Originally Posted by
guv1976
Although there is some risk, you do have the option of dining airside, and collecting your baggage afterwards. If a thief does not steal your baggage from the baggage-claim belt, AA will eventually remove it and store it securely in the Baggage Services office until you claim it.
OP didnt specify, but airside would be possible only if OP is arriving from a domestic origin, or preclearance.