Why does typically nobody check whether one picked up one's own luggage at the airport's luggage claim area?

Airports have many checks, but typically none in the luggage claim area. Why does typically nobody check whether one picked up one's own luggage (and not somebody else's or forgetting one's luggage) at the airport's luggage claim area? I'm curious if the reason is simply that there's no need for that, and/or is motivated by the desire to save airport's money or passenger's time, or some other reason.

Close voters: this isn't at all opinion-based, airport authorities most likely have made some statements about and/or released statistics, and there are plenty of research papers on airports e.g. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jairtraman.2004.09.004

Best Answer

"Bang for the buck" mostly.

In the US you can certainly walk into any airport's domestic arrival area and grab any bag you like. Apparently it's not enough of a problem to warrant any type of control

Generally you would end up with a beaten-up bag or suitcase and a lot of dirty laundry that won't fit you. That's not a particularly attractive target.
The chance of getting caught is quite high. Since there is no customs or immigration, passengers are typically faster than the bags.
Cost and complexity of the control is high. You would need to fundamentally change the layout and gate off the baggage claim area and staff tag controls. It's probably a lot cheaper to just compensate the passenger for the few stolen bags.

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Do they actually check your checked bag?

The majority of checked baggage is screened without the need for a physical bag search. Inspection Notices: TSA may inspect your checked baggage during the screening process. If your property is physically inspected, TSA will place a notice of baggage inspection inside your bag.

Do they scan your hold luggage?

Yes, once you check them in and they go off on the conveyor belt, your baggage will be screened by an X-Ray machine and also often with chemical sniffers. If there is any doubt or something suspicious about your bag, a member of security personnel will inspect it by hand.

Does every carry-on bag get searched?

Checked and Carry-on Baggage Screening While the majority of checked bagged is screened with technology, some require an actual physical search. If your bag was chosen for a physical search, the TSA will put a notice inside your bag to let you know.

Why do people check bags at the gate?

If you end up on a full flight or have a low boarding priority, chances are you'll have to gate check your bag at the last minute. When overhead bins fill up, travelers with carry-ons that don't fit under the seat will be asked to gate check their bag.

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