10 Safety Mistakes You're Making at the Airport That Turn You Into a Target-and How to Avoid Them

"With TSA, cameras everywhere, and police presence, airports often lull travelers into a false sense of security-which may leave their personal belongings at risk of theft. "Airport theft is more common than people realize, but it's rarely reported or talked about," shares Dannah Eve, safety expert and author of the book Street Smarts, in which she dedicates an entire chapter to travel safety."

"Whether it's a phone stolen from a charging station or a wallet snagged from an open bag, items can go missing in seconds at the airport and go completely unnoticed until you're already gone. And, it may be hard to track down a stolen bag, because even if you realize that something is missing, like a stolen bag, airports don't record them as stolen but rather "mishandled luggage," explains Lloyd Figgins, CEO of the Travel Risk & Incident Prevention ( TRIP) Group."

"Travelers may also be more susceptible to theft because they could be bleary-eyed from lack of sleep or distracted by the stimulation of a crowded airport. Removing distractions you can control-like avoiding scrolling on social media or taking off headphones-can help keep you more alert. "The moment awareness drops, vulnerability rises," says Eve. From travel essentials like a neck wallet to protect important documents to luggage locks that give your bags extra security, these safety experts share their 10 best tips for avoiding theft in one of the most hectic places: the airport terminal."

Airport visible security can create a false sense of safety that leaves personal belongings vulnerable to quick, often unnoticed thefts. Devices and wallets can vanish in seconds at charging stations or from open bags, and lost baggage is frequently classified as "mishandled luggage," obscuring the true scale of the problem. Fatigue and distractions such as social media or headphones increase traveler susceptibility. Practical precautions include carrying a neck wallet for documents, using luggage locks, avoiding public charging stations by bringing a portable power bank, and maintaining constant situational awareness to reduce risk.

Read at Travel + Leisure