Passenger At Seattle–Tacoma International Airport Alleges Of Baggage Porter Scam
Officials at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) are investigating after a traveler was allegedly scammed by a baggage porter on Friday. The passenger, traveling with their two children, says a person who appeared to be an airport staffer, “demanded a $50 fee” after helping transport their luggage.
The airport offers baggage porting and assistance for international and domestic travelers, but also says some airlines provide their own porting services. Before helping the traveler with their bags, the scammer reportedly never explained that it was a charged service.
“Help provided by SeaTac”
A Reddit user by the name of momomomoses recounted their experience in a post on Saturday. The luggage was transported only about 100 feet before the “employee” asked them to pay up.
The terminal where this occurred and the airline the passenger was flying with is unclear. However, they explained that another person, who was allegedly the manager, became involved.
According to FOX 13 Seattle, a SEA spokesperson said that officials are looking into the situation, but no report had been filed by the traveler. While there are luggage porters that work at the airport, they are contracted independently and need to be sponsored with an airline to obtain an airport badge.
“Is it normal? Anyone encountered this before? The guy didn’t let us know it was a service or some sort, he only asked if we need help,” the traveler explained. “I thought he offered help because we have two toddlers. Now to think of it, he was targeting us because we have toddlers. He probably target people who actually needs help.”
“Not just in Seattle”
SEA has two baggage assistance providers for domestic flights – Express Baggage Services and Axel Baggage Service. The airport encourages travelers to call them ahead of time if they are looking for luggage porting services. SmarteCartes baggage carts are also available at the international arrival facility and other locations, including parking garages.
“If someone comes to you and starts helping without your asking then demands money, it’s a scam,” another Reddit user said in reply to the traveler’s post. “Very likely the “manager” is also in on the scam to increase pressure for you to pay. This is not a new scam and it’s not just in Seattle.”
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It is alleged that the employee made the traveler’s bag heavier.
Other users explained that the type of scam has occurred in other destinations around the globe.
“This is an extremely common scam in other parts of the world,” one person said. “They actually warned about this on the travel advisory when I went to India because the local police are usually in on it so you have to pay.”
Another person said it happened while they were in Europe.
“This has never happened to me in Seattle, but several times in various places in Italy people tried to take my bags. NOPE,” they explained.
Tips to stay safe
Travelers looking for luggage porting services should keep the following in mind, according to SEA:
- Be sure to ask if a cost is involved before accepting any services or assistance
- Baggage porters typically offer their services for tips only, and it is up to the traveler how much they would like to pay
- Report any scams with your airline or by reaching out to the Port of Seattl
Source: https://simpleflying.com/passenger-seattle-tacoma-international-airport-baggage-porter-scam/
