Travel Troubleshooter
Robert Siciliano experienced an "aha" moment when he found himself at the Transportation Security Administration checkpoint in Boston not long ago.
He remembers finding an old, large, chubby man's wallet in one of the dog dishes.
Siciliano, a safety specialist, addressed the surrounding passengers and inquired whether the wallet belonged to any of them. They all denied ownership with shakes of their heads. He then questioned one of the TSA officers present, but they merely shrugged in response.
He mentions that the agent examined it, unfolded it, checked the driver’s license, and immediately returned it, stating that the agent took no action.
It suddenly dawned on Siciliano that safety at the security checkpoint was indeed an issue.
"If I were a thief, I could have effortlessly taken it — and absolutely no one would have noticed," he remarks.
Frequently, air travelers leave behind their personal possessions and funds at the security checkpoints during their journeys. According to the TSA, this happens quite often. around $1 million in loose change was left behind last year Travelers leave behind approximately 90,000 to 100,000 belongings every month at security screening areas in airports. according to the TSA .
"Given the rise in air travel and the often rushed or tense environment of security checks, passengers may become less observant," says Raymond Yorke, who speaks on behalf of Redpoint Travel Protection That results in a higher incidence of misplaced objects. With an unprecedented number of individuals traveling, causing an increase in the flow of passengers going through security checks, the large quantity of travelers heightens the chance of losing belongings.
Although it's hard to determine whether the issue is intensifying with time, it's certainly evident that an increasing number of individuals are voicing their complaints regarding it.
You won't believe the things people leave on the conveyor belt.
As we rush to board our flights—or perhaps simply to navigate the security checkpoint—we often forget various items along the way. Airport security personnel routinely discover an array of objects left behind on the conveyer belts, ranging from traditional ritualistic scissors to historical artillery pieces like antique cannonballs, and even living creatures such as eels.
I left behind several everyday essentials like my identification card, my belt, and an iPad. When I returned to security to retrieve the tablet and driver’s license, I failed to realize that my belt was missing until I boarded the aircraft. Ah well. It's understandable why folks get concerned about keeping track of their possessions.
Gerardine D'sa, a retired management consultant from Willow Springs, Ill., asks, "Do you have any advice for protecting valuable items when they must go into bins during TSA screenings?"
In reality, absolutely.
Prepare for the scanner
"As advised by Shaun Boulter, the global head of operations and security, place loose belongings into your carry-on instead of leaving them unprotected in the tray," he states. AXA Partners "That might readily catch the attention of petty criminals." To put it differently, items such as keys, wallets, and handbags —anything that doesn’t require separate scanning—should be placed in your carry-on luggage and passed through the X-ray machine.
Organize your valuables
Dean Van Es, CEO of, suggests using a Ziploc bag or packing cube instead of tossing your costly phone, tablet, sunglasses, and watch loosely into the bin at security to ensure they stay organized. Fast Cover Travel Insurance Not only will this add an extra layer of security, but it also makes it simpler to monitor your belongings and ensure nothing is forgotten.
Track your stuff
"During the inspection process, it’s essential to closely monitor your possessions as they move through each stage of the examination,” explains Susan Sherren, who oversees this operation. Couture Trips She prefers maintaining a discreet profile by placing numerous loose objects inside mesh packing cubes, making them less noticeable. Additionally, she emphasizes, "Always be ready and devise a strategy to make your passage through security smoother."
Wait for it
Avoid hurrying during the inspection process, and make sure you maintain constant attention to your belongings. Regional Security Director for the Americas at Frank Harrison states, "Ensure all valuable items have gone through the X-ray scanner before proceeding." World Travel Protection I make sure to keep an eye on the bin for as long as I can until my possessions are returned to me.
Watch out for the bin advertisement.
Jeremy Murchland, who serves as the president, emphasizes, "Keep an eye out particularly for advertisements located at the base of the bin." Seven Corners Travel Insurance The adhesive labels make it less noticeable when a tiny object such as your cell phone has been misplaced.
Register for PreCheck or Global Entry
The TSA's trusted traveler programs This allows you to bypass many inconveniences and possible setbacks. For instance, you might not need to take out your laptop or remove your shoes. "When you lack PreCheck, numerous issues can arise," states Siciliano, who oversees operations. security consulting firm You reap the advantages of combining all items into your bags without needing to remove and show them in the trays or pet dishes.
Even better, leave all valuables at home.
Donna Shelton, a seasoned banker from Chicago who has traveled extensively, follows this strategy. She explained to me, “My method is simply not carrying extra valuable items at all. I leave my precious jewelry behind and only pack the essential electronic devices required for the journey.”
What about that wallet found in Boston?
What ultimately became of the lost wallet that Siciliano spotted in the airport security zone? He mentions that he needed to catch his flight, so he proceeded onwards and left it for the TSA to handle.
There’s a good chance the owner came forward and retrieved their wallet. However, if they did not show up, the security personnel likely documented it and forwarded it for further processing. lost and found .
That's not where you should find yourself retrieving your wallet, purse, or phone after flying. Therefore, try to keep most of your valuable items away from those TSA screening bins.
However, if you proceed, monitor it with the precision of a laser-guided missile. Since there’s a chance that someone else could be doing the same thing.
Post a Comment