American Airlines Passenger Steals $10K+ Inflight

A passenger on a recent American Airlines flight stole over $10,000 plus two credit cards from other travelers but didn't get away with it.

Inflight theft on Buenos Aires to Miami flight

On the morning of July 5, 2022, police were called to meet American Airlines flight AA900 from Buenos Argentina to Miami. A passenger stole over $10,000 and two credit cards from other passengers.

The issue came to light after flight attendants observed a passenger sitting in a seat that wasn't his and walking up and down the aisle. The passenger had a wallet that appeared to be a female's.

Passengers in the area were told by the flight crew to look for their belongings. The passenger said that her wallet contained $10,020 and 13,800 Argentine Pesos.

After hearing about the situation, another passenger looked at her belongings and noticed that $720, 520 Argentine Pesos, and two credit cards were missing.

The thief had two credit cards in his possession that matched the name of another traveler. Some of the bills in the passenger's possession were identified by unique stamps on them.

The passenger admitted that he stole from other passengers. The American Airlines crew did a great job of being alert.

This happens a lot more than you’d think

Travelers have a fear of valuables being stolen from checked luggage, but this is a good reminder to keep a close eye on any valuables you bring as carry-ons. If you are going to travel with $10,000+ in currency, you should probably keep it in your immediate area rather than putting it in an overhead bin.

People assume that inflight theft doesn't happen much since you're in such tight quarters. It works in the favor of thieves. People don't ask if someone opens a bag because they assume they're safe, and people store bags behind them.

I think there are many instances of inflight theft that aren't reported. If you want to keep an eye on your carry-ons, try to store them in front of you, and be alert.

The overhead bin isn't a good place to store large amounts of cash if people think you're carrying something valuable.

Bottom line

A passenger on an American Airlines flight stole thousands of dollars and two credit cards from other passengers. The crew caught him and punished him. It's a good reminder to always be alert in the cabin of a plane.