Robotaxi Leaves Airport with Passenger's Suitcase

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Taking a driverless robotaxi to the airport can be scary. The ride may be smooth, but one passenger had a travel nightmare.

Di Jin took his first Waymo ride from Sunnyvale to San José Mineta International Airport.

The ride seemed smooth, but things went wrong when he tried to get his suitcase from the trunk.

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A Waymo robotaxi drove off with a passenger's suitcase after a failed trunk release.

Jin got out and tried to open the trunk, but it didn't work. The car pulled away with his suitcase.

For work travelers, this is a nightmare. You watch your ride disappear with no driver to flag down.

Jin called Waymo customer service, and they said the vehicle was on its way to a depot.

The suitcase was found, but getting it back was another problem. Waymo offered to send it, but not cover shipping.

Jin pushed back, saying it wasn't his mistake. Waymo agreed to cover the shipping cost.

Waymo's help pages explain how the trunk works. Riders can open it by pressing a button or using the app.

Waymo's lost and found page says the support team will try to reunite riders with lost items.

The company's policy is why this story is getting attention. Jin tried to get his suitcase, but the trunk didn't open.

Airport trips are stressful. Add a driverless car that leaves with your suitcase, and it's a bigger problem.

With a human driver, you can knock on the trunk or ask them to wait. With a robotaxi, it's all about software and support.

Waymo has been expanding its airport service, including San José Mineta International Airport.

Waymo describes airport service as a major step for its ride-hailing business.

Customer support is more important, not less. If driverless rides are normal for airport travel, riders need to know what happens when things go wrong.

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A traveler says a driverless Waymo left him stranded at the airport without his luggage.

If you use a Waymo, treat the trip as unfinished until every bag is in your hand. Keep the app open and tap the trunk button.

Think carefully about what goes in the trunk. Keep important items with you in the cabin.

If you are using a driverless ride for an airport trip, a few habits can help prevent a suitcase problem.

Put your ID, wallet, and medication in a small bag that stays with you.

At drop-off, use the app or trunk release button before you step away. Make sure the suitcase is out.

Do not lock your phone or put it away as you pull up to the terminal.

If you put a bag in the trunk, take a photo before the ride starts.

If your belongings remain inside the car, contact support right away.

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A California man's first Waymo ride ended in chaos when the robotaxi departed with his suitcase.

Driverless taxis are becoming part of everyday travel. But airport rides are different, and a short delay can cause big problems.

Would you trust a driverless taxi with your suitcase on the way to the airport?

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Kurt 'CyberGuy' Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology.

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