The scene is the same one in every airport in the world. Security arch, trays to place your belongings, and the first thing we put in is the mobile phone. Like it’s the most normal thing in the world, along with our e-books, our tablets, our silver and gold chains… Tempting for those with sticky fingers, who are watching so that when you’re distracted, they strike.
Yes, yes, we’re not making anything up, the TSA has once again issued a warning to never leave your belongings unattended, not even when going through security, always keep your eyes on your stuff!
What does the TSA say?
The recommendation is very simple: don’t empty your pockets into the security tray, put those objects inside your purse or suitcase pockets, not out of habit! It’s for safety. Can you imagine what a trip with a stolen phone would be like? And no, just because you’re at a security checkpoint doesn’t mean people behave… Quite the opposite! Worse, because the agents there aren’t there to stop thefts, they’re only there to do their job within the TSA.
The warning
Posted on Facebook by the TSA, they reminded people not to leave personal items in airport trays (not phones, not wallets, not even chewing gum!).
Remember: anything that’s loose is at risk of disappearing (even your purse or your suitcase), there are a lot of bad people out there! Also, imagine you get pulled aside for extra screening or you’re delayed going through the scanner, that phone you left in the tray might already be flying to Cancún without you even noticing.
Thefts in the middle of the security zone
Yes, it can happen even if it sounds crazy. If your tray with your phone or wallet comes out of the scanner before you do, anyone could grab it, and we’re not talking about conspiracies: it just takes someone distracted or with bad intentions to take advantage of a moment of confusion!
Accidental losses
Even if no one steals them, loose items can fall, be forgotten, or go unnoticed in the chaos of bags, coats, and shoes. It’s not uncommon for passengers to end up claiming items they will never see again.
Also, when you try to grab everything you left in the tray while other passengers are waiting behind you, the process becomes slow and clumsy. The TSA also points this out: don’t be the one who slows down the line because you didn’t put your things away earlier!
Are you going through TSA screening?
Here’s a list of tips if going through security checks is a bit tricky for you:
- Empty your pockets before reaching the conveyor. Put everything in your suitcase pockets to save time before and after.
- Put your phone, wallet, keys, and anything loose inside your backpack or carry-on. Don’t leave them in the tray.
- If you’re wearing a belt, take it off beforehand. And if you can, don’t wear one that day. The less metal, the better.
- Avoid carrying twenty things in your hands. Reduce your load as much as possible, the best is a carry-on and a bag where you can store your things.
- Have your ID and boarding pass ready. Don’t be the one blocking the line looking for the QR code on a cracked phone screen.
Airports are already stressful enough without adding more problems out of habit. The TSA isn’t exaggerating: leaving loose items in trays can make you miss your flight, your phone… or both!!
So next time you’re about to fly, remember: empty pockets, but not out in the open!