I recently read a blog @flyingwithfish on traveling safely and it really got me thinking about how I am so trusting while I am on a plane. The article was on in-flight theft and how thieves go unnoticed. Read this to protect yourself – and your participants.
The first rule of thumb I always follow when I am packing luggage is: DON’T take anything with you that you would hate to lose or can’t be replaced.
But – that is not enough! Here are some observations from @flyingwithfish:
- In-flight thieves target U.S. domestic transcontinental flights, early morning or red-eye flights where flight times are dark and passengers let their guard down by taking naps.
- Thieves are also planning and watching as people get on board, watching what’s going into the overhead bins, whose bag has a zipper facing out or open-top bags for easy access. Once they have located their target thieves will oftentimes put their bag in the overhead bin next to the bag they are going to go through – looking for small electronics, wallets, etc… Once people have settled down to watch a movie or sleep, thieves can very easily gain access into the overhead bin and move quickly and virtually undetected.
- As @flyingwithfish states, “Passengers are less likely to pay attention to someone in an overhead bin when it is directly over them as to not appear rude or intrusive.”
So how can you protect yourself from being a target of an in-flight theft and travel safe? @flyingwithfish suggests:
- Lock your bags – you know, those luggage accessories that you so often pass over (or at least I do). Buy a lock for your laptop bags, briefcase, carry-on bag, etc.
- Place your bags in the overhead bin with zippers down and access points facing the wall or downward.
- Keep passports, wallets and cash secure on your person or in a secure bag directly at your feet.
- If you are in an aisle make sure laptop bags, small backpacks, travel luggage, etc… are facing the direction of the window and are fully under the seat in front of you.
Say alert and remember the tips about your bags and personal property while traveling and remember the thieves “interview” you before making their plan – Don’t Be Their Next Target! Travel safely!
