Robotaxi drives off from airport with passenger's suitcase

The ride itself seemed to go smoothly. Then he got to the airport and tried to grab his suitcase from the trunk. That is when things went sideways.

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For anyone who travels for work, that is the kind of moment that makes your stomach drop. You are watching your ride disappear, but there is no driver to flag down. There is no person at the wheel to hear you. There is only the app, the support line and a car that may already be heading somewhere else.

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

That solved one part of the problem. The suitcase was found. But getting it back became another headache. Waymo is said to have initially offered to send the luggage to him, but would not cover shipping or courier fees. The company also reportedly offered him two free rides so he could go to and from the depot himself.

Jin pushed back. He said the situation was not his mistake. Waymo eventually agreed to cover the shipping cost, and Jin accepted that solution.

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 riders 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 exits the vehicle. Waymo also notes that the trunk may not open if a rider exits before the vehicle has officially pulled over and ended the trip.

Waymo's lost and found page also says its support team will try to reunite riders with items left in a vehicle. Although the company says it cannot guarantee that items will be found, delivered immediately or returned undamaged. Waymo also says it isn't responsible for items left behind after a trip ends and does not provide reimbursement for the value of lost items.

That policy is exactly why this story is getting attention. Jin's issue was not simply that he forgot a bag. His claim is that he tried to retrieve it and could not get the trunk open before the vehicle left.

With a human driver, you might knock on the trunk, wave or ask them to wait. With a robotaxi, the whole experience depends on software, sensors, app controls and remote support. Most riders may never have a problem. Still, when something does go wrong at an airport, a small glitch can turn into a major travel mess.

Waymo has been expanding its airport service, and San José Mineta International Airport became a key part of that push in November 2025, when SJC announced it was the first commercial, international airport in California to offer fully autonomous ride-hailing to travelers.

Waymo has also described airport service as a major step for its ride-hailing 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. 

That makes customer support more important, not less. If driverless rides are going to become normal for airport travel, riders need to know what happens when the trip doesn't go smoothly.

If you use a Waymo or any robotaxi for an airport ride, treat the trip as unfinished until every bag is in your hand. Do not assume the trunk will open automatically. Keep the app open as you arrive. Tap the trunk button before you fully walk away from the car. If the trunk does not open, contact support right away and stay near the vehicle if it is safe to do so.

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

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

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

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

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

If your belongings remain inside the car, contact support right away. Waymo says its support team can help with lost items, though it does not guarantee immediate delivery or reimbursement.

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

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