The TSA has issued a new alert for all travellers flying soon: don’t place your phone directly in the scanner trays… Going through security is one of the most nerve-wracking parts. You put your belongings (all of them) in one tray, two, three. The suitcase, the shoes, the beeping watch, sir please go through again… A flood of stimuli that pickpockets use to do their thing… And yes, trays go missing.
According to the agency’s own officers, this practice is the number one cause of theft complaints at U.S. security checkpoints, so with this warning, the TSA wants to stop a problem that grows as fast as air traffic and, at the same time, remind us that airport safety starts in our own hands!
The recommendation that can save your trip
A Transportation Security Administration agent explained to a travel expert (@Tiffany on TikTok) that just a few seconds of distraction are enough for your device to vanish like magic… Putting on your shoes, looking for your gate or organizing your paperwork can give someone enough time to grab your phone, blend into the crowd and disappear.
Why are phones so tempting?
We always think phone thefts are kind of dumb, right? Because they’re not insanely expensive (although their internal parts definitely are…), but once you block the phone from another device, it basically becomes a “brick”. Beyond the cost of having to buy a new one, we have to remember that today our devices are full of personal info, banking apps, transport passes, digital credentials… And a skilled thief can gain access easily… And lead you to disaster.
The critical moment at the checkpoint
Internal TSA studies reveal that most thefts happen in the short span between when the tray enters the scanner and when the passenger picks it up. The mess of items and the rush to clear the area create the perfect setup for the crime. The culprit usually acts just a few steps away, pretending to be confused or even faking that the phone is theirs. And then they vanish!!!
Alarming numbers
Although the agency recovers around 100,000 lost items each year, thefts at checkpoints are much harder to trace. They go unnoticed due to the lack of a visible serial number and no immediate report. A report from the Los Angeles Airport Police shows that, out of every ten phones reported lost, four were actually in someone else’s hands.
How can I prevent getting robbed?
We know airport security is a stressful time, so here are a few tips to help you feel safer and avoid having your stuff stolen.
- First tip: before you leave home, check that you’re not carrying a belt, coins in your pockets, watches or similar, this way you’ll have fewer things to put in the tray.
- Second tip: if you have two bags, place the tray between them (in case you really want to put your phone there, which we don’t recommend). In one of the zipped pockets of your bag or backpack, store your phone and any other valuables.
- Keep an eye on your tray, and if you haven’t activated your tracking apps yet, now’s the time (before you travel, of course).
When you’re putting everything back on, pick a quiet spot, secure your valuables first, and then put on your shoes.
What to do if it’s already lost?
Go straight to the lost and found office at the terminal and report the incident to TSA. The sooner it’s logged, the better the chances of getting it back. If you suspect it was stolen, file a formal report with airport police and block the device remotely with your account.
Even the best tracking systems can’t replace something as simple as zipping a pocket shut. Airport security is a shared responsibility: authorities, airlines, and citizens.
But since we know losing your phone can be a nightmare and we don’t want you to lose your info or the photos of your cats, remember: always keep your carry-on under control!