In some cases, the suitcase has not been stolen; it was simply confused with another suitcase. Neutral looking black suitcases are often confused for one another. The bus company recommends putting a colored band on the suitcase so it is easily identifiable. Passengers who book their tickets online automatically receive a colored band when they print out their ticket. This protects the luggage from mix-ups if not from thieves.

A competitor of Flixbus is the Postbus and they have a better system for keeping track. It is the bus driver who loads the suitcases and when he does, a band with a number is attached to the suitcase and the passenger gets a receipt. Only when the receipt is turned in is the suitcase unloaded and released to the passenger. The bus companies warn, however that they are not sufficiently protected against organized crime. Flixbus says police are able to patrol some bus stops, on the lookout for thieves.

Operators of the Postbus and the smaller DeinBus believe the stop at Cologne/Bonn airport is somewhat more secure than other stops. The site is more transparent and open as many buses stop there. As well, there are more security personnel present because it is an airport. This is a good deterrent.

Of course, riding with the Deutsch Bahn, passengers store their luggage in the compartment where they are riding so it is less likely to be stolen. Federal crime statistics show 8,000 purses and carry ons are stolen from trains each year. This is a relatively small number when considering 1,300 train trips daily.

When a suitcase has gone missing, it is up to the passenger to prove that it has been stolen. The passenger needs documentation that the luggage was in the bus or on the train. Before travel, it is suggested to take photos of the contents of the suitcase and then again when stored on the train or bus. This at least increases chances of recouping some replacement costs. (Orig. text: Jennifer Garic)