What should I watch out for at the airport?

Question

I read some travel books about scams such as the cardboard children(where kids swarm you asking for money while secretly taking your valuables) or the luggage grab (where the person in from of you takes a long time at the metal detector and another person passes through the detector first and takes off with your bag). I heard on the new just today about stories of people stealing bags once they get through the security. How do I prevent this from happening to me?

Answer 1

When I travel, I come in and just glance around as I walk.  Keep an eye on your things, but keep an eye out for everyone else.  I don't talk much because it is a distraction.  Keep everything close, and NEVER turn your back on your stuff.  Once through security, you can keep an eye on your stuff, but I always make a bolt to the bags after my flight making sure I put something catchy like a neon plastic bracelet so I know it's my bag.  People will try to claim they have a bag like yours.

Answer 2

always keep your bags in front of you with your hands on them. I attach them to each other just to make sure i never have a loose one. i dont know which airports you plan on going through, but i have been to quite a few in the US as well as Lima, Peru's.. and have had no troubles.. but im still smart about the bags.. you just never know.

Answer 3

always keep your eyes and hands on your bags and never leave them unattended. if you have a handbag or a purse, if you can, take one that has a zipper closing. purses that just open are easy to get into. if you are carrying your purse and you dont pay attention, someone could just come behind you and put there hand in and take stuff. just pay attention and use common sense. if you are not checking in your bags than you could put your purse into your carryon before going to the airport and than once through security, take out your purse. you can also use locks on your bag. check tsa.gov for more info about that. put your name and phone number on your bags, inside and out. but never put your address on them. anyways, dont be so nervous (and dont look so nervous either, that makes you look like an easy target that is insecure and scared) pay attention, common sense. its all good. have a great flight. :)

Answer 4

I think you are being a little too worried! Just watch your stuff, and always have a your number. Your number is the number of items you have. My grandma taught me that : ) If you just check every so often to make sure you have all of your items you will be fine!