Airport security measures can be unnerving to say the least. The steps
taken by airports to ensure that luggage is safe and secure can seem a
little over the top in some locations. However, even with so-called
protection measures put in place by the airport - things can, and will
go wrong. The recent sentencing of Shapelle Corby by the corrupt
Indonesian justice system have made the possibilty difficult to
ignore. So without going overboard in the paranoia department, what
are some of the best things you can do to ensure the safety of your
luggage on overseas flights? We take a look at the top safety tips for
before, and after your arrival at the airport.
Before you arrive
1. The most obvious tip, is not to pack and bring items to the airport
that are strictly prohibited. These include items such as explosives
and weapons of course - but also any kind of item that may be
potentially used as a weapon. For example, knives and scissors,
lighters and matches. Even if the item in question does seem harmless
to you, better to be safe than sorry. Any potentially dangerous items
that you must take with you, such as ammunition and firearms, must be
declared to your airline and authorised before you approach the
security check point.
2. Any valuable items that you may be taking need to be watched
carefully - so make sure you include them in your carry on baggage.
This includes any cash that you may have, expensive jewellery, and
personal laptops. It's always a good idea to tape a copy of your
business card to your laptop if you have one, just in case.
3. All passengers must pass through a metal detector before being
allowed on board - so it's obviously best to avoid jewellery and accessories, or
any type of clothing that may contain metal. These items will only
delay the check in process.
4. The same goes for footwear . If possible, refrain from
wearing shoes that may contain metal in the soles. Don't panic if you
can't avoid this - it just means that your shoes may not set off the
metal detector if the soles are particularly thick, and will require
additional screening for safety.
5. The equipment used to screen your baggage has a very high chance of
damaging any undeveloped film - so always make sure to take any film
or cameras containing film yet to be developed in your carry on
baggage. The last thing you want is to have your photographic memories
erased!
6. You must use a lock authorised by the TSA if you wish to secure
your luggage. Alternatively, there are now plastic wrapping services
available at many airports - where luggage is wrapped in a thick
plastic and secured with a tab for a small fee. This way should
someone attempt to tamper with your luggage , you will know straight away and
better yet, you will have proof.
7. Getting gifts through airport security can be a real hassle, but is
entirely feasible. Don't bother bringing a gift that is already
wrapped to the airport with you, as it will have to be unwrapped and
checked by security. The best options are to either wrap the gift on
arrival, or to ship it overseas before you depart for your
destination.
At the Airport
Every traveller over the age of 18 years is required to keep their
passport and boarding pass available for viewing until through the
airport security checkpoint. Don't panic if you are asked to produce
these items on more than one occassion - this is common, although it
depends on the security regulations in the country that you are in.
Before you enter the security checkpoint for screening, make sure that
you have placed the following items either in your carry on luggage,
or in a plastic bag so that they are clearly visible:
- Keys
- Cell phones
- PDAs
- Coins |
