Travel Security:
AIRLINE
Travel Safety Tips
Travel Security for airlines has ever-changing precautions.
Travelers have special post-9/11 shoes, bags, and even bras to pass through security. People no longer wear knee braces and medical devices to avoid a strip search at security. Carry an ID card with the tiny X-ray to prove it really is your knee replacement setting off the sensor. The changes are constant.The way the TSA screens checked bags varies from airport to airport. Some travelers wisely avoid checking luggage (or losing it) by sending it ahead via delivery services or limit themselves to carry-ons.
Travel Safety Tips
• Airport security regulations often change. See the current Ten Tips for Travel under the New Travel Security Rules at AirSafe.com.
• Never leave your luggage unattended or accept packages from
strangers. Don't exchange items between bags while waiting for customs
or security screenings.
• Locks on luggage aren't secure, so don't pack valuables in your
checked luggage. Consider using nylon filament tape around your
suitcase in case the lock breaks.
• Be alert at security checkpoints. Never put your things on the
conveyor belt until you're sure you can immediately pass through to
retrieve them. Teams of thieves watch for opportunities there.
• Airport staff will ask you about your luggage. Know what you are carrying and be ready to describe any electronics.
• Make sure your luggage is tagged properly so it will reach its final destination. See FlyAOW.com
for a list of current airport codes. Also have your name, state,
country, and phone number prominently secured on the outside (and
inside) of each piece of luggage. But do NOT include your home address;
some baggage handlers note the address on luggage going to distant
locales, then send friends to rob that home. It happens. Why risk it?
• Better yet, ship your luggage ahead: worldwide door-to-door courier services such as UPS and FedEx charging low fees and save you an average total of 2.5 hours hassling at airport baggage check-in and baggage claims. And there's less chance of lost luggage.
• Also see Child Safety Tips for Traveling Alone (at the end of the page).
AIRPLANE SECURITY
Detroit – Christmas Day 2009 – Heroic Dutch tourist Jasper Schuringa leapt to put out a fire ignited by a Nigerian terrorist, Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab aboard Northwest Airlines Flight 253. Since 9/11, and the passengers on United Flight 93 revolted against the terrorist hijackers over Shanksville PA and thwarted their plan, passengers now act aggressively. There’ve been dozens of incidents when passengers stood and fought to save the day. Heroism is the new societal norm.
If hijackers are wielding sharp-edged weapons, a passenger can grab a seat cushion as a shield or wrap a jacket around his arm and hand to deflect a blade. If you merely defend, you're likely to lose. You must attack the criminal and help the flight attendants. Even small movements like throwing objects or hot liquids at a hijacker could save lives. Use anything from belts used as whips to serving carts to ram him. Overwhelm him with the sheer number of passengers. See Survival Options - Hostage-Taking and Fighting Options - Weapons for Improvised Weapons.
Portable Burglar Alarm Equipment & Travel Security Products
• Door-Stop Alarm for hotel security – a door wedge (both a siren and a physical barrier to forced entry).
• Doorknob Alarm - shrieks when jostled.
• Stash clothing (such as a money belt).
• Stash safes (diversion safes): ordinary cans (of deodorant or whatever) modified with hidden storage space.
• GPS Child Locator: a child tracking device.
• Personal Security Devices (if allowed on an airplane).
• Personal Security Alarm: (noisemaker or screamer)
Crime-Safety-Security > Travel Security Overview > Airline Safety
