Sassy’s Travel Guide: How To Keep Belongings Safe On Flights

We’re gearing up for every public holiday lined up this year! But with in-flight thefts a frequent occurrence, we’re aiming to land with all the essentials in hand (and we’re not just talking about our skincare routine!). We’re sharing our top in-flight safety tips to keep your belongings secure.

With 2026’s public holidays lining up perfectly for some long weekends and spontaneous getaways, we’re all already mentally packing our carry-ons. But if you’ve been on social media lately, you’ll already know there’s another trend taking off: in-flight thefts! From sneaky bag rummaging in overhead bins to passports going MIA mid-flight, nothing kills a holiday vibe like spending your first night abroad in a foreign country, sans money, passport and emotional stability! So before you jet off, let’s talk flight safety, and we’ll share our top tips for keeping your belongings locked down so your holiday itinerary doesn’t go to waste!

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Keep your essentials in a crossbody bag

Gone are the days we thought our parents were insane for asking us to use a crossbody bag under our clothes! While we might not stoop to that extreme, there are plenty of cute and functional crossbody bags that will help keep your essentials close by. Inside, we recommend keeping all important documents (visas, passports, medical cards, etc.) alongside valuable jewellery, medication, airpods and your phone. And for some people, their mini skincare and makeup kits (essentials, of course!). 

It goes without saying, too, that you should bring these with you on the whole flight. And yes, that includes the bathroom, and yes, the in-flight bar (for the bougie ones among us!)

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Overhead bins are for luggage, not valuables

Avoid putting any valuables in an overhead bin. If someone’s going to rummage, they’re going there first. Since it’s a public storage area, anyone can open a compartment claiming they “mistakenly thought it was mine!” and rifle through (yes, even going so far as to do it while you’re sleeping!), so it’s best to keep your carry-on items of less value here. 

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If you must use the overhead bin, place your bag upside down

Zippers facing down or inward make it much harder for anyone to access your stuff unnoticed. Even better, we recommend using an additional luggage lock with a combination for extra security.

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Sit strategically

We can’t always control where we’ll sit on a plane, but if you can, avoid aisle seats as they’re prime targets for sneaky grab-and-go moments that can happen in an instant. Window or middle seats are ideal, as you know who to expect sitting beside you! And if someone asks to switch seats with you, you don’t have to say yes if you don’t want to. (Resist that people-pleasing tendency!) 

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Tracking devices are your best friend

An AirTag a day keeps your insanity at bay! If your bag wanders off mid-flight, you’ll know before the plane even touches the tarmac. But don’t just slip it into a rucksack, as often thieves won’t take the whole thing. It’s always best to slip it into the wallet or a smaller pouch holding your valuables.

Sassy Tip: If you’ve got a friend who likes to wander off, ask them to put an AirTag in their pocket for ease of finding them on holiday!

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Be wary of people nearby

We’re not asking you to watch your neighbours like a hawk, but if you notice something odd, such as someone opening overhead bins when the cabin light is dim, it’s worth holding your valuables a little tighter. Speak up to a flight attendant if you have any concerns and trust your own instincts. (They’re there for a reason!)

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Be cautious before your flight

Most thieves choose their target even before boarding, so be wary of hard-launching your brand-new GoPro or latest duty-free pickup while waiting at the gate. If you need to discuss sensitive issues such as budgets or hotel details, be mindful not to discuss this loudly (if at all!) and, of course, never read documents out loud! 

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Make copies of your passport and documents

Despite all precautions, should your original documents go missing, you’ll be thankful if you have digital copies saved. It will make replacing them and getting around much easier.

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