Thanks to plane delays and other unforeseen problems, it’s easy to find yourself spending a lot of time waiting around at airports.
Alarmingly, airport crime is on the rise. In the last year alone, thousands of people have had passports stolen from right under their nose, and experts are predicting that this situation will only get worse in the future.
Don’t become the next victim. Read these 4 airport safety tips for the ultimate protection.
Keep your passport safe
There are many different ways you can keep your passport safe while at the airport. For example, you could stash it in a secret pocket in your jacket or in a locked compartment of your hand luggage.
However, if the worst does happen, and you find yourself screaming I need an urgent UK passport because mine has just been stolen, then you should contact the immigration service as soon as possible to alert them to the situation.
Always keep your luggage with you
Don’t let suitcases out of your sight until they are safely checked in. Also, keep hand luggage with you at all times, even in the departure lounge, as it only takes a few minutes for something to vanish.
There’s another good reason not to leave your luggage unattended…the bomb squad! Airport security is at an all time high, and airport officials are always on the lookout for suspicious baggage that doesn’t seem to belong to anyone.
Beware of pickpockets
Many major airports now have a big pickpocketing problem. You are most vulnerable when you first enter the airport and are still trying to find out where to check-in.
These pickpockets ply their trade quickly swiping wallets, handbags, and watches, and they often operate in a blink of an eye.
For this reason, never keep valuable items in your back pocket, and always be on the lookout for suspicious people who just seem to be hanging around. If you have any concerns, then alert an airport official immediately.
Going for a drink
If you arrive at the airport early, then this gives you chance to find a bar and have a relaxing drink before checking-in.
Unfortunately, this is also a time when criminals look for their chance to pounce. As an example, it’s very common for people to leave a bag hanging on the back of their chair, only to find it missing a few minutes later.
For this reason, always keep your bags where you can see them, and never leave them unattended when going to the bar to order a drink.