Air travellers today can spend hours at the airport, wandering around aimlessly often carrying their bags and chattels around with them from gate to gate, shuffling bags while in the bathroom, buying and eating food, and just sitting around and waiting.

The more time travelers spend at the airport, the more travelers’ personal security is an issue. These tips will help minimize the risk of losing your valuable belongings while traveling.

Travelers’ Personal Security – Packing

As the old saying goes security begins at home. When packing your belongings, place the most important items and documents in your carry on bag that you will keep closest to you. That way you will always know where it is and be aware of anyone trying to steal it.

If travelling with jewellery, it is recommended that you wear your most valuable jewellery on the flight. Diamond ear studs are fine to wear with everyday travel clothing; and other travellers will assume they are just costume pieces. Large necklaces and bracelets can be worn under clothing that masks the neck and wrists. Before you leave, make sure that the clasps and hooks are in good repair, because you do not accidentally lose your jewellery walking through the terminal.

What you don’t wear should be packed in a handbag or fanny pack. Caution should be taken when using backpacks – as would-be thieves can open a backpack and remove valuable items without you ever knowing that personal security was breached.

Travelers’ Personal Security – Cash

Every traveler needs some cash at the airport for tips, newspapers, meals, and sundries. However, no traveler should carry more cash than absolutely necessary. Usually about $20 to $30 in fives, tens, and ones will meet the traveler’s need for cash at the airport. Every modern airport has an ATM. If you need cash at your destination, use the airport ATM after you arrive at your final stop. Carrying, and flashing, large amounts of cash 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

In fact the places most travellers lose things is, ironically, while they pass through security. Whenever you pass through the metal detector and you belongings are X-rayed be cognizant of how many trays you have left your belongings in, and be sure you collect the same number and have checked that all your belongings are still there, before leaving the security area.