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Do Not Discard Luggage Tags, UK Outlets Warn After Reddit Scam Claim

The guidance follows an unverified post from a self‑described airport worker alleging fraudsters use thrown‑away tags to file bogus baggage claims.

Overview

  • Regional publications including Birmingham Live, Manchester Evening News and the Liverpool Echo amplified the warning ahead of the Christmas travel period.
  • Luggage tags can show a destination and, depending on the airline, a passenger’s name or booking reference, details that reports note could aid fraud.
  • The Reddit post claims observers in baggage halls collect discarded tags and use the information to submit false ‘missing items’ reimbursement requests, hindering legitimate claims.
  • Travellers are advised to keep tags until they get home and then destroy them, with some commenters noting secure disposal bins for tags at certain airports.
  • The outlets also repeat advice to protect boarding passes and avoid posting ticket photos, citing a 2024 US case where a man used a stolen pass to board a flight before it returned to Salt Lake City.