Air Travelers’ Personal Security

Air travellers today can spend hours at the airport, wandering around aimlessly often carrying their bags and chattels around with them from gate to gate, shuffling bags while in the bathroom, buying and eating food, and just sitting around and waiting.

The longer travellers spend waiting at the airport, the more there personal security is an issue. Here are some helpful tips that will help minimize the risk of losing your valuables while travelling.

Travelers’ Personal Security – Packing

As the old saying goes security begins at home. When packing your belongings, place the most important items and documents in your carry on bag that you will keep closest to you. That way you will always know where it is and be aware of anyone trying to steal it.

For individuals traveling with jewelry, this means wearing your most valuable jewelry in flight. Large diamond ear studs are fine to wear with everyday travel clothing; other travelers will assume they are fake cubic zirconium earrings, or rhinestones. Large necklaces and bracelets can be worn under a turtleneck sweater or other clothing that masks the neck. Make sure your clasps and hooks are in good repair so you do not accidentally lose your jewelry while walking through the terminal.

What you don’t wear should be packed in a handbag or fanny pack. Caution should be taken when using backpacks – as would-be thieves can open a backpack and remove valuable items without you ever knowing that personal security was breached.

Travelers’ Personal Security – Cash

Whenever you travel at some point you will need some cash. At airports you will need it for everything from tips, newspapers, meals, to departure and airport fees. However, you should never carry more cash than is absolutely necessary. You will find that about $20 to $30 in fives, and tens will meet your needs at the airport. And don’t forget every modern airport has an ATM. If you find that you need cash at your destination, use the airport ATM after you arrive at your final stop. Carrying large amounts of cash can create an irresistible temptation for thieves.

Travelers’ Personal Security – Shopping

When travelling the best security advice is to travel with a companion, this means that there is who can watch your belongings for you while you shop, eat, and use the restroom and visa versa. If you find yourself travelling alone, rent a locker to keep your belongings while waiting for your flight to board. Even if you need to rent two or more lockers, you will find that it is a lot easier to carry a small key around instead of lugging all your belongings around the airport.

Travelers’ Personal Security – Security Check

One of the most common places for travellers to lose things is, ironically, while they go through security. As you pass through security, be vigilant of how many trays have your belongings in them, and be sure to check that you have collected the same number trays before you leave security.