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The last thing you want on a family vacation is to fall victim to crime. Yet, with so many people coming and going, airports are a prime target for criminals. Use these 9 smart and simple safety tips for airports to prevent the bad guys from spoiling your next trip!
Please note: the things mentioned in this article are not meant to scare you, but knowledge is power. And this, unfortunately, is the reality of the world we live in today.
Tip #1: Don’t take the lead.
One of the most dangerous things you can do in a crowded place like an airport is to walk in front of your child. If you can’t see them, you don’t know where they are. It only takes a split second for a child to get lost in a crowd or, even worse, kidnapped.
If your little one is walking behind you, you have no way of knowing if they stopped to look at something or if someone grabbed them. And by the time you look back, there could be a few hundred people between you and your kid.
Instead, walk next to your child in the airport. This way, you can keep your eye on them at all times. And in the event they stop, you will know it instantly.
Tip #2: Watch your stuff.
In public places, thieves are everywhere. They are just waiting for an opportunity to take your stuff. The best way to avoid this is to watch your stuff closely while in the airport.
Don’t walk away from your bags. Don’t turn your back on them either. Criminals don’t need long to help themselves to your things.
So, be vigilant. Keep your items close by and your eyes on them.
Tip #3: Divide and conquer?
My husband and I are big fans of splitting up tasks in order to save time. But, the airport is not always the best time to do this.
If you are traveling with at least one other adult, or have an older teen, divide and conquer is a great method to maximize your time. One adult can sit at the gate with the bags and kids while the other goes to get food or take a bathroom break.
But if you are the only adult in your traveling party, I would recommend not using this approach. Instead, it is safer to keep everyone together.
Please don’t leave kids, even 11-13 year-olds, unattended in a crowded airport. They may be fine staying home alone, but they are no match for an experienced criminal. Don’t underestimate how easily a predator can outsmart or overpower a young teenager.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your kids.
Tip #4: Use family bathrooms.
One of the most important safety tips for airports is to use the family bathroom with little ones.
Family bathrooms is one of the greatest inventions ever! Over the last decade or so, they have become very popular, and most airports have them. They are large single bathrooms intended for families with young kids. They include a changing table inside as well.
Family bathrooms have enough space for you to take your kids into the bathroom with you without having to worry about being in different stalls or having strangers in the bathroom with you.
If you have kids under the age of 10 who are a different gender than you, please use the family bathrooms in airports! These are much safer than sending your child into the regular bathroom by themselves.
While your 9-year-old son may complain about you going to the bathroom with him, you will feel much better knowing that a child molester isn’t in the stall next to him while you stand outside.
Tip #5: Keep valuables packed.
When thieves are scoping out their next victim, they look for two things: easy targets and valuables that are visible. So, to prevent becoming a victim, keep your valuables packed while in the airport.
Now, I realize that your kids will want to be on tablets and phones while waiting. That’s ok. But, leave all unneeded valuables packed away out of sight.
Don’t wear your best jewelry while flying. Don’t carry cash around in your hand. Leave your nice camera in the bag. Put your passports up as soon as you are done with them.
The more you keep your valuables packed, the more likely you will still have them when you reach your final destination.
Tip #6: Give yourself plenty of time.
When we are in a rush, we tend to get careless. This is usually when we forget things and let our guard down. So, give yourself plenty of time.
Get to the airport a little earlier than you think you actually need. Walk to your gate as soon as you clear security so you know how far away it is.
Remember that your flight will start to board approximately 30 minutes prior to takeoff. Plan on a sit down restaurant taking at least an hour and a half.
Giving yourself plenty of time will prevent you from leaving your credit card behind or forgetting your carry on bag.
Tip #7: Count your bags and people.
One of the most effective safety tips for airports is to count your bags and people. I know it sounds silly. But, a simple way to keep track of your stuff and kids is to count them.
Before you leave home, count all bags (including purses) and people. Remember these numbers. Each time you move from one place to another, do a quick count to make sure you haven’t forgotten a person or a bag.
Once you load the car, take a count. When you unload at the airport, count again. After checking in, do a quick count. Go through security and count again. Get to the gate and do another count. After boarding, do a recount.
This will help you keep track of everything and everyone. Plus, it will alert you that someone or something is missing much sooner. It will also help you narrow down where you left it if you do lose something.
Tip #8: Listen to your instincts.
One of the most powerful tools you have is your gut instincts. As you go about your travels, if you feel uneasy about a situation, there may be a reason for it.
If the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, pay attention. Trust your instincts and remove your family from an area if it doesn’t feel right.
Tip #9: See something, say something.
These days, law enforcement officers are always saying that if you see something, say something. Remembering this simple phrase is a great safety tip for airports.
If something doesn’t look right, it probably isn’t. Many people these days are either too busy to pay attention to their surroundings or are too scared of being wrong to say something.
But, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Telling a police officer or security guard about something suspicious just means that someone will check it out.
If it turns out you were wrong, no big deal. If it turns out you were right, however, saying something may save lives.
So, pay attention as you walk through the airport. If you see something that doesn’t look right, say something to the nearest officer or security personnel.
Conclusion
Falling victim to crime while traveling is the fastest way to ruin a vacation. But, with these simple safety tips for airports, you can make airports safer for your family.
Want more tips on flying with kids? Read common mistakes to avoid when flying with toddlers, best and worst snacks for airplanes, how to prepare kids for long flights, and tips for flying with kids.
And check out how to plan an epic family vacation.
For more safety tips for airports, see TSA’s website.
Happy (and safe) travels!
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