Airport Safety Tips
The Cape Town International Airport can be a chaotic place. There are people everywhere and everyone seems to be hastening off in different directions. People are rushing to and from terminals, parents are trying to keep children calm before the flight and others are just trying to check their luggage in on time.
During all the chaos, you still need to keep your wits about you in the airport to avoid being a victim of crime.
Here are eight security tips to keep in mind when travelling in and around the airport.
Be aware: While in the airport, stay alert of your surroundings and do not leave your bags unattended for even a few seconds. Do not allow anyone to move your possessions unless they are wearing a uniform and can clearly be identified.
Do not carry unknown items into the airport: Do not agree to carry anything through the airport turnstiles on behalf of someone that you do not know, not matter how small or insignificant the item might seem to be. In addition, when carrying packages into airports for friends, family members and business associates, be sure that you know what’s inside the parcel.
Attach alerts to your bags: Electronic proximity tags are fantastic security measures while travelling. Once you activate the switch, it will alert you with a loud alarm if someone attempts to steal your bags.
Suspicious behaviour: Instead of staying quiet, report any suspicious behaviour in the airport or on the airplane to the nearest security guard. While you might not be in any immediate danger, it will help airport security personnel keep tabs on suspicious travellers.
Watch out for staged accidents: Criminals tend to work in teams to try steal your baggage. One person will accidently spill a drink on you or bump into you, while another makes off with your bag, purse or laptop case. Ensure that you remain alert and aware of your valuables, and do not be fooled by these simple ‘accidents’.
Carrying money: Do not leave your money in your suitcase or carry-on bag. When you carry money around the airport, ensure that you keep it safely tucked away in the inside front pocket or a money pouch underneath your clothing.
Avoid displaying possessions: While it might be nice to pass the time reading on your tablet or look at pictures on a digital camera, it can attract the wrong type of attention. Avoid displaying any valuable items and instead focus on blending in with the crowd.
Keep a record of possessions: Ensure that you keep a separate record of all contents of your check bags. This will come in handy in the event that your bag is lost or tampered with. Any valuable items should not be checked and rather carried onto the airplane in a small carry-on bag. Take note to keep these items close to your or have a flight attendant store it in the plane’s storage cabins.
In order to be safe in the local airports, ensure that you are always aware of what is happening in your surroundings. Ensure that you use these eight airport security tips to prevent any incidents from occurring.