are no security cameras or police officers to turn to until you land.”
Flight attendants patrol the cabin and keep an eye out for suspicious activity, but sometimes it’s impossible to prevent theft.
Barbara, from Argentina, said: “Some thieves even purchase tickets just to board a plane and steal.
“Many airlines take no responsibility if something goes missing, and even if you report the theft upon landing, recovering your belongings is nearly impossible.
“To avoid becoming a victim, never lose sight of your valuables.
“Keep your important items, documents, and money with you at all times.
“Because if you realise what’s missing after landing, it’s already too late.”
In the past, she’s revealed some of the most common questions she is asked including where cabin crew eat and sleep and some of the grossest things she has come across
THE MYTH OF PERSONAL SPACE FOR YOUR LUGGAGE
According to Barbara, the overhead space above your seat is not actually yours.
Some may not know that carry-on bags don’t have assigned spots on the plane, which means sometimes you’ll have to stow yours much farther back.
She said: “Flight attendants frequently deal with passengers arguing about this.
“When you buy a ticket, the airline is only selling you transportation from point A to point B.
“Everything else is extra.
“You are not paying for a specific luggage space, just for the right to bring a carry-on if your fare allows it.
“This means you could be seated in row one, but if the overhead bins are full, you may have to place your bag in row 15 or even row 30.
“It’s not ideal, but it’s completely normal.”
She says to avoid this, make sure you board early or pay for priority boarding.
The ex-flight attendant said: “If you’re among the first to board, you’ll have a much better chance of finding space close by.
“But even then, there are no guarantees.
“If you paid for a front-row seat and this happens to you, speak to the crew so they can allow you to retrieve your bag before other passengers get up after landing.”
FLIGHT ATTENDANTS ARE NOT YOUR BAGGAGE HANDLERS
Barbara says that flight attendants are not there to lift your bag and if you can’t lift it yourself, it’s too heavy.
She said: “Before travelling, do a test at home.
“If you can’t lift your bag over your head, consider removing some items.
“And if that’s not an option, check it in as hold luggage.
“If every passenger asked for help, they would be lifting hundreds of kilos per flight.
“If they get injured, they can’t continue working.
“Even worse, if they hurt themselves helping a passenger, the airline won’t take responsibility.
“Of course, exceptions exist, such as elderly passengers or those with medical conditions.
“But outside of these cases, it’s entirely up to the crew whether they want to lift 100 suitcases per flight.
“While many flight attendants are happy to assist, they are not obligated to do so.
“So if you can’t handle your luggage yourself, why should someone else do it for you?”
