This article is not meant to scare you off air travel, even though it does mention possible bad scenarios. This is life and the unexpected can happen, so knowing these safety tips at the airport will leave you better prepared. Though in reality some of these events are 1 in a million, odds of winning the lottery sort of stuff.

Airports are in fact very safe places, occupied by law enforcement and security personnel. As the airport is an important piece of a nation, or region’s transportation infrastructure, and a gateway for business and tourism, it’s always going to have a high level of security. And by reading this guide, you will be even safer.

The key things really, are to not completely let your guard down, and don’t give 100% trust to people you don’t know. Research is also important in some areas I mention later. As knowing what to expect or where to go, frees you up to concentrate on other things. Doing research into any travel tips and travel info is going to put you one step ahead of any problems, whether you’re at the airport or destination.

So read on and get clued up on airport safety, so you and your family can have a more enjoyable and safer time at the airport.

1. Pickpockets

The first tip on how to stay safe at the airport is to watch out for pickpockets. Not as prevalent as city centers, bus or train stations. But worth mentioning as they can be hanging around at the airport. It never crossed my mind to be wary of pickpockets at the airport, but I heard it happens.

This is a good example of why you should not completely let your guard down. Especially in countries where air travel is a novelty, and many will go to see their family’s arrive and depart. The crowded departures and arrivals areas are perfect for the pickpockets to blend in and play their game.

A more modern way of taking money from your handbag or wallet is by digital means. All the thief needs is a scanning device in their own pocket. Then they only need to be in close proximity to you to steal straight from your bank or credit card. Again the crowed conditions of the airport are ideal. An easy solution is an RFID wallet. Which looks no different than an ordinary wallet, other than making all your bank and credit cards safe from digital theft.

2. Lock Up Your Luggage

If your luggage, whether that’s check in or hand baggage, does not already have a lock, then definitely get some. For starters, your hand baggage may be out of sight at times. Perhaps in the overhead storage of a bus or the plane. If you were to be asleep or distracted, you may not know if it’s been tampered with or relieved of any items. A worrying scenario would be if illegal substances were planted in there leaving you to take the risk through security. So put a lock on it.

Now most people will probably lock or wrap their check in bags and rightly so. However, having a normal small combination type lock is not advisable. If customs or security wanted to check your bag after you had checked it in, it could result in damage to your bag, they don’t know the combination, so would probably use a knife. I often use a colored cable tie. Its easy for them to cut, and makes it secure enough from some chance thief trying to make a quick hand dip.

If you get a lock for check in luggage, make sure it’s a TSA approved one, which is not just accessed by US customs, but recognised globally. The same goes for bags with inbuilt locks, look for one that is TSA approved.

Now your luggage will be safe at the airport.

3. Hide Address On Baggage Tags

Of course, you want and need a bag tag. A bright distinctive one helps to identify yours from the 100s of identical bags. And your name and contact info is helpful in finding you if your bag is mislaid. But be careful of having too many details on display. Anyone standing next to you can see your tag with full name, address, and phone number. A sly photo on their phone and hey presto, they know you’re away from your home, and they know where it is. Also gives an opportunity for scammers now they know a bit more about you.

So to follow this part of the safety tips at the airport guide, just keep the info limited and hidden. You can get tags that have a small window for a name, and the rest requires opening to see the full info. I use these, and what I do is just have my first initial and surname on view. Then inside just have an email address to contact me if need be.

4. Keep Important And Valuable Items Safe

And when I say safe, I mean in close proximity to you. It is airport safety etiquette to not put valuable things in your check in luggage. Still if you follow the second travel safety tip on this list, your hand baggage should be close by and locked if out of view.

But for things like passports, cash/cards, or even an iPad. You should keep them in a small shoulder or cross over bag you can keep on you at all times. Even when on the plane and getting up to stretch your legs or use the toilet, you’re going to have your valuables close by.

5. Never Carry Someone Else’s Belongings

Now this one is very common and old when it comes to airport safety tips. But one that should still be adhered to. Now if your mother is giving you chocolates to take to your gran, it’s probably a doer, unless your mothers not trustworthy. But really, when it comes to people you know very well, such as family and lifelong friends, them asking you to pack something of theirs when you’re off on your travels, that goes down to judgment and gut instinct.

However, NEVER pack something from a stranger, acquaintance, or even someone you have befriended while traveling. They could end up giving you anything. I remember seeing a program where people were stopped at security with a climbing rope. Unknown to the carrier, the rope was laced with drugs inside. And it’s unlikely the local authorities will believe your story, even if it’s true. So always pack up your own things and secure them.

6. Keep An Eye On Expensive Items When Going Through Security

You’re at security, there’s lots of security staff, CCTV, and the fact it’s a secure area, you’re going to feel safe. You think you don’t need to know any more safety tips at the airport. This is when you could let your guard down, I mean it’s safe and no one’s going to grab your bag and do a runner. The issue here is the tray you put your belongings into that passes through the scanner. These are mandatory items that can include expensive electronic devices and jewelry. And the thing is, there are a lot of distractions for you and the staff. If you were to be searched at the metal detector or body scanner, that would delay you getting to your tray. And with high numbers of other passengers collecting their things, this leaves more distractions for the security staff.

There’s also a risk if you’re in a hurry, all the rubbish in your pockets spread out in the tray along with the expensive goods, it’s possible to leave something. This happened to someone I know. Unfortunately for them when they realised their watch was left behind, returned, only for it to be gone.

So just keep an eye on your things. Even if you are being searched, monitor where the tray is, and if there are any suspicious characters nearby.

7. Be Ready For Corrupt Officials

This is when a bit of research comes into play. If the country the airport you are going through has a reputation for corruption then it’s worth searching online for stories from other travelers on what to expect at the airport.

Corruption in the airport can be from all areas, including check in, security, and immigration staff. And the level of corruption can vary. From a cheeky attempt by them suggesting you leave a tip, to an outright threat of causing you problems unless you pay up.

How do you deal with the situation? Should you pay? That’s where the research can help, find out what other people did when faced with this abuse of power. You may often hear general advice such as “Never pay a penny to them, it encourages them to do it to all tourists”. I agree, but you want to know if it helps at the airport you are visiting. You may come across advice telling you to refuse and threaten to call your embassy, which will cause them to back down. Then travelers at another airport may relay a tale of missing their flight because the officials stubbornly kept them waiting for not paying for the made up V.I.P (bribe) pass. So in that situation, it may have been better to lighten your wallet by a few bucks. So remember research.

8. Keep Your Data Safe At The Airport

This is all about charging your sensitive devices such as a phone, and how to do so safely, because safety tips at the airport aren’t just about physical safety and personal belongings, it can be digital as well. Be careful if using a charging cable that can transfer data as well as charge. You want to be wary of what is happening to your device when the USB cable is plugged directly into the airport’s charging station. Make sure no data is being transferred. The best solution for this is a power bank or a charge only USB cable.

Not given its own title, but worth a special mention, is wifi. We all know these days to be careful of what networks we connect to, and it’s no different at the airport. If you are highly suspicious you can always ask at the information desk, and see if the network is official.

9. Sleep Safely

Two things to consider here, yourself and your belongings. If you are lucky enough to be in a lounge, personal safety shouldn’t really be worried about.

Although safety measures in airports are very high, you should still be selective as to where you choose to sleep in the terminal, whether it’s a long layover or a couple of hours wait. Sleeping or quiet zones are best, other people will be there and they will respect the silence. If none are available, find a quiet part of the terminal, just look around and see if there’s any suspicious groups of people, including staff, before you doze off.

As far as luggage goes, make sure it’s locked as suggested in tip 2. If you have a backpack try wrapping the strap around your arm or leg. You should wake if you feel anyone pull at it.

For a roller-type suitcase, get a combination lock with a wire already attached. I got one not long ago, and it’s great, very small, and can securely lock your bag to the armrest or leg of the chair. So now you can relax and nod off knowing your belongings are safe. Just make sure to set 10 alarms on your phone to not miss the flight.

10. Careful What You Say To Strangers

Talking to new people is one of the benefits of travel. So absolutely do talk to people you have never met before. Just go with your gut instinct and use common sense when it comes to what information you share with them. You might be in a bar of a huge international airport and get chatting to what in your own opinion seems like an honest person.

There’s probably no reason not to share small details about your trip such as where you’re going, and even what city you’re from. Just be mindful if they ask too many in depth questions a stranger wouldn’t normally ask, like what’s your address, how much do you earn, when is your birthday, etc.

Also, you can choose to be truthful with your answers depending on where in the airport you are. In a bar at a busy airport, you may not see that person again. However, if at the gate waiting to board the plane and a dodgy looking character who is on your flight starts a conversation, you may not want to give out every detail of your travel itinerary, such as accommodation.

Remember to go with your gut instinct and use common sense, you can still enjoy talking to people, just be mindful of what’s said, and you can always be creative with what to tell them if you don’t feel comfortable disclosing too much personal information.

11. Beware Of Dodgy Taxis

The last airport safety tip in this list involves you leaving the airport, in what can sometimes be regarded as one of the greatest banes of travel The airport taxi. With unsuspecting passengers arriving at a new destination tired and unfamiliar with the airport layout. This leaves dodgy taxi drivers able to reel you in. And possibly scam or rob you.

Research

Research is again key to airport safety in this area. Before you arrive, check what the transport set up is, and how the taxis operate.

Often a prepay desk is the best option if available. You will have an honest taxi driver who is licensed and no issues with scams or price changes. If there is no prepay, check where the official taxi rank is, what prices you expect to pay, and identify signs of legit taxis. These can be things such as taxi livery, license documents, and plate colour. Do not accept lifts from unofficial looking people, or anyone for that matter. Especially those accosting you in the arrivals hall, offering a taxi service.

These are the dodgy taxis I warn you about, unauthorized and ready to rip off weary passengers.

When it comes to ride-hailing apps such as Uber, it’s a good idea to find out if the app you use is active in the place you are visiting. If not, find out what is and download it. Then you need to know if the airport accepts the ride hailing taxis onto their site. If they do, great, find where the pickup bay is, no problem. If not you will have to research where they will pick up. Have your safety in mind with this, regarding any bad neighborhoods, you don’t want to wait in an unknown area and risk getting robbed.

And there you have it, 11 must know safety tips at the airport. Remember, these are just possibilities and rare occurrences. So don’t be paranoid that anything bad should happen. In fact you should be more confident that your knowledge of airport safety will make it even less likely that any of these things will happen to you. Research, trust your instincts, and don’t trust every person you meet. Have a safe trip.