Layovers and Long Lines: Airport Safety Smarts for Weary Travelers
If you are planning on travelling in the near future, then it is important to be aware of certain safety precautions that could help you avoid dangerous situations and lost luggage. Whether you are planning a backpacking holiday through Asia or even just short weekend break, failing to look after yourself could spoil an otherwise memorable vacation.
The following tips will help you stay safe while travelling through airports and avoid any unpleasant situations with the local law authority.
Be Aware Of Those Around You
Travelling the world is one of the most exciting and satisfying ways to spend your free time, and many people choose to take a year out from their work or study to visit different places around the globe. Once you become an experienced traveler, it can be easy to let your guard down when travelling through airports you have visited numerous times.
Pickpockets often operate in crowded airports and can steal your wallet, passport or electronic devices in seconds without your knowledge. Other criminals may attempt to distract you by asking for directions while an accomplice steals your belongings.
Always keep your wallet and documents in an inside pocket or in a secure bag carried close to your body. Never carry your phone or camera in your hand or leave them unattended on a table, and keep them safely stored away when not in use.
Luggage Safety
Do not allow anyone to pack your bags for you when travelling and never agree to carry a package for someone else. Drug trafficking is a serious offence that carries the death penalty in some countries, and it can be very difficult to prove your innocence if you are tricked into carrying drugs for someone else.
Make sure you do not leave your luggage unattended in the airport even for a moment, and make sure you can always see your bags when sitting in cafes and restaurants. Affix a label to each one of your bags with your name and destination clearly displayed. It is also advisable to keep a list of all of the items in your luggage in the event of your bag getting lost or tampered with.
Protect Your Documents And Valuables
Your passport, ticket and boarding pass are all sensitive documents that should be kept on your person at all times. Once you hand your documents over for inspection, be sure to put them safely back into your bag or pocket rather than holding them in your hand.
If you do happen to lose your ticket or ID, tell a member of the airport staff immediately. Expensive items such as laptops, cameras, phones and music players should be kept in protective casing and stored in your carry on case rather than in any checked suitcases.
Be Aware Of Local Safety Procedures
Some countries have stricter safety procedures than others, so never make jokes or refuse to comply with requests from security staff. Some airports may require you to remove your outer clothing, belt, shoes and any jewelry when passing through security, or they may ask you to demonstrate the operation of any electrical items such as laptops or phones.
Occasionally, wand checks or even full body searches may be required, so always be prepared to undergo additional safety procedures.
Look After Yourself
Although aviation accidents are rare, they do sometimes occur. If you are involved in an accident while in an aircraft or even in the airport, it is important to contact a personal injury lawyer such as www.craigswapp.com who can advise you on whether or not you are entitled to compensation. Having to spend several hours or even a night in an airport can be a tiring experience especially if you are unable to sleep.
If you know beforehand that you will have a long layover at an airport, check around for cheap deals at local hotels. Being able to relax on a bed and take a shower can make you feel much better and help you stay more alert when travelling. If you are unable to stay in a hotel, a sleeping bag and pillow along with an eyeshade will help you get some much needed rest in the airport.
Once you are onboard the plane it is still important to be vigilant when it comes to your belongings. Store any carry-on suitcases in the overhead compartments, and place smaller items under your seat. If you plan on sleeping during the flight, ensure that your phone, wallet and other valuables are stored safely out of sight.
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Personal Injury and Accident Lawyer Craig Swapp practices law in the states of Utah, Washington, Idaho and Colorado. He has dedicated his career to helping people who have been injured or killed as the result of someone elses negligence or wrong doing. He is a zealous advocate for his clients in their fight against corporations and the multi-billion dollar insurance industry.
