Woman checks her bag with United Airlines. Then she opens it up after baggage claim: ‘I would’ve called the police honestly’

A United Airlines customer is calling out the airline after claiming that items were stolen from her father's checked baggage.

The allegation surfaced in a viral TikTok video that has more than 257,000 views.

In the clip, creator World Traveler (@needtovisit) shared what she says happened after airline staff checked her father's luggage. When it was returned, the bag was missing a valuable item.

“PSA: United Airlines's employees steal from your bag after you check it in,” text on the video read.

The travel content creator elaborated in the video's caption. She claimed a pair of expensive glasses disappeared while the bag was in the airline's possession.

“$400 glasses were stolen directly from my dad's suitcase from an employee & they only offered him a $100 voucher,” she wrote. “Terrible customer service and never flying this airline again!! You shouldn't have to worry about employees stealing from you on vacay. They made him check in the bag at the gate and once he got it back they were gone, insane.”

The creator alleged that an airline employee was responsible. However, the video did not include evidence showing who may have taken the glasses or when they went missing.

What does United Airlines do when an item goes missing?

Passengers who discover items missing from checked luggage can file a claim with United Airlines. The carrier outlines several options for reporting missing belongings.

According to United Airlines' website, customers can report missing items by visiting an airport Baggage Service Office, using the airline's online chat feature, texting “BAGS” to 32050 or calling the Baggage Recovery Center at 1-800-335-2247. International travelers can call 1-281-821-3526.

After travelers submit a report, United Airlines issues them a file reference number ending in the letter “P,” which they can use to track their claim.

If passengers believe security screening caused the item to go missing, United Airlines instructs them to file a written claim directly with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) or contact the TSA Contact Center.

After passengers initiate a claim, they may qualify to seek reimbursement for eligible losses.

Does United Airlines reimburse stolen items?

Not all claims result in reimbursement, according to some travelers who have shared their experiences online.

In a Reddit discussion about missing items from checked baggage, one user claimed the airline denied compensation for stolen ski equipment.

“United just responded to say that sports equipment is not covered and they won't reimburse me for the missing ski equipment (boots, helmets, goggles and gloves),” Reddit user dj_robjames wrote. “Anybody else been given this BS excuse? Anybody been able to get beyond this and got paid back?”

Other commenters encouraged travelers to carefully review airline baggage policies before checking expensive items.

How did commenters respond?

In the video's comment section, some urged flyers to avoid leaving expensive items in checked luggage.

“Anything that expensive is staying on me the whole time,” one person wrote.

Others urged the woman not to blame United Airlines workers without any evidence they were responsible for the item's disappearance.

“Did you witness it happening? otherwise you can't be sure it was a united employee or that anyone even stole it at all,” another person wrote.

“Hey so friendly tip, its jot just airline employees who see and mess with your bag. theres tsa, customs, sometimes police officers, sometimes its a 3rd party vendor, and sometimes there are helpers in the airport that assist with bags. so dont go blame a whole airline for something you don't know for sure,” another viewer added.

Buzz News reached out to World Traveler and United Airlines via email for comment.

@needtovisit $400 glasses were stolen directly from my dads suitcase from an employee & they only offered him a $100 voucher, terrible costumer service and never flying this airline again!! You shouldn't have the worry about employees stealing from you on vacay they made him check in the bag at the gate and once he got it back they were gone, insane #unitedairlines #unitedairlinestiktok #traveling #traveltiktok #theft ♬ Oh No (Instrumental) – Kreepa