PHOENIX -- Following what may be one of the largest airport luggage thefts in history, some travelers are concerned about the security of their bags and others are making changes.
"I'll still go ahead and check my bags because I like to take whatever I want, but I'm just going to be more careful about what I put in my bags," said Norma McDonald, after arriving at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
McDonald isn't alone.
"I'm not putting anything of value in my checked bag, it's not that I ever did, it's just that I may have put a couple of items in it, but I now carry everything," said another passenger at the airport.
There are several things experts recommend you should do with your luggage the next time you fly that may help keep thieves away.
Keep all of your valuables with you. Don't place jewelry, important documents or any important item in your checked luggage, carry them with you.
Make your bag look different. Try to avoid using a standard, common black bag. If you already have a black or navy bag, tie a ribbon or place some sort of large identifying mark on it.
Don't use expensive luggage. If you check an expensive bag, it may be attractive to thieves as well. Often times the look of the luggage can lead criminals to believe there's something just as expensive inside.
Don't waste time. When you get off the plane, try not to make any stops and get right to the baggage claim area and wait for your luggage.
If you notice your bag is missing, go right to the airline. Some airlines have set time limits for filing a report for a missing bag.
