When Apple launched AirTags a few years ago, they quickly became a favorite travel companion. Today they’re common among people checking luggage and even showing up in unexpected places like kids shoes from Skechers designed with hidden compartments for tracking devices.
The value of carrying one was made clear at LAX last night when a traveler’s AirTag helped Los Angeles Airport Police track down stolen luggage.
According to a statement posted by LAXPD, officers responded on August 26, 2025, to a report of missing luggage. The passenger told police his checked bag filled with roughly $15,000 in designer clothing never reached its destination. However, the AirTag inside the bag was transmitting a signal near Sepulveda Boulevard and 98th Street.
Patrol units went to the area and traced the signal to a commercial building on 98th Street. With consent to search, officers entered the property and located the missing suitcase. Five people were detained during the operation and one was found wearing clothing identified by the bag’s owner.
Police reported the following outcomes:
• One suspect was arrested for grand theft
• Four others were cited for trespassing and released pending further review
The suitcase and belongings were returned to the traveler. The case remains under investigation.
Traveler reactions online quickly followed.
One reader, Joseph B., asked: “How did they get the bag?!” As I’ve often noted, baggage claim is an easy target. Luggage circles unattended on carousels or is sometimes set aside when passengers misconnect. That creates opportunities for theft.
This is why I keep an eye on both my AirTags and the airline’s tracking app so I know exactly when bags are unloaded. Getting to the carousel right away reduces the chance someone walks off with my things.
JP Buckley shared a similar concern: “It’s easy to steal bags at LAX. Criminals just hang out in the baggage claim area and take what they want. There is very little security around baggage claim areas as evidenced by the vagrants loitering in the area.”
Mitch C. suggested a return to positive bag matching, requiring passengers to show ID and baggage tags before leaving the terminal. That process, however, is unlikely to come back since airlines view it as too expensive.
Jason F. praised the LAX officers, noting: “Props to your team for acting on it. I had a similar situation in the San Francisco Bay Area and they told me there was nothing that could be done even though my AirTags showed the location of my belongings.”
He’s right. LAXPD deserves credit for taking the signal seriously and acting on it. Not all departments would, which makes it even more important for travelers to get to baggage claim quickly.
For those considering picking one up, AirTags are currently selling for $22.99 each or $69.99 for a four pack.