Going through airport security? Here’s how to protect your belongings

If you care about going through airport security, this guide gets straight to the point. We break down what actually matters, skip the fluff, and show you how to put it to work today.

Key Takeaways

• Air travelers have a million aspects on their minds, numerous of them questions like: Did I forget to bring my keys?
• Did I leave the porch light on?
• If you’ve been hustling through the airport, the last aspect you may think about is the here and now.
• Worth noting: but that’s exactly where our minds should be and here’s why.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Where’s my ID? Crooks have found a new method to target tourists and other travelers even before they’ve gotten to their destinations.

• Thieves at UK’s Gatwick Airport just outside London have been stealing personal items from the security checkpoint conveyor belt, according to the Daily Mail.
• Items such as laptops, cosmetics, jewelry and even a loved one’s ashes have all gone missing, the Mail reports.
• More importantly, attention, travelers: Here’s how to guard against in-airport theft (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); If you think it’s only happening in England, you should think again.

Is Going Through Airport Security Worth It?

Even as far back as 2008, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said that more than 10,000 laptops were reported stolen each day, according to PCWorld. Further, a 2017 study conducted by Stratos Jet Charters, an air charter service, showed that it’s extremely difficult to get reimbursed by the TSA once an item is reported as missing or stolen.

• Nearly 70% of the claims were denied, according to the Stratos Jet Charters study.
• Remember that claims that were fully approved tallied less than 32%.
• The frustrating aspect is that when it comes to most matters of air travel, security and the like, multiple aviation agencies can pull out all kinds of statistics (the FAA even tracks unruly passengers), but curiously for in-airport theft, there aren’t plenty of resources on the matter.

Where the Real Savings Hide

In fact, officials frequently count missing belongings, reported thefts and related claims in the same category. That makes it all the more concerning when we arrive at our destination after a long flight only to discover that an item we know we packed has disappeared.

• As a rule, by that time, it may be a challenge to even remember where it vanished: Was it on the plane ride, in baggage claim or on the Uber ride home?
• Then there’s the matter of whom do you call , the police, the airline or one of several agencies in the mix?
• Air travelers are even more vulnerable when you consider that they trustingly leave their belongings behind in numerous cases as they’re ushered through the TSA security checkpoint.

A Closer Look at Going Through Airport Security

That’s what happened to a traveler in England’s Gatwick airport, the Mail reports. “As I walked through the scanner, I set off the beeper and had to wait to be searched. In short, by the time I reached my stuff, trays were piling up,” Antonia Collins told the publication. “When I realized my makeup was missing, I alerted airport staff, but they were obviously busy and handed me a flyer with an email address. ‘I said it had been stolen in the last few minutes , could they not sort it promptly?

• But they wouldn’t.” Another passenger reported that her bags made it through security much quicker than she did , and that’s when her laptop went missing.
• After three days of emails, she finally was put in contact with the terminal manager, who told her there was nothing he could do.
• With that being said, is there anything we can do to protect our belongings in the airport?

What to Know About Going Through Airport Security

Worth noting: here are some solid security pointers to remember: How to protect yourself against in-airport theft Take inventory: It may be too difficult to keep a mental tally of your most valuable possessions, but what’s stopping you from writing it down on a sheet of paper? You can keep it in your hand along with your boarding pass and ID while being processed through security or even in your phone.

• There’s an app for that: Yes, your de facto note-taking app in your smartphone could be a excellent method for you to jot down your most prized possessions, and you can even take pictures of your items for further proof.
• Slow down: Sure, you’re hurried and rushing through the airport to catch that flight, but how solid (and costly) will that ride be if you lose your stuff?
• More importantly, be deliberate about what’s in your hands, pockets and bags.

How Going Through Airport Security Really Works

Take a second and sloooow down. Be aware of your surroundings and of course, don’t leave your luggage unattended.

• Be your travel buddy’s ears and eyes: If you can, pay attention to the bags of your traveling companion and have them do likewise.
• Remember that since of delays, you may not be able to keep track of your items once they’ve been placed on the conveyor belt, but in numerous cases someone you’re traveling with can.
• Small, discreet bags are best: The more your luggage stands out, the more of the wrong kind of attention you could attract.

Getting the Most From Going Through Airport Security

Large, colorful bags with assorted toiletries deep inside will do nothing but slow the security line down. And see-through bags will only tempt criminals in plain sight.

As a rule, keep on your person a small, discreet bag with your essentials.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I save money on going through airport security?

Compare prices across a few retailers, look for active coupon codes, and time bigger buys around sales events. Crooks have found a new method to target tourists and other travelers even before they’ve gotten to their destinations.

Is it worth shopping around for going through airport security?

Usually yes. Thieves at UK’s Gatwick Airport just outside London have been stealing personal items from the security checkpoint conveyor belt, according to the Daily Mail.

Smart Ways to Save More on Going Through Airport Security

• Time non urgent purchases around major sale events for the deepest cuts.
• Leave items in your cart for a day; some stores send a follow up discount.
• Pair cashback with a coupon so you save twice on the same order.
• Stack a coupon code with an existing sale whenever the store allows it.
• Sign up for the retailer newsletter to catch first time and seasonal discounts.

Final Thoughts

The bottom line on going through airport security: a little research goes a long way. Compare your options, watch for seasonal offers, and never pay full price when a better deal is a click away.

Originally published at clark.com.