MAny travlers have a false sense of security when they enter an airport completely dropping common sense at the sliding doors. Hopefully that changes after you watch the video above where TSA agents were caught but only after stealing over $1,000 a day from the security line.
What You Can Do
The first step is to be aware that airport thefts can happen and you should be as cautious as you would at any public, crowded place. Pickpockets and other thieves also travel so don’t spread out your things at the gate or charging station without a high degree of awareness. Corrupt TSA agents are another threat because most people don’t suspect them. (Plus they police themselves.) To deal with the security line, you need to prepare.
Advanced Security
Pack the things in your pockets, wallet, phone, watch, all deep inside of your carry on and do this before you get to the security line. That way the TSA agents won’t know what’s in your bags and it’s a lot more difficult for them to do a quick grab. Never leave your valuables, cash, wallet, or phone out in the open in a bin by itself.
Stuff a jacket on top of your things inside of your backpack and if you want to go an extra step, you can hide things in zippered pockets. Speaking of those, zip up your backpack as it goes through the security line.
Streamlining
In the video above you’ll see a process I call streamlining. This is basically black belt levels of travel preparation you can use to protect your valuables and even get through the security line faster than you have been. None of these strategies on their own will completely prevent theft but when combined, many you’re less likely to be a target. Stay with your things as you go through the security line, use your eyes, and hide what you want to protect.