Airlines face rising theft of life vests and safety equipment
Onboard personnel working on airplanes have numerous duties during flights. They handle many tasks and often deal with problematic passengers. Recently, items stolen from planes have become more frequent, posing serious threats.
6:21 AM EDT, June 28, 2024
According to information provided by "The Sun," thefts onboard airplanes have become a plague. Passengers are not stealing from their fellow travelers but are taking airplane equipment, which can have very dangerous consequences.
They steal them for money
One of the most frequently disappearing items is the life vest. A quick look at eBay reveals why. They can be sold for up to $124.
Of course, taking such a crucial item from the plane is a terrible idea. A steward speaking with "The Sun" emphasizes that it is incredibly stupid. First, when safety is compromised, someone might be deprived of a critical life-saving element.
A shortage of safety equipment on board can also result in a hefty fine for the airline if it is detected during an audit.
It is worth mentioning that it’s usually easy to determine who stole the life vest, as it’s known who was sitting in a particular seat.
Thefts on airplanes
Besides life vests, safety cards often disappear from airplanes, which are placed in the seat pockets.
In the conversation with "The Sun," the steward notes that the crew wants passengers to have access to them at all times in case something unexpected happens. He also explains that cards are taken mainly by aviation enthusiasts who collect them from every plane they fly on. Additionally, he mentions that having to replenish them constantly is annoying.
"The Sun" also reports that on long-haul flights, passengers often help themselves to champagne and wine glasses, bowls, and other items prepared for the business class. The crew prepares them in the front part of the plane, and passengers often walk by, for instance, on their way to the restroom and seize the "opportunity".
