Rider claims Waymo trunk wouldn’t open before car left with his luggage

Taking a driverless robot taxi to the airport is still a little scary for many people. Drivers climb into the vehicle and may find themselves intently watching the steering wheel move on its own, hoping at every turn that the journey goes as smoothly as the company promises. But for one Californian passenger, the trip ended in a nightmare.

Di Jin reportedly took his first Waymo trip from Sunnyvale, California to San Jose Mineta International Airport for a business trip.

The ride itself seemed to go smoothly. Then he arrived at the airport and tried to take his suitcase out of the trunk. That’s when things went off the rails.

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report

• Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive offers straight to your inbox.
• To learn simple, actionable ways to quickly detect scams and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions of people who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
• Plus, you’ll get instant, free access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide when you sign up.

WHY LAST YEAR’S BREACH IS THIS YEAR’S IDENTITY FRAUD

A Waymo robo-taxi left with a passenger’s suitcase after it failed to unlock the trunk at a California airport. (Andrej Sokolow/photo alliance via Getty Images)

Waymo left with his suitcase at the airport depot

Jin told reporters he got out of the Waymo at the airport and tried to open the trunk. He said he pressed the trunk button, but nothing happened. Then, he said, the driverless car drove away with his suitcase still inside. This left him standing at the airport without his bag, change of clothes or work notes.

For anyone who travels for work, it’s the kind of moment that makes your stomach turn. You watch your vehicle disappear, but there is no driver to report. There’s no one behind the wheel to hear you. There’s just the app, the helpline and a car that may already be heading somewhere else.

What Waymo allegedly told the passenger

Jin said he immediately called Waymo customer service. According to reports of the incident, he was told the vehicle was already on its way to a depot and he could not turn around. Later, Waymo reportedly emailed him to tell him his luggage had been safely secured at a Waymo depot.

This solved part of the problem. The suitcase was found. But getting it back became another headache. Waymo reportedly initially offered to ship the luggage to him, but would not cover the shipping or courier costs. The company also allegedly gave him two free rides so he could get to and from the depot himself.

Jin pushed back. He said the situation was not his fault. Waymo eventually agreed to cover the shipping costs, and Jin agreed to that.

Waymo’s response to the suitcase incident

Waymo did not comment on the specific incident when contacted by CyberGuy. However, Waymo’s own help pages explain how the trunk is supposed to work. The company says drivers can open the trunk by pressing the trunk release button above the license plate or by tapping “Open Trunk” in the app. Waymo also says that at the rider’s destination, the trunk will automatically open when the rider leaves the vehicle. Waymo also notes that the trunk may not open if a passenger exits before the vehicle has officially stopped and completed the trip.

Waymo’s lost and found page also states that its support team will attempt to reunite passengers with items left in a vehicle. Although the company says it cannot guarantee that items will be found, delivered immediately, or returned in good condition. Waymo also states that it is not responsible for items left after a trip ends and does not reimburse the value of lost items.

This policy is exactly why this story is getting attention. Jin’s problem wasn’t just that he forgot a bag. He claims he tried to get it back but was unable to open the trunk before the vehicle left.

Why the Waymo suitcase story strikes a chord

Airport trips are stressful enough. You look at the clock. You think about security lines, boarding time, and whether you’ve packed your charger. Now add a driverless car that leaves with your suitcase. The technology may be advanced, but the problem is incredibly ordinary. A passenger needed their bag, the trunk didn’t open as expected and customer support became the only option.

With a human driver, you could knock on the trunk, wave at them, or ask them to wait. With a robotaxi, the entire experience depends on the software, sensors, app controls and remote assistance. Most runners will never have a problem. However, if there is a problem at an airport, a small problem can turn into a real travel disaster.

Waymo Airport Rides Are Increasingly Common

Waymo has expanded its airport service, and San Jose Mineta International Airport became a key part of that initiative in November 2025, when SJC announced it was the first commercial international airport in California to offer fully autonomous rideshare services to travelers.

Waymo also described the airport service as a major milestone for its ridesharing business. Waymo’s website lists several current and upcoming service areas, including the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Antonio, Austin and other cities.

This makes customer support more important, not less. If driverless travel is to become the norm for airport travel, passengers need to know what happens when the trip doesn’t go smoothly.

AI AIR TRAFFIC SYSTEM PROMISES FEWER FLIGHT DELAYS

A traveler says a driverless Waymo left him stranded at the airport without his luggage after the trunk didn’t open. (Photo by Camden Hall/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

What does this mean for you

If you use a Waymo or any robotaxi for an airport ride, consider the trip incomplete until every bag is in your hand. Do not assume that the trunk will open automatically. Keep the app open when you arrive. Press the trunk button before walking completely away from the car. If the trunk does not open, contact assistance immediately and stay near the vehicle if it is safe to do so.

Also think carefully about what goes in the trunk. Keep your wallet, passport, medications, laptop, keys and work documents with you in the cabin. A suitcase can be replaced. Your ID, prescriptions, or employment records can create a much bigger problem. This doesn’t mean you should avoid Waymo. We don’t say that. This simply means that you need to understand the limitations of a driverless system before using one for an urgent trip.

How to avoid losing your luggage in a robotaxi

If you’re using a self-driving vehicle for an airport trip, a few small habits can help prevent a suitcase problem from turning into a travel disaster.

1) Keep the essentials inside the cabin

Put your ID, wallet, medications, laptop, and chargers in a small bag that stays with you. Do not place anything critical in the trunk.

2) Open the trunk before finishing the trip

At the depot, use the app or the trunk release button before closing the door and walking away. Make sure the suitcase is out before you leave.

3) Keep the app open when you arrive

Do not lock your phone or put it away when you approach the terminal. You may need the app to open the trunk or contact support.

4) Take a quick photo of your luggage

If you put a bag in the trunk, take a quick photo before the journey begins. This can help you if you need to describe what was inside the vehicle.

5) Report the problem immediately

If your belongings remain inside the car, contact assistance immediately. Waymo says its support team can help you with lost items, although it doesn’t guarantee immediate delivery or refunds.

Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?

Do you think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get personalized analysis of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my quiz here: CyberGuy.com.

AIRPORT ROBOTS HANDLE BAGGAGE DURING TRIAL IN TOKYO

A Californian’s first Waymo ride ended in chaos when the robotaxi left with his suitcase still inside. (Camden Hall/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Kurt’s Key Takeaways

Driverless taxis are now part of everyday travel. For many riders, they are convenient, quiet and surprisingly normal after a few minutes. But airport trips are different. People are in a hurry. A suitcase can hold your work laptop, medications, clothes, and everything else you need as soon as you land. A short delay can result in a missed flight, a lost meeting or a very expensive replacement. This is what makes this story special. Waymo’s cars may drive themselves, but the company still needs to solve complicated human problems quickly. When a safe won’t open, patrons need more than a policy page. They need fast help, clear answers, and a solution that doesn’t make them feel like they’re being blamed for a system failure. The future success of robotaxis is not just about safe driving. Businesses also need to respond quickly if something goes wrong.

Would you trust a driverless taxi with your suitcase on the way to the airport, or would you keep each bag with you inside the vehicle until you hit the curb? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report

• Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive offers straight to your inbox.
• To learn simple, actionable ways to quickly detect scams and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions of people who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
• Plus, you’ll get instant, free access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide when you sign up.

Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.