Friday, October 31, 2008

Personal Security and Air Travel

By L Servage

Today's air travelers end up spending hour after hour at the airport, often carrying their possessions around with them from gate to gate, shuffling bags while they use the bathroom, purchase and eat food, and just sit around and wait.

The longer travellers spend waiting at the airport, the more there personal security is an issue. Here are some helpful tips that will help minimize the risk of losing your valuables while travelling.

Travelers' Personal Security ? Packing

Never forget security begins at home. When time comes to pack your belongings, try to place your most valuable items in your carry-on luggage so that it will always be close to you. This way you can always keep an eye on it and be aware of anyone trying to steal or tamper with it.

If you or part of your travelling party plans on taking jewellery, this might mean wearing your most valuable pieces on the flight. Large diamond ear studs are fine to wear with everyday travel clothing; others will assume they are cubic zirconium, or rhinestones. Necklaces and bracelets can be worn under clothing that masks the neck and wrists. Make sure that the clasps and hooks are in good repair, you do not want to accidentally lose your jewellery while walking through the terminal.

Whatever you decide not wear should be placed in a handbag or fanny pack that is warn in a secure location. As backpacks don't offer as great a level of security as would-be thieves have been known to open a backpack and remove valuable items without the traveller ever knowing that personal security was breached.

Travelers' Personal Security ? Cash

Whenever you travel at some point you will need some cash. At airports you will need it for everything from tips, newspapers, meals, to departure and airport fees. However, you should never carry more cash than is absolutely necessary. You will find that about $20 to $30 in fives, and tens will meet your needs at the airport. And don't forget every modern airport has an ATM. If you find that you need cash at your destination, use the airport ATM after you arrive at your final stop. Carrying large amounts of cash can create an irresistible temptation for thieves.

Travelers' Personal Security ? Shopping

The key to safety when travelling is to if possible travel with a companion, this will allow you to have someone who can watch your belongings for you while you shop, eat, and use the restroom. If you are travelling alone, it is good advice to try to rent a locker to store your belongings in if you have a long wait for your flight. Even if you need to rent two or more lockers to stow all your belongings, you will find that it is easier to carry a small key around instead of lugging bags filled with your valuable belongings around the airport while waiting for your flight.

Travelers' Personal Security ? Security Check

One of the places most travelers commonly lose things is, ironically, when they go through security. As you pass through security lies, be cognizant of how many bins or trays you have left your belongings in, and be sure you have checked that same number of bins or trays before you leave the security area. - 15485

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