Nabbing spare goodies from premium cabins

[Mattg]

I observed this as an economy passenger on a Qantas 747 flight a couple of weeks ago.

Premium economy was not full, and at the end of the flight the spare seats still had amenity kits, menus etc. on them. As we disembarked, walking through PE, I noticed another economy passenger nabbing a couple of the spare amenity kits and putting them in her bag. I don't know whether any of the crew saw the passenger taking them, but if they did they said nothing.

What do you guys think - were those unused kits there for the taking, or is this akin to stealing?

 

[smit0847]

It's like buying something from a department store and then stealing something else on the way out. Of course it's stealing.

 

[JohnK]

I don't have a conscience.

 

[RooFlyer]

I don't have a conscience.

Are you saying it was you, or is that just a random statement?

 

[NZflygirl]

Funny, I saw the title and thought "that's me!" haha (on NZ)

I was flying J but my partner really wanted the amenity kit bags to hold stuff for fishing. I did ask the FA's if I could collect the bags when disembarking - deliberately aimed for last - and they really didn't care and in fact helped collect them. They said it would be less for the cleaners to pack up! Sweet! I've never otherwise bothered collecting but have to admit it just looks like a bag that has to be useful some how! I'm more one to steal hotel amenities from my room even though I generally use my own products. It's weird and I can't stop

Um...to answer the question, I think I'd avoid thinking about it as it would hurt my brain. It doesn't seem right but I personally couldn't be bothered getting involved or telling the FA. I enjoy the simple life.

 

[JohnK]

Are you saying it was you, or is that just a random statement?

It wasn't me but I have taken untouched goodies that been left behind by passengers in the past.

 

[Duffa]

It isn't illegal to pick up rubbish. Those kits would be thrown out by the cleaners so why not?\
I can't see much value in the J kits. Maybe an F kit but even then I just take home the bottle of aftershave and leave the rest

 

[Dr Ralph]

Of course it's stealing.

As long as the items were abandoned it can't be theft. This is very clear legally. That is, you cannot steal something that is abandoned. Determining whether the item is abandoned is a separate matter.

 

[Pushka]

I reckon they are thrown away anyway.

 

[Dr Ralph]

It isn't illegal to pick up rubbish. Those kits would be thrown out by the cleaners so why not?\

Are they rubbish?

Ever heard of theft by finding?

As long as they are abandoned you are OK. But you need to make sure that the items are abandoned first. Asking if they are rubbish would be prudent.

And yes if you're wondering 'abandoned' is a legal term related inter alia to criminal law.

All that's required is that you have an honest belief that the item was abandoned or have taken reasonable steps to establish this.

 

[RooFlyer]

As long as the items were abandoned it can't be theft.

How do you get that they were 'abandoned'? Put on seats which didn't have an occupant and taken by someone else. Airline property still within the aircraft. Or are people staying at your place welcome to help themselves to the contents of spare bedrooms?

 

[marki]

Probably OK , I always ask so far have never been turned down. In fact cabin staff have scrounged around for me being happy that the company logo will get some use!

 

[Mattg]

I reckon they are thrown away anyway.

Would they really just throw away untouched amenity kits at the end of a flight?

(This may well be the case - I have no idea!)

 

[Austman]

I once took an unopened bottle of water that I saw in a seat pocket (on QF).

Now I feel guilty!

Although I probably could have asked for a bottle of water before the "cabin crew prepare the cabin for landing" announcement.

 

[Dr Ralph]

How do you get that they were 'abandoned'?

I didn't claim that they were abandoned. I said 'As long as the items were abandoned...'

Airline property still within the aircraft.

Unlikely as the airline has already reassigned ownership of the items to the passenger/potential passenger.

Or are people staying at your place welcome to help themselves to the contents of spare bedrooms?

Not sure that your analogy works very well but for the record, nope. An announcement is made when guests visit "nothing is abandoned."

 

[marki]

I once took an unopened bottle of water that I saw in a seat pocket (on QF).

Now I feel guilty!

Although I probably could have asked for a bottle of water before the "cabin crew prepare the cabin for landing" announcement.

Remind to slap your hand next time I see u

 

[Dr Ralph]

I have observed a person taking one of these:



My view would be that this wasn't abandoned so would be classed as theft!

 

[DC3]

It's called Finders Keepers.

Edit: Or it was, when I was at school.

 

[Dr Ralph]

It's called Finders Keepers.

Nice world view approach to personal property. PM me after you've been arrested for larceny. My rates are reasonable.

 

[marki]

Nice world view approach to real property. PM me after you've been arrested for larceny. My rates are reasonable.

DC3 will At least be comfortable behind bars on that Qantas mattress