Travelers Are Sharing Their In-flight Theft Stories — and the $13 Safety Item They Swear by for Peace of Mind

Beyond baring feet, eating a tuna fish sandwich, and other in-flight behaviors that should be criminal, there are actual crimes that take place on planes. Theft is rare but not unheard of. Back in December, a man was found guilty of stealing thousands of dollars from several passengers while on a flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Singapore. Similar instances were reported in a now-viral Reddit thread, where travelers urged fellow fliers to “always carry” a trusty anti-theft bag like a fanny pack or belt bag to keep their belongings safe and with them at all times. 

Over at Amazon, wise travelers and frequent fliers swear by the Ododos Mini Belt Bag for just that. You can secure your wallet, passport, and cash while you nap and take them with you (and keep them on your person) when you leave your seat. According to one Reddit user, who always travels with a fanny pack, “A lot of [in-flight thieves] sit in the back and watch you put your items into the bulkhead, and when you sleep, they come by and grab it. That’s what I heard from some flight attendants.” 

Ododos Mini Belt Bag With Adjustable Strap

Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a fortune on this safety hack, even though it is one of the top belt bags at Amazon. It’s amassed almost 14,000 five-star ratings, and more than 7,000 of them have been purchased in the last month and it’s starting at just $13. It boasts a basic design and is made with durable nylon fabric, a top zipper, and a wide, adjustable strap that you can wear around your waist or across your body. Trust us, $13 is a fair price to prevent a disastrous situation from happening before you even land at your destination.

Despite its compact size, the Ododos Mini Belt Bag offers plenty of room for your essentials, and it’s stocked with useful pouches and compartments for simple, on-the-go organization and access when you need them. In another Reddit comment, a traveler shared, “I usually keep my important stuff like my passport, wallet, keys, and headphones/Apple AirPods in my jacket or a small fanny pack under my jacket.” Chiming in, one Reddit user said that they wear their fanny pack “at all times,” and another one noted that “I can tuck this near my hip and sleep with no issues.” 

Ododos Mini Belt Bag With Adjustable Strap

In addition to the peace of mind it gives you, the belt bag is also great for keeping your travel documents, phone, and money always on you as you get through security and traverse the airport while juggling luggage, as one does. Available in 32 colors, it’s versatile enough to take from the plane to a hiking trail, a market walkabout, or brunch. It’ll keep your valuables safe from slipping out or getting pickpocketed wherever your travels take you, which plenty of Amazon shoppers attested to in their reviews. 

One traveler said it “worked great” for a trip to Paris, where they were “worried about pickpockets who also have a knack for getting into purses. I felt this would be easier so that I didn’t have to have my hand constantly on my purse to guard it.” Chiming in, another shopper shared, “I wore it while in Europe and was confident no pickpockets would be able to get into it,” and a third reviewer added that they “didn’t have to worry about pickpocketers or losing my belongings” on their two-week Italy trip with the Ododos Mini Belt Bag in tow. They also mentioned that it “was so much easier and safer than lugging around a purse all day.” 

So, what are you waiting for? Upgrade your travel gear in time for your next flight by adding the Ododos Mini Belt Bag to your Amazon cart. Or, scroll on for the retailer’s other highly rated belt bags (all $20 or less) that will make an excellent seatmate. 

More Anti-theft Belt Bags at Amazon:

Jansport Fifth Ave Fanny Pack

Pander Crossbody Fanny Pack

Maxtop Large Waist Bag

Aikendo Belt Bag 

Telena Fanny Pack

At the time of publishing, the price started at $13.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.