10 Amazon Safety Devices and Tricks to Avoid Airport Theft

With the TSA, ubiquitous cameras, and police presence, airports often lull travelers into a false sense of security — leaving their personal belongings at risk of theft. “Airport theft is more common than people realize, but it’s rarely reported or talked about.” Street Smartin which she devotes an entire chapter to the safety of travel.

Whether it’s a phone stolen from a charging station or a wallet snatched from an open bag, items can go missing in seconds at the airport and go completely unnoticed until you’ve already left. And, a stolen bag can be difficult to track down, because even if you realize something is missing, like a stolen bag, airports don’t record it as stolen but as “misplaced baggage,” explained Lloyd Figgins, CEO of the Travel Risk and Incident Prevention (TRIP) group. Not only does this make it harder to locate your luggage, it also means the true scale of the problem is underreported.

Passengers may also be more susceptible to theft because they may be distracted due to lack of sleep or the stimulation of a crowded airport. Eliminating distractions you can control — like avoiding scrolling through social media or taking off your headphones — can help you stay more alert. “The moment awareness decreases, the vulnerability increases,” says Eve.

From travel accessories like neck wallets to protect important documents to luggage locks that give your bags extra security, these security experts share their top 10 tips for avoiding theft in one of the most haunted places: the airport terminal.

Mistake: Using a public charging station

Solution: Pack a portable phone charger

“Charging stations are one of the most common theft zones in airports,” warns Eve. “You’re safer using your charger.” Always head to the airport with a portable power bank that’s fully charged, so you can prevent your phone from dying and keep it safe from potential thieves.

Mistake: Not keeping a close eye on important documents

Solution: Wear a neck purse

Your most private belongings should be placed where you can see and feel them, which means not behind you or under your seat. Eve explains that having a bag anywhere but in front of you at the airport will make you more of a risk than an easy target. Keep your passport, wallet, phone, money, and any other sensitive travel documents on your person in a bag attached to your person, like this neck wallet. It’s slim enough to comfortably hold you, but it’s built with plenty of pockets to store your many essentials.

Mistake: Relying on built-in bag locks

Solution: Adding another layer of security

“Expensive-looking stuff always attracts unwanted attention,” says Faggins, because the bag itself will have some value in addition to its contents. While you can protect your bag using built-in TSA-approved locks on a bag, if the suitcase looks valuable, then thieves may not stop at this one layer of security. Pop an extra set of locks on your luggage, and you’ll feel even more secure because thieves won’t give your “normal” bag another look. Plus, when anti-tamper devices are clearly visible—like a zipper hanging lock rather than a hard-to-see built-in design—they add another deterrent.

Error: Joining Airport Wi-Fi

Solution: Invest in a VPN

“Hacking tactics are evolving at a rapid pace,” Eve warns. Thieves aren’t just targeting your physical belongings. They can steal your personal details or data, hack into bank accounts and do far more damage than a replacement phone or wallet. Investing in a portable VPN can be expensive, but it can be worth it in the long run, especially if you’re a frequent traveler.

Mistake: Using an unsecured travel bag

Solution: Use a zippered bag

Do not travel with bags that cannot be zipped or closed securely. Eve warns that someone can easily slip their hand into an open tote bag and take your phone or wallet in seconds. All it takes is one traveler looking away from their bag to get robbed. Instead, use a travel bag that closes securely, like this bag from the Smart Weekender, to ensure your belongings are safe. And, make sure you never put your phone in the TSA bin by itself—it can disappear in the blink of an eye.

Mistake: Leaving your wallet unattended

Solution: Keep a belt bag on you at all times

Another way to keep your gear with you at all times is to carry a crossbody or belt bag. While you may be tempted to take the bag off while sitting or using the restroom, Eve says there’s hope for thieves. “Having your purse on a hook that’s secured near the top of the bathroom stall door makes it easier for someone to reach in, grab your bag, and literally catch you with your pants down,” says Eve. A bag that you wear across your body, like this Ododos belt bag, is comfortable to wear all day, and even becomes part of your outfit, so you won’t feel the need to take it off.

Error: Placing personal information on baggage tag

Solution: Use smart luggage tags

Your luggage tags should never include personal information like your name and address, shares Fegans. “This can be used by criminals to target your residence while you are away from home,” he explained. Instead, keep a business card with your suitcase with your information on it, or install a smart luggage tag that links to your information so if your luggage is lost in transit, the airline can still return it to you.

Mistake: Using a bag that spills

Solution: Make your bag easily identifiable

You don’t need to buy brightly colored equipment to stand on the equipment carousel. A simple sign that you can quickly recognize, like those neon luggage handle wraps, will do the trick. “Always use a unique luggage identifier or tag, so no one can accidentally walk off with your bag. It doesn’t even have to be the brightest or boldest—just something distinctive and easily recognizable to you so it stands out in the crowd at the airport,” says Feggins.

Error: There is no way to track your bag

Solution: Use of baggage trackers

Always add an Apple AirTag or other tracking device to your bag before checking in. While many travelers already do this to monitor the location of their checked bags, Feggins says these devices are also vital if your luggage is stolen. Place the Airtag in an inconspicuous, hidden area so it’s not the first thing someone notices if someone opens your bag (as thieves can easily dispose of it).

Mistake: Wearing noisy headphones

Solution: Wear open-ear headphones

Passing through the airport is no place for music, podcasts, or phone calls, advises Eve. “Some common behaviors that target someone include wearing noisy headphones,” she says. If you’re the kind of traveler who needs music to relax in a crowded area or you have to make a phone call, open-air headphones like these Shox earbuds are the way to go, which still allow you to be aware of your surroundings.

Want a great deal? Sign up for our T+L recommends newsletter And we’ll send you our favorite travel products every week.