Making the Trip Around Again, Air Travelers Targeted in Luggage Tag Scam
By: Jim Stickley and Tina Davis
April 4, 2026
As you’re preparing for trips, no matter what time of year or from where, travel-related scams are always on the move. Specifically, if you plan to travel via an airport, keep in mind a resurfaced airport scam that is catching travelers off guard. While it isn’t a new one, it’s been seen making the rounds again on social media. In this one, scammers are stealing or photographing luggage tags to file false lost baggage claims and collect compensation from airlines or to file travel insurance claims.
It’s not a complicated crime. These crooks use the tag’s personal and flight details to pose as legitimate passengers, sometimes leaving the real traveler to deal with delays, missing luggage, or even fraud investigations.
How could that be? After all, it doesn’t seem like there’s a lot of information for a criminal to work with. But, in truth, there is enough information on luggage tags to do this, including the passengers' name and confirmation number, which really is all that you need to start. Of course, if you’ve ever filed one of these claims, you also know you need the bag tag number, which is readily available on those tags.
Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to prevent this. Experts advise travelers to remove old tags before or after each trip and dispose of them at home. Ideally, shred them. Never post luggage photos online. Always file missing bag reports immediately in person at the airline counter and keep claim receipts until your luggage is safely home.
Go ahead! Enjoy your trip. Just make sure you take measures to keep your luggage with you.
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