Today’s air travelers end up spending hour after hour at the airport, often carrying their possessions around with them from gate to gate, shuffling bags while they use the bathroom, purchase and eat food, and just sit around and wait.
It seams that the more time travellers have to spend at airports, the more travellers’ worry about there personal security is an issue. The following are some tips to help minimize the risk of you losing your valuable belongings while travelling.
Travelers’ Personal Security – Packing
Security begins at home. When you pack your belongings, place your most valuable items in the carry-on bag that is closest to your body. That way you will always be aware of anyone trying to steal them.
If you or part of your travelling party plans on taking jewellery, this might mean wearing your most valuable pieces on the flight. Large diamond ear studs are fine to wear with everyday travel clothing; others will assume they are cubic zirconium, or rhinestones. Necklaces and bracelets can be worn under clothing that masks the neck and wrists. Make sure that the clasps and hooks are in good repair, you do not want to accidentally lose your jewellery while walking through the t! erminal.
What you cannot wear should be packed in a handbag or fanny pack. Beware of backpacks – would-be thieves can open a bulging backpack and remove valuable items without the traveler ever knowing their 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
The best security advice is to travel with a companion who can watch your belongings for you while you shop, eat, and use the restroom. If you are traveling alone, rent a locker to store your belongings while you wait for your flight to board. Even if you need to rent two or more lockers to stow all your belongings, you will be relieved to carry a small key around with you instead of rolling and toting bags and baggage filled with your valuable belongings.
Travelers’ Personal Security – Security Check
In fact the places most travellers lose things is, ironically, while they pass through security. Whenever you pass through the metal detector and you belongings are X-rayed be cognizant of how many trays you have left your belongings in, and be sure you collect the same number and have checked that all your belongings are still there, before leaving the security area.