This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Disclosure, visit this page.
When Apple introduced AirTags a few years ago, they became an instant hit. They’re now a must-have for travelers checking luggage … and even when they’re not. Even Skechers now makes kids shoes with a hidden spot for a locator tag like an AirTag. A traveler at LAX learned how valuable having an Apple AirTag in their bag can be last night when it helped Los Angeles Airport Police save the day.
LAXPD just shared this statement on their Facebook page: “On August 26, 2025, LAXPD officers responded to a radio call regarding a missing luggage incident reported by an airline passenger. The passenger stated that his checked bag, containing approximately $15,000 worth of high-end clothing, had not arrived at its intended destination. However, the AirTag device placed inside the luggage was actively pinging near the intersection of Sepulveda Boulevard and 98th Street.
Patrol units were immediately dispatched to the area and began canvassing for the signal. The AirTag led officers to a commercial building located on 98th Street. Upon receiving consent to enter and search the premises, officers conducted a thorough sweep of the location.
During the search, five individuals were detained for further investigation. The missing luggage was successfully recovered on-site. Notably, one of the suspects was found wearing clothing identified by the victim as part of the stolen items.
Following the investigation:
• One suspect was arrested and booked for grand theft.
• The remaining four individuals were cited for trespassing and released pending further review.
The recovered property was returned to the rightful owner and the case remains under active investigation to determine any additional involvement or charges.”
Some of the comments raise great questions, which I will answer below:
Joseph B. asked: “How did they get the bag?!” I’ve often joked in my newsletter that if I ever hit hard times I could just hang out in airport baggage claims because it’s so easy to steal a bag. There are always bags going around the carousel or pulled off and left nearby. Sometimes it’s because passengers misconnect or their bag comes out faster than they can reach the claim, though the latter is less common.
No one enjoys waiting around for bags to come out, which is why I always check my AirTags as well as the airline’s app to see when the checked luggage is offloaded. Then I make a beeline to the carousel so no one has a chance to swipe my bag.
As JP Buckley wrote: “It’s easy to steal bags at LAX. Criminals just hang out in the baggage claim area and take what they want. There is very little security around baggage claim areas as evidenced by the vagrants loitering in the area.”
Mitch C. wrote: “LAX and ALL AIRPORTS need to return to positive bag match, requiring passengers to show ID and the luggage tag issued by the airline before leaving the airport.” That’s not going to happen because it costs the airlines far too much money.
Jason F. added: “Props to your team for acting on it. I had a similar situation in the San Francisco Bay Area and they told me there was nothing that could be done even though my AirTags showed the location of my belongings.”
It’s true. The LAXPD does deserve serious credit for actually acting on this. Many police departments wouldn’t, which is why you need to be proactive in getting to baggage claim.
FYI: At the time of this publication, a single AirTag is down to just $22.99 and a four pack is now on sale for $69.99
KEEP READING
- How to Save Money With a Secret Third Carry-On
- How to Use Your Wireless Headphones to Watch In-Flight Movies
- 10 Airport Security Hacks Every Traveler Should Know
- How to Get the Best Coach Seat on the Plane
- The Sleep Hack Every Traveler Needs to Know
- Never Get Your Valuables Stolen on the Beach
Want more travel news, tips and deals? Sign up to Johnny Jet’s free newsletter and check out these popular posts: The Travel Gadget Flight Attendants Never Leave Home Without and 12 Ways to Save Money on Baggage Fees. Follow Johnny Jet on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for all of my travel posts.
