Airline baggage claim security questioned after thefts - Los Angeles Local News, Weather, and Traffic

On Monday, FOX 5 reported about stolen luggage from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.  So why isn't anyone checking baggage claim receipts as people grab luggage off the carousels?

Many viewers responded to Monday's story about luggage stolen from baggage claim at the Atlanta airport, then ransacked and dumped at a nearby office park.

Rachel Bell contacted FOX 5 to say that her luggage was stolen just last week.

"It's just personal belongings. You know, I wasn't physically harmed but it's an invasion of privacy," said Bell.

Her laptop, a birthday present for her mom and clothes for a week were all gone.

Many people wondered why no one is checking the baggage claim tickets when people grab bags of the carousels.

George Hobica, the head of AirfareWatchdog.com, said that it's a way for airlines to cut costs.

"It's a simple matter of trying to save money, that's all it is. The airlines don't want to pay for those tag checkers. They'd rather pay for lost baggage claims. Apparently it's cheaper for them not to pay for these people at the airport," said Hobica.

Atlanta police are charged with security at Hartsfield Jackson. Their commander says stolen bags reported to them are actually rare

"This year we've reported 30 luggage thefts, bagge thefts, and of those 30 we've made 10 arrests on that. So of the 250,000 people that come to Atlanta a day, that's statistically not that much, but more than we'd like to have," said Major Lane Hagin.

Hagin says in many cases – like bell -- travelers report the problem to airlines, but not to police.

"You would think with the baggage fees these airlines are charging, they could afford to hire someone to make sure that nobody is stealing your bag," said Hobica.

Delta has not yet responded to questions from FOX 5 about this story.

AirfareWatchdog.com actually suggests you just go ahead and ship your luggage by FedEx or UPS Ground a few days before your flight. They say it's actually cheaper than baggage fees and safer.