A passenger on a recent American Airlines flight stole over $10,000 plus two credit cards from fellow travelers, but didn’t quite get away with it.
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Inflight theft on Buenos Aires to Miami flight
Police were called to meet American Airlines flight AA900 from Buenos Aires (EZE) to Miami (MIA) on the morning of July 5, 2022. According to court documents, a passenger stole over $10,000 plus two credit cards from passengers seated near him.
This issue came to light after flight attendants observed suspicious behavior, including a passenger repeatedly walking up and down the aisle, and sitting for an extended period of time in a seat that didn’t belong to him. Another crew member observed the passenger with a wallet that looked like it belonged to a female.
The flight crew advised passengers in the area to search their belongings to see if anything was missing. One passenger confirmed that $10,022 and 13,800 Argentinian Pesos (worth ~$109) were missing from her wallet.
Another passenger inspected her belongings after hearing about the situation, and noticed that $720, 520 Argentinian Pesos (worth ~$4), and two credit cards, were missing.
After being searched, it was determined that the thief had two credit cards in his possession matching the name of another traveler. Furthermore, a passenger was able to identify some of the bills in the passenger’s possession, based on unique stamps some of the bills had on them.
When questioned by police, the passenger admitted that he had stolen from other passengers. Big kudos to the American Airlines crew for being so observant!
This happens a lot more than you’d think
Many 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 as well. If you’re going to travel with $10,000+ in currency, you should probably keep that in your immediate area, rather than stuffing it into a bag and keeping it in an overhead bin.
Many people assume that inflight theft doesn’t happen much, since you’re in such tight quarters, and you always have eyes on you. Quite to the contrary, I think that often works in the favor of thieves. People aren’t as observant because they assume they’re safe, people often won’t question if someone opens a bag, and people often store bags behind them.
Inflight theft happens all the time — there are frequent reports of this, and then I imagine there are endless instances of this that aren’t reported. So always keep an eye on your carry-ons, ideally try to store them in front of you (where you can see them throughout the flight), and be vigilant.
Lastly, if you’re traveling with real valuables or large amounts of cash, keep those really close to you — the overhead bin isn’t a safe place to store them, especially if people have a reason to believe you might be carrying something valuable.
Bottom line
An American Airlines passenger on a recent Buenos Aires to Miami flight was found to have stolen $10,000+ and two credit cards from fellow travelers. Fortunately the observant crew caught him, so he ended up being punished. This is a good reminder to always be observant, even in the cabin of a plane.
Trey! Bud here, I thought that might be you!!!
The comment about putting your bag in the overhead across from you should be in the other article that is about what every flyer should know. It's a really good tip.
Should have jumped out of the window...
With today's technology, why does someone need to carry that much cash? And then leave it where someone can get to it?
Because you're wrong by assuming everyone has the same chances.
Not everyone can, you know?
May Almighty God forgive those thives.
A lot of people think it's old fashioned but I always fly with a money pouch around my waist. As much as I love my designer bags, they never leave my home when I travel. It keeps you from looking too expensive and keeps all eyes from scoping you out!
Same here
Thanks to the crew for observing and taking action. That passenger should have been arrested not just punished. He should never be allowed to board American Airlines again
I cancelled my trip in that flight … kudos to the AA staff !
Why would someone carry 10,000 dollars cash on an airplane? That's so wild.
-Kate yelkovan
You need to learn about the economic and currency situation in Argentina. Tourists don't bring in anything but cash. Residents traveling outside don't transfer money by electronic means.
Well, that's not a problem I will ever have.
I had a pair of brand new $150 euros shoes stolen from me in EZE by airport workers. I changed shoes inflight and accidentally left them on the plane in a red bag. I immediately remember just outside the jetway, and an AA agent said to continue through Customs & Inmigrations and that they had found the shoes on the plane exactly where I told them I had left them over my seat & an...
I had a pair of brand new $150 euros shoes stolen from me in EZE by airport workers. I changed shoes inflight and accidentally left them on the plane in a red bag. I immediately remember just outside the jetway, and an AA agent said to continue through Customs & Inmigrations and that they had found the shoes on the plane exactly where I told them I had left them over my seat & an AA agent would deliver them to me on the other side of Customs. No one ever did. I went to the ticket counter, and an AA agent said they had found a pair of shoes but the bag was orange, not red, therefore he declared that they weren’t mine, therefore he wasn’t going to give them to me. He was very rude, wouldn’t even bring them out for me to see if they indeed were not mine. How many pairs of women shoes in a red/ orange bag we’re left that day on that plane.? I asked to speak to another AA agent, & just got the run around.
So be wary of your belongings while in EZE. The peso is worth almost nothing, maybe people are desperate
Nice way to advertise a false title, when really it was $10k+ Argentinean pesos and not $10k USD. Next time put an accurate title. I would rate this article as a 1 star because of the false advertising. Yes, it should be common sense to guard your belongings and not to put your money on anything other than in arms reach or yourself.
The common sense you claim to have should be applied to actual comprehension of the article. It was $10k+ US and some pesos. I’m betting you go off half baked on plenty of things. Your arrogance and ignorance is probably sufficient to get you a position on trumps campaign.
It was 10k dollars, plus 14k pesos, and two credit cards. It says right there in the article...
What on earth are you talking about? Did you read the article?
And who arrested these thieves? The police, but so many want to defund and abolish them. So, then we just rely on whoever may be helpful right?
Just avoid American Airlines all together, they have no respect for paying customers, I always have some sort of problem and issue using their services. Disgusting airline
They are Argentinian.....no more comments
What does that have to do with it. Thieves come in every nationality, even your own... Clown
I used to be an Air Marshal that lost my passion. On a Transatlantic flight to London. I received a series of text messages demanding $150 million into an offshore account.
Long story short, nonstop anxiety. It would probably take me 2 hours to tell the whole story.
And what had the flight have to do with the scam?
In South Africa on the South African airlines this is very common occurrence and when cannot fall asleep on long distance flights unless your belongings or tackle strapped to your body. In fact they recently arrested a criminal syndicate which involved to airline stewardesses. When has to be very careful
Nice clickbait. The guy stole less than $120 in US dollars. What a joke of a article.
"One passenger confirmed that $10,022 and 13,800 Argentinian Pesos (worth ~$109)"
Are you reading impaired?
YES , INFLIGHT THEFT, is very common, being done BY people who TRAVEL EXACTLY for the purpose of stealing Money & Valuables from passengers as the amount they STEAL COVERS all the cost of his/ her trip.
(( ALL EYES and FULL CAUTION SHOULD BE Throughout passengers trip ))
Mafias abound in today's world.
THANK YOU AMERICAN AIRLINES &
Congratulations for your CLEVER ,
Attentive Crew ✈
There many hid away money belts that are inside your clothes from around your wait and for ladies that attach to their bras. If they start to undress you there be chaos. There companies like Eagle Creek luggage and Pacsafe then Amazon carry these and not expensive. I even have a regular leather belt that has a zipper on the back side for bills.
Thats exactly how to bring your cash specially in overnight international flight ,,
What kind of moron brings 10k cash on a flight. It's just asking for trouble. Do you know how thick a wad of 10k cash is? Prime pickings for a thief.
You don’t travel often do you Hank !
Many people have family and friends that don’t have banks they poor people living in rural areas or sometimes you need cash it’s not always possible to walk around with a credit card like in the first world environment! Some companies don’t accept anything only cash so you can’t predicts you need to understand the different applications for different worlds.
I'm also curious how the thief knew to take money from the wallet with $10k and the wallet with $720 when most people don't even carry cash. I wonder if both individuals somehow made the mistake of showing that they had cash at some point in the airport?
-Kate Yelkovan
If it's in hundred dollar bills the stack is quite small, add a matter of fact!
Kudos to the flight crew!!!
A public service announcement -Never, ever leave your valuables out of your sight, and for God's sake, keep your cash and cards on your person. It doesn't matter where you are sitting on the plane - 1st Class or not.
I was on an Eastern Airlines flight back in 1983 from NYC to New Havana (Miami...sadly!) I was in first class and in row 5 , next to the exit. I opened the overhead and put everything back n my bag and left. After I arrived at the hotel I noticed a satchel with EAL on it. I guess in my haste I just assumed it was part of my stuff and put it in...
I was on an Eastern Airlines flight back in 1983 from NYC to New Havana (Miami...sadly!) I was in first class and in row 5 , next to the exit. I opened the overhead and put everything back n my bag and left. After I arrived at the hotel I noticed a satchel with EAL on it. I guess in my haste I just assumed it was part of my stuff and put it in my bag. It was sealed with security tape. I called Eastern Airlines and told them what had happened. The lady put me on hold for a good 10 minutes! When she came back on she was very excited she wanted to know where I was right now where I was physically at. I asked her why she said that was about $200,000 worth of tickets that was on the way to the Dominican republic to the airlines sorting office, she said eastern airline excepted tickets from all major airlines, they accept them for their face value on an eastern flight so the office in the Dominican Republic has to take each ticket and account for it in a very tedious manner to bill the other airlines that have endorsed their tickets. She said if I would wait just a second there was someone in a car on the way up to pick this up because the people on the aircraft the (flight crew) were actually in over this! I went down to the lobby with this little box and A man came quickly walking and looking panicked! I stopped him and said are you from Eastern? Oh my God ! where is it do you have it with you! I smiled and apologized he said no need to apologize this box will make it to the flight that’s going on to the Dominican Republic this evening thank you very much goodbye.
Great job by a vigilant AA crew. Perhaps it's time for Airlines to install security cameras in certain areas of the passenger cabin.
- Years ago, we were on approach to SIN on KLM and the crew noticed that the on board wallet had been nicked. They held us for a bit & claimed they'd search us all but then just let us go. If it was a pax, that was very brazen.
- Arrived in HKG once and a breathless passenger materialized at a nearby counter claiming someone had stolen his cash out of his bag...
- Years ago, we were on approach to SIN on KLM and the crew noticed that the on board wallet had been nicked. They held us for a bit & claimed they'd search us all but then just let us go. If it was a pax, that was very brazen.
- Arrived in HKG once and a breathless passenger materialized at a nearby counter claiming someone had stolen his cash out of his bag on the arriving Air India flight & wanted the continuing flight held. Quite a wake up call.
- Another time, we had just pushed back for take off on SAS at TXL & another pax seated near me in Y noticed that his wallet was missing.
- I have also been aware of gangs from mainland China "working" flights from Asia to Europe (& probably elsewhere).
So, definitely watch your stuff onboard.
Just fly business or first and store your valuables in the personal storage area of your seat. Put them in the amenities kit bag and take them with you when you use the toilet. Problem solved.
I wouldn't spend thousands more just for that. Just keep it on your person at all times. It can be done in economy ☺️
I had my engagement ring stolen by a passenger.I left it by the bathroom sink and of course the next person stole it I freaked out because they wouldn't at least announce that they knew somebody had it they were very uncaring and I was on my honeymoon.It of course devastated me. I was on American Airlines. I cried my whole honeymoon.
So much ignorance in these comments. Really? 10k means it's drug money? It's illegal to bring 10k to the US? Only idiots bring 10k to the US?
Please look into laws - both US customs limits and taxes and regulations in other countries about owning dollars, exchange rates and fees on credit cards - and consider how people in middle income countries can deal with currency volatility. I'm surprised by the ignorance considering that...
So much ignorance in these comments. Really? 10k means it's drug money? It's illegal to bring 10k to the US? Only idiots bring 10k to the US?
Please look into laws - both US customs limits and taxes and regulations in other countries about owning dollars, exchange rates and fees on credit cards - and consider how people in middle income countries can deal with currency volatility. I'm surprised by the ignorance considering that a lot of the readers here presumably have traveled abroad and know people outside the US.
PESOS, not dollars. We’re talking about $700. Not noteworthy. Just bad reporting.
Your privilege is showing, Mr. Meoff.
It certainly would be easier if they didn't make you take your purse out of your lap and place it in the overhead bin.
That’s an FAA regulation when seated in bulkheads or exit rows with no seats in front of you. And it’s only for taxis& take off, when everyone is seated.
You could also not seat on those seats, which you usually have to pay extra for
Excellent story with a happy ending.
I never ever leave anything in the overhead bin. Check most things in and carry on a soft-shell bag that fits under the seat in front. The peace of mind is so worth it. I once had an expensive camera stolen on a flight to Vietnam.
"always keep an eye on your carry-ons,"
Wow such ridiculous and pointless advice. Who can stay awake 13 continuous hours to watch the overhead bin for anyone accessing it? Why not advocate a real solution like asking air stewardesses to lock them shut and account for passengers than have the rare need to access them mid flight???
It's not possible to lock overhead bins, nor do airlines offer a safe for valuables. The flight attendants will also likely decline any responsibility or police the bin for you (I sure would). So, these aren't real solutions either.
The only one is to keep/hide valuables on your person the whole flight.
What’s cash?
I was on an American Airlines flight a few years ago. From LA to London and was accused of stealing an iPhone from the person in front of me. I kept my mouth shut because I knew it wasn’t me. The person kept threatening me saying she was going to ring the phone, she finally did and it rang, she found it under her seat cushion. No apology she run off the plane
10k plus in cash well I bet that was drug money and they should've asked where it came from and had to pay a tax bringing it into the USA. No one carries that much cash I don't care who you are.
Didn't read the article? $10k in pesos equal to $107 US dollars
Sometimes I’m worry about that, Thank you, stewardess for your eyes in the Sky!
This article is extremely misleading. Stating $10,000 in the headline implies USD, which was not the case.
Yup!
Thefts happen everywhere so don’t put your guard down ever. I work in a hospital and patients would steal from other patients.
Former FA, I had a few flights where we had a klepto on board. It’s easy if there are empty seats. People put their belongings on the empty seat next to them and fall asleep or stretch their legs and go to the lav, leaving their stuff out and easy to take.
Even if your valuables in carryon is under your seat take them with you when you go to the restroom.
Crime is Like the Weather ☁️ IT will Always be with Us !!!!!!,
I had my Armani sun glasses stolen on a first class flight to Brazil at United Airline. And they did nothing about it. That is a fact. Lots of thefts in flights.
"Those are rookie numbers" - the TSA
If you need to use the overhead compartments for carry-on luggage, try and utilize the compartment across the aisle from you. That way you are more apt to notice if someone is attempting to access your luggage.
It was probably a shopping trip. Miami is basically Latin America's mall nowadays. People fly in with stacks of cash, visit the rellies for a day or two, and head home with a new washer, a new TV, and ten other consumer goods their regime won't let them buy back home.
Do you really think all of Latin America lives under regimes where we can’t buy a TV? Most of us (not all, sadly) have functional democracies (unlike the US, in fact). Consumer goods in the US are usually just cheaper
What an idiotic comment. Pray tell in which Latin country does the regime not let you buy a washing machine?
"... a new washer, a new TV ...". Right, that's what you think people are checking in on flights to South America or even that it would be feasible to do this under the current weight & dimension limits for check in baggage.
So grotesque, it crossed over into satire. Congrats ♂️
Let me guess, are you American? Only americans have those stupid ideas.
Last time I bought a washer the airline would not let me take it to my seat.
The us govt would of taken it sounds like drug money that is one smart thief had to known something before commiting the crime more to the story the odds of getting 10 k out of 300 plus peeps is next to impossible
I once had to carry $40k in cash to a small town in Algeria to rescue a diverted Boeing 757. It was the weekend and banks were not open, so we could either leave the plane and passengers there for 4 days (because the Algerian banking weekend (Thu/Fri) and western weekends (Sat/Sun) did not align), or take cash.
This sounds like a movie idea.
More details, pretty please.
The AA crew was just mad because he wasn't one of them.
LOL. Just kidding.
Well done crew!
Consider the origin and destination of the flight. Due to the origin and destination then there is likely to be more valuables.
Regardless of whether you have a lot of cash, losing documents/credit cards while travelling - especially Internationally - is a major problem too. I would add to advice offered to put a lock on your carryon luggage, whether it goes in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. the TSA style combination locks are small and have coated wire that you can loop through the holes in the zipper tabs. I've...
Regardless of whether you have a lot of cash, losing documents/credit cards while travelling - especially Internationally - is a major problem too. I would add to advice offered to put a lock on your carryon luggage, whether it goes in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. the TSA style combination locks are small and have coated wire that you can loop through the holes in the zipper tabs. I've even heard of the passenger next to you rummaging through your bag under the seat when you get up to go to the bathroom, or are sleeping soundly - like on long flights when maybe you took a sleeping pill and the person next to you observed that. A $10 TSA lock or two is great insurance that this won't happen to you.
Good idea. I will do it. Where can I buy that TSA locker?
At the TSA store
Why do people even carry that much cash in 2022? I haven't had more than 50€ in my wallet in at least a decade and I travel a lot. Paying by card + occasionally withdrawing small amount of cash from ATM is the way to go.
You clearly don't know the situation that is Argentina.
This is the norm for most flights from South America to Miami. Tons of reasons why. I’m actually kinda surprised he didn’t steal more cash/valuables than that.
What planet do you live on?
I use a Visa Credit Card that doesn't charge exchange fees and only carry 500 or less in cash.
You clearly don't know the situation that is Argentina.
Say it again: BIG kudos to the American Airlines crew for being so observant. This is fantastic work worthy of much praise!!!
Pro tip: put your $10,000 in a money belt and wear it throughout the journey, from door to door, including on the plane.
$1000. to $1500. in a money belt YES, it works.
But where do you buy ANY money belt able to hide $10,000? Just asking.
$10k is only one cash envelope. Super easy to put in a pants or jacket pocket.
I put in my gurldle panty
Wonder if the police questioned the person who had $10k in cash and asked whether they claimed it before departing the US....also a crime if not.
This was a flight to the US. No law is broken until they pass USCBP without a declaration.
I believe that the total stolen was $10,000 from different passengers.
Consider this happened on international water, he/she would have to be released
Possibly not too late to request a full refund of your law school tuition.
My takeaway....
"520 Argentinian Pesos (worth ~$4)"
Holy crap, it was 3 pesos to a dollar when I was last there! WTF happened.
Google “Argentine monetary crisis”.
Apparently the Argentinian Peso is pegged to Delta Sky Miles.
Dynamic currency conversion.
When were you there? I was in Cordoba in fall of 2019 and was around 50 pesos to a dollar then and the Argentine currency has only gotten weaker since then
Ben is using the official rate. The street rate is like 225. 520 pesos are barely above US$2 in real buying power.
First time I hear about this, but long suspected, particularly in overnight long-haul flights when passengers are asleep and their belongings are unattended. My carry-on and backpack always have a lock and I keep my wallet in my pocket on these flights.
I have been hearing about this for years right from the late 90s and it has only happened on flights to USA
"When questioned by police, the passenger admitted that he had stolen from other passengers, and he’s now awaiting sentencing."
I find it a little hard to believe that, 36 hours later, he's engaged a lawyer, been tried, found guilty, and is now "awaiting sentencing".
@George Romey - I guess you didn't read the article because the "$10,000 dollars" was in Argentinian currency which is about $109 US
Read again.
That was IN ADDITION to a little over $10,000 US
Thanks a lot Biden
Why anyone would travel with thousands of dollars in cash is beyond me. That being said, the most trashy behavior is no longer a shock to air travel. This is what the ULCC has begotten.
This is very common to carry that much cash (MAX allowed by US customs w/o declaration) on international fights. You think someone from a small town in Argentina or Cambodia have the luxury of banking at a local Chase or carry around a VISA accepted worldwide? Even if deposits in their local bank was accessible via ATMS in the US, you're looking at a $300-500/day limit. What do they do if they have a $3000 purchase/bill during their 5 day vacation?
I spent two months working for a bank in Cambodia (long story) and I can assure you, most people who are rich enough to travel abroad will have a visa or Mastercard.
Correct on your points about banking, yet carrying that type of cash on you potentially makes your a target for civil asset forfeiture, no matter how you carry it.
It's a shame that the U.S. government can legally steal your money without due process because they've deemed it to be suspicious.
Use a bank, if at all possible.
You clearly don't understand the currency situation in Argentina.
I'm from Argentina and I bank at Chase! Jesus Christ some people need to be less condescending. Guess what, I also have an Amex Plat.
The only reason why someone from Argentina would be carrying large amounts of money in cash is because they probably have a bank account in the US and since the US doesn't have an information exchange agreement with Argentina then it's safer for us to keep our money on US soil. I can assure you that woman is loaded.
What an ignorant comment. There are at least by percentage as many Americans without intl bank accounts (meaning an account you can withdraw funds intl) as the countries you mentioned . Get educated and actually GO places.
I routinely travel with up to $10,000 when I go to Las Vegas (and have casino credit lines if I need more). Also I have 1000 Euro I got pre COVID that I haven’t had a chance to use. Just keep bag w it under my feet or money container on my person. Not sure why you think it is odd people travel with a lot of money. I know people that go to Las Vegas with up to $100,000 in cash
Amateur,
I have my money flown to Vegas through my private jet
When I lived in China, I returned to the US with $5000 which was max you could take out of China. Much easier than wire transfer.
This is pretty common with expats all over the world
Was in money belt at all times
I will echo Trey's comment. Very common. I bring my family cash every time I travel to see them, and they're in a stable and developed nation with access to ATMs on every street corner. There are many reasons people transfer cash around the world, and they're not all nefarious.