By Soren Rivero
Think for a minute about security systems, and you’ll realize that hardly any other public establishment can rival the extravagance of airport protection systems. But, if there’s one thing that airports can’t really manage, it’s theft. People can be sneaky — one minute you look away and the next, your luggage is gone.
To help prevent luggage theft at the airport, here are some general tips to help keep your luggage safe!
Keep a Close Eye on All Belongings
Okay, so first step: don’t lose sight of your belongings.
This sounds obvious, but many of us tend to forget about it. Whenever or wherever you go, keep your luggage in sight at all times. Even when you use the restroom, take it with you! This will help create a safe and secure plane trip with your luggage by your side.
Be Cautious
Unfortunately, you have to be extra cautious at airports in order to prevent thievery. If anyone asks to help you with luggage, politely decline. Of course, if a security guard or an employee needs to check your luggage, that's a different story. But if you’re walking to a cab and someone sketchy says they can hold your luggage for you, it may be a trick, so better be safe than sorry!
Use ‘Dummy’ Equipment
Put your real wallet and other valuables in a safe place that only you know about. On the surface or exterior of your person/luggage, use a dummy version of your valuables. If someone with curious fingers grabs your wallet or passport while you aren’t looking, they’ll be super disappointed when they find out they were the ones who were tricked.
Carry Valuables on Your Person
In the event that your luggage is stolen, make sure that all of your important documents and belongings are on you and not in your bag. This includes your wallet, passport, phone, keys, money, and other related items.
Depending on what you bring, it might be smarter to carry some potentially important items on your carry-on. This includes laptops, medicine, and other valuables. You can also secure valuables in safe compartments in your luggage for extra protection.
Avoid TSA-Approved Locks
You’d think that TSA-approved locks are secure enough to fend against sneaky people, right? Wrong!
It’s incredible how easy it is to 3D print ‘master-keys’ that can fit in almost any TSA-approved lock. The measly 3 digit-code that you took hours to consider means nothing in the face of these master-keys. Make sure to use a higher-grade lock instead for safe travel!
Use a Tag, or Better: a Smart Tag
Mistakes happen! Sometimes your luggage is ‘stolen’ but in reality, it was just taken by the wrong person. Luggage's can look similar to one another, but tags with your personal information on it can make this type of situation easier.
Unfortunately, tags can also be ripped off. This is where smart tags come in! Through the use of an app, you can track down your luggage to the exact location. If you’re concerned about the smart tag getting torn off your luggage, securely place it in a hidden compartment of your luggage. This’ll prevent the thief from thinking the coast is clear just because they ripped off the paper tag!
Zipper-Free Luggage
Did you know that there’s a way to unzip your luggage even if it has locks on it? Scarier than that, a skilled thief can make it look like your luggage was completely untouched.
Issues like this are rare, but it’s still good to know. A great way to prevent zipper-tampering is to use luggage's without a zipper, such as those that use clamps, locks, or keyholes instead.
Double-Check Your Belongings
Lastly, double check your stuff before leaving anywhere. Even if the luggage looks untampered, it can still be tampered with as mentioned previously.
Be sure that all of your important items and documents are in place. If something is missing, remain calm and retrace your steps, or ask an airport employee for assistance.
Ensure your next trip goes seamlessly by using these tips to help keep your luggage safe!
