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. This not only makes it difficult to track down your baggage, but it also means that the true scale of the problem is under-reported.

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.

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, who never leaves her phone unattended. “You’re much safer using your own charger.” Always head to the airport with a portable power bank that’s fully charged, so you can keep your phone from dying—and safe from potential thieves.

Mistake: Not keeping a close eye on important documents

Solution: Wear a neck wallet

Your most private belongings should be kept where you can see and feel them, which means not behind you nor underneath your seat. Eve explains that placing bags anywhere but in front of you at the airport will make you more vulnerable as 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 thin enough to comfortably keep on you, but it’s built with enough pockets to store a variety of your most important items.

Mistake: Relying on built-in bag locks

Solution: Adding a second layer of security

“Expensive-looking luggage is always going to attract unwanted attention,” says Figgins, as the bag itself will have some value in addition to its contents. While you can protect your bag using the 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 likely feel even more secure as thieves won’t give your “normal” bag a second look. Plus, when the anti-tamper devices are clearly visible—like a lock hanging off the zipper instead of the hard-to-see built-in design—they add another deterrent. 

Mistake: Joining the airport’s WiFi

Solution: Invest in a VPN

“Hacking strategies are evolving at a rapid pace,” Eve warns and recommends that travelers avoid joining public WiFi at the airport. Thieves aren’t just targeting your physical goods anymore; they can steal your personal details or data, hack into bank accounts, and cause a lot more damage than taking a replaceable phone or wallet. Investing in a portable VPN may be pricey, but it could be worth it in the long run, especially if you’re a frequent traveler.

Mistake: Using unsecure travel bags

Solution: Use a zippered bag

Don’t travel with bags that can’t zip or securely shut. Someone can easily slip a hand into an open tote bag and take your phone or wallet in a second, warns Eve. All it takes is a moment of a traveler looking away from their bag to be robbed. Instead, use a travel bag that securely closes, like this Bagsmart weekender, to ensure that your belongings are safe. And, make sure you never place your phone on its own into a TSA bin—it can disappear in the blink of an eye.

Mistake: Leaving your purse unattended

Solution: Keeping a belt bag on you at all times

Another way to keep your belongings with you at all times is to carry a crossbody or belt bag. Even though you might be tempted to take the bag off while you’re seated or using the restroom, Eve says this is exactly what thieves are hoping for. “Placing your purse on a hook that’s secured close to the top of a bathroom stall door makes it easy for someone to reach over, grab your bag, and quite literally catch you with your pants down,” says Eve. A bag you wear across your body, like this Ododos Belt Bag, is comfortable to wear all day, and even becomes a part of your outfit, so you won’t feel the need to take it off.

Mistake: Putting personal information on a luggage tag

Solution: Use a smart luggage tag

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

Mistake: Using a bag that blends in

Solution: Make your bag easily recognizable

You don’t need to buy brightly-colored luggage to make it stand out at the baggage carousel. A simple indicator that you can quickly recognize, like these neon luggage handle wraps, will do the trick. “Always use a distinctive luggage identifier or tag, so that no one can ‘accidentally’ walk off with your bag,” says Figgins. It doesn’t even need to be the brightest or boldest—just distinguishable and easily recognizable to you so that it will stand out in a crowded airport. 

Mistake: Having no way to track your bag

Solution: Using luggage trackers

Always add an Apple AirTag or other tracking device to your bag before you check it. While many travelers already do this to monitor their checked bag’s location, Figgins says these devices are also crucial for tracking your luggage in case it’s stolen. Place the AirTag in an unassuming, hidden area so it’s not the first thing someone sees if they do open your bag (as thieves could easily dispose of it).

Mistake: Wearing noise-cancelling headphones

Solution: Wearing open-ear headphones

Walking through the airport isn’t the place for music, podcasts, or phone calls, advises Eve. “Some of the most common behaviors that make someone a target include wearing noise-cancelling headphones,” she says. If you’re the kind of traveler who needs music to relax in a crowded area or you have to take a phone call, use open-ear headphones, like these Shokz earbuds, that still permit you to be aware of your surroundings.

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