Personal Security and Air Travel

November 8th, 2008 Posted in Airline Flight Insurance

Today no mater where you are going if you plan on going there by air then you will end up spending hours in the airport, carrying your possessions around from one gate to another, shuffling bags, purchasing 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

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 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.