Waymo Robotaxi Drives Off with California Passenger's Suitcase at San Jose Airport

A California man heading to the airport on a business trip faced a major setback when his Waymo robotaxi drove off with his suitcase still inside.

Di Jin took a Waymo ride from Sunnyvale to San José Mineta International Airport. The trip went smoothly until arrival. Jin got out and pressed the trunk button above the license plate, but it did not open. Before he could retrieve his bag, the driverless vehicle pulled away, leaving him without his change of clothes or work notes.

Jin called Waymo customer service immediately. A representative told him the vehicle was en route to a depot and could not turn around. Waymo later emailed to confirm the suitcase had been secured at the depot.

Retrieving the bag proved difficult. Waymo first offered to ship it but would not pay the fees. The company also proposed two free rides for Jin to pick it up himself. Jin objected, noting the issue was not his fault. Waymo eventually agreed to cover shipping, and he accepted.

Waymo provided no comment on the incident. Its help pages state riders can open the trunk via the button or app and that it should open automatically at the destination once the trip ends and the vehicle pulls over. The company notes the trunk may not open if a rider exits too soon.

Waymo's lost and found policy says support will try to return items but offers no guarantees on finding, immediate delivery or condition. It holds no responsibility for items left after a trip ends and provides no reimbursement.

San José Mineta International Airport began offering Waymo's fully autonomous ride-hailing service in November 2025, becoming California's first commercial international airport to do so. Waymo operates in the San Francisco Bay Area and plans expansion to Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Antonio, Austin and other cities.