Millions of holidaymakers are unknowingly putting their valuables at risk every time they check a suitcase, an expert has warned, with one popular luxury item among the most likely to be lost or stolen.
While checked luggage feels convenient, travel and retail specialists say it is the least secure place for anything valuable, sentimental or difficult to replace. Once a bag disappears onto the conveyor belt, passengers lose all control over where it goes, who handles it and how it is searched.
According to Danny Toffel, CEO of Watches2U, many travellers underestimate just how vulnerable checked bags are.
“Suitcases pass through multiple locations and hands before they reach the plane,” he said. “If something goes missing, it’s extremely difficult to trace where or when it happened.”
Why one luxury item is especially risky
Mr Toffel says designer handbags and luxury accessories, such as watches, are among the worst items to pack in the hold.
“They are high-value, instantly recognisable and easy to resell,” he explained. “Unlike electronics, they’re often packed loosely and not protected, which makes them particularly vulnerable.”
He added that airline compensation rarely reflects the true value of luxury items.
“Even if a claim is accepted, payouts are usually capped well below what high-end pieces are actually worth,” he said.
Convenience is the real danger
Experts say many people check valuables simply to travel lighter through the airport or free up cabin space – but that convenience often leads to regret. “If you wouldn’t leave something unattended in a public place, it doesn’t belong in checked luggage,” Mr Toffel warned.
He advises travellers to treat checked bags as suitable only for items they can afford to lose. “Anything valuable, essential or sentimental should stay with you at all times,” he said.
5 items you should never pack in checked luggage
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Designer handbags and luxury accessories
High resale value makes them a prime target. -
Jewellery
Small, expensive and difficult to recover if lost. -
Laptops, tablets and cameras
Frequently stolen or damaged in transit. -
Medication or medical equipment
Lost bags can cause serious disruption. -
Important documents or spare keys
Passports, visas and house keys should always be kept in hand luggage.
Mr Toffel says most losses are avoidable with better packing habits.
“Checked luggage should contain items you can live without,” he said. “The safest place for anything valuable is where you can see it and control it.”