My tips:
- NEVER leave luggage unattended, even in first-class lounges.
- Lock bags before going to bathrooms in lounges if you don't want to haul it with you and possibly lose your seat.
- Put everything inside your carry on, and LOCK it BEFORE going through security.
- Your carry on bag should have a lock on it. Always leave it locked even as you walk with it. Having it unlocked, with the TSA code showing is broadcasting to the world what your code is. Keep it locked and don't unlock with anyone watching your code.
- At many airports, removing laptops for security is optional, even if they insist you remove it. Leave the laptop inside.
- For the odd times where your laptop wasnt removed from bags at security, usually, worst case they'll ask u to remove it and they will rescan it themselves (without requiring you go re-screen).
- If your laptop has to be removed, send it through in a separate tray as your last item (ie: bags, belts etc first). People don't steal stuff before they themselves go through security, and if for whatever reason (think TSA secondary) you are delayed in getting your bags, your laptop will be the last thing to come out, buying you more time.
- The more your checked luggage stands out, the less likely anyone will try to take it from the belt (ie: stickers, bright priority tags etc)
- If you're carrying Rimowa, you're a prime target (ie: other stuff you carry that isn't locked inside) as you probably have other branded stuff worth stealing.
- ALWAYS put your carry on in the lockers OPPOSITE, and NEVER above your seat.
- If you're last to board and there's no overhead locker space near you, that's on you. Board earlier or choose better seating (ie: exit rows in middle of plane where steadling stuff overhead is more difficult).
- ALWAYS lock your checked in and carry on bags.
- If you are concerned about folks around you, with your carry on in the locker OPPOSITE you, turn it around, so that the wheels face outward.
- Avoid the need to get ANYTHING from your carry on during the flight. You don't need to get a pen, or your passport before landing.
- If your carry on isn't lockable, leave it at home or with your travel buddy.
- Don't leave your brand new Bose/Sony noise cancelling headphones on your seat when you go to bathroom. Wear them.
- NEVER, under ANY circumstances, put ANYTHING in the seatback pocket that you NEED.
- Wear a long-sleeved shirt or something similar to cover your watch if it's flashy.
- Ask someone older than you what common sense is, and learn from their wisdom.
Sure we shouldn't need to do any of this - but there's a lot of shady people out there.
The groups stealing stuff onboard are paying for their tickets and are looking for ROI.
Your goal is to make it uneconomical for them to target you, versus someone else who isn't following the basic rules of personal item safety (it's the whole - you don't need to outrun the hungry lion....you just need to outrun 1 other person in your group).
The best way to avoid all of this is to fly first class, where your belongings are next to you at all times.
Business class is not safe, and especially not long haul.
www.straitstimes.com
Your paranoia is not my problem.
