Staying safe at an airport means being prepared and staying alert. Follow these tips to keep yourself and your belongings secure.

Before You Travel

• Consider traveling on flights that depart and arrive during daylight hours. More airport employees will be on duty during the day, and you will be less likely to encounter problems in and around the airport.
• Create a detailed flight itinerary. Make copies of the document to give to family and friends. If your flight is delayed, phone the people to whom you gave your itinerary.
• Study the layout of each airport that you will be traveling to. This will help you know where you are at all times. AirlineandAiportLinks.com has links to many airport Web sites.
• Dress inconspicuously. Don't draw attention to yourself.

To and From the Airport

• When using a taxi service, ask an airport ground transportation staff member which cab company is the safest. Always make sure the driver is licensed. If you don't feel comfortable with the cab or driver assigned to you, decline the ride and wait for the next cab. In some situations, hotel transportation may be preferable (if it's provided by a major hotel chain).
• When parking your car in the daily parking lot, select a parking space as close to the shuttle stop as possible.
• Carefully note the parking space that you parked your vehicle in. Have this information in your hand before you get on the parking shuttle when returning to your car.
• After your trip, if you are alone or if darkness obscures your vehicle, ask the parking shuttle driver to wait at the shuttle stop until you reach your car.
• Carry a cell phone and call family or friends when you return home from your trip and as you are locating your car.
• As you approach your car have your keys in your hand and look carefully under and inside your automobile.
• In the parking lot, if you observe someone acting suspiciously, notify airport security and remain on the parking shuttle or in the company of others.
• Always lock your vehicle.
• If you feel you are in a potentially dangerous situation, do anything to attract attention and make others aware of your situation.
• Walk with confidence in a manner that demonstrates that you know where you are going.
• Avoid isolated or poorly lit areas at night.
• Carry a safety whistle and small flashlight for use when traveling alone and at night.

At the Airport

• Keep close control of your bags at all times. Never leave your bags unattended or with strangers.
• Don't go near unattended baggage. If you see any bags or other items left unattended in the airport terminal, immediately notify airline or airport personnel and then leave the area.
• Do not carry any item from a stranger or any luggage or package that someone else packed.
• Keep locks on all your luggage.
• Keep your money, tickets, and passports on your person and not in your luggage. Consider using a money belt.
• Pay special attention when going through the security checkpoints. Always keep a close eye on your luggage and valuables as you clear security.
• When traveling with children, always keep them in sight. Don't let them wander in the terminal. Aside from many strangers moving through the airport, there are many other hazards that children need to be protected from in an airport.
• Don't hang around airports any longer than you need to. Thieves tend to gather at some airports.
• Be aware of who is around you at all times.