Taking Precautions Against In-Flight Thieves
Whenever we board a plane, we tend to heave a sigh of relief and relax, but as a recent incident showed, it’s not the time to let your guard down. It seems that some business class passengers had more than $5,000 stolen from them while they slept on an overnight flight from Tokyo to Paris. Since it’s not practical to stay awake all night, how can you guard against this kind of theft?
Overhead Compartments
Let’s look at the overhead baggage first. We often want to keep this handy so that we can take stuff in and out without hassle, but that very ease could cost dearly. Instead of putting your case at the front of the cabin, push it well back so that others can put their stuff in front of it. That makes your hand luggage a less easy target for those looking to help themselves. If it’s lockable, then keep it locked; if not, use a simple tip to make it harder for people to get to your stuff. Turn the case around so that the zip and handle face the interior of the storage bin. That makes it harder for anyone to grip your case – and much harder to do it without someone noticing.
At Your Feet
If your hand luggage is at your feet, then there are a number of things you can do to make it less easy to get at. First, put your feet right against it so that no one can get to it without disturbing you. Second, turn the zip round so that no-one can get to it but you (this works if you have a window seat). If it’s a bag with a handle, consider placing the handle round your ankle if you are going to sleep. If someone tugs on the bag, you might feel it, unless you’re a very sound sleeper. If the bag is lockable, then lock it and put the key where no-one will find it.
Protecting Your Valuables
So what about your IPod, cell phone, wallet and all the other paraphernalia you have with you? If you are going to sleep lock it away. One option is to keep your cash, passport and travel documents in a waist pack which you can hide under your clothes and blankets. These days you can also get lots of cool travel vests and tops with concealed pockets for storing your stuff. If you’re going to catch some zzzs, then keep your stuff in an internal pocket. Whatever you do, don’t leave valuable items sticking out of the seat back pocket – that’s just asking for trouble.
Striking A Balance
The hard truth is that you are responsible for safeguarding your possessions in the air, so it’s up to you to take normal precautions. That may mean striking the balance between being over cautious and taking due care. For example, if traveling alone you may not want to cart your hand luggage case to the bathroom every time you leave your seat, but taking your most important papers with you is a good idea.
What tips do you have for keeping safe in-flight?
Tags: travel, travel safety, Travel Tips
March 27th, 2010 at 9:36 am
Hadn’t really occurred to me before, but I suppose it’s when our guard is down and a good opportunity for thieves. Being a bit paranoid, I always have my bad by my feet, no matter how uncomfortable.
.-= Anil´s last blog ..7 Things You Can Really Do Without To Save Money While Traveling =-.
March 27th, 2010 at 9:39 am
So I’m not the only one in the paranoia club, then, Anil? I like to have my things where I can see them. If I must put a case in the overhead bin, I make it as hard to get at as possible.