Flight Attendant Warns Thieves Buy Airport Tickets Just to Steal

Argentine flight attendant Barbara Bacilieri, who has over 4.9 million TikTok followers, went viral for warning travelers that seasoned thieves are purchasing airline tickets they never intend to use - solely to pass through security, access boarding gates, and rob passengers or duty-free stores before the flight departs. “Airports operate like small cities, and just like in any city, crime happens every single day - only here, it’s harder to see, and even harder to stop,” she said, according to the New York Post.

In-Flight Theft

Bacilieri warned that cabin theft typically occurs after lights dim and passengers fall asleep. “The (thieves) wait for the lights to dim, for passengers to fall asleep, and then quietly open overhead bins, unzip bags and take what they want. Jewelry, cash, electronics,” she said. “I’ve seen it happen. I’ve reported it. And the truth is, without cameras on board, there’s often nothing we can do.”

Digital Threats at Airports

Bacilieri also flagged cybercriminals targeting travelers through compromised USB charging ports at airports, which can allow hackers to access personal data including banking details. She also noted that criminals using Near Field Communication (NFC) scanners can steal credit card information by walking near a victim - though security experts note NFC skimming requires very close proximity and additional tools, and remains relatively rare. Victims often don’t discover unauthorized charges until days later.

What Travelers Can Do

Bacilieri and security experts recommend: keeping carry-on bags closed and in sight at all times; using personal charging cables and power banks instead of airport USB ports; carrying a radio-frequency blocking wallet; and staying alert even when tired during long-haul flights. She also advises never leaving bags in overhead bins out of eyesight during boarding.

References: Flight attendant reveals airport thieves are secretly hiding among us - here’s one thing every traveler should do to stop them | Flight attendant warns of airport theft tactics going viral on TikTok