Safeguarding Your Valuables: Tips for Secure Airport Screening

Travel Troubleshooter

Robert Siciliano experienced an enlightening moment as he stood in the Transportation Security Administration checkpoint in Boston not long ago.

He remembers there being a large, obese, well-used man's wallet inside one of the dog dishes.

Siciliano, a safety expert, turned to the surrounding passengers and inquired whether the wallet belonged to any of them. They all shook their heads. He then questioned one of the TSA agents, but they merely shrugged in response.

He mentions that the agent examined it, unfolded it, checked the driver’s license, and immediately returned it, stating that the agent took no action.

It dawned on Siciliano at that instant that safety within the security checkpoint zone was indeed an issue.

"If I were a thief, I could have effortlessly taken it — and absolutely no one would have detected anything," he remarks.

Frequently, air travelers leave behind their personal items and cash at the security checkpoints during their journeys. According to the TSA, these leftbehind possessions include around $1 million in loose change was left behind last year Travelers misplace anywhere from 90,000 to 100,000 belongings every month at security check areas in airports. according to the TSA .

"Given the rise in air travel and the often rushed or tense environment of security checks, passengers may become less observant," says Raymond Yorke, who speaks on behalf of Redpoint Travel Protection That results in a higher frequency of misplaced objects. With an unprecedented number of individuals traveling, causing an increase in the number of people going through security checks, the large passenger count heightens the chance of losing belongings.

Although it’s hard to determine whether the issue is intensifying with time, it's clear that an increasing number of individuals are voicing their complaints about it.

You won't believe the things people leave on the conveyor belt.

As we rush to board our flights—or perhaps simply navigate the security checks—we often forget various items along the way. Airport security personnel frequently discover an array of objects left behind on the conveyors, ranging from traditional scissors to vintage cannonballs to even live eels.

I left behind several everyday essentials such as my identification card, my belt, and an iPad. When I returned to security to retrieve the gadget and my driving permit, I failed to realize that my belt was missing until I boarded the aircraft. Ah well. It’s not surprising that folks fret over their possessions.

Gerardine D'Sa, a retired management consultant from Willow Springs, Ill., asks, "Do you have any tips for protecting valuable items when they must go into bins during TSA screenings?"

Indeed, that is correct.

Prepare for the scanner

Shaun Boulter, the global head of operations and security, recommends placing loose belongings into your carry-on instead of leaving them unprotected in the tray. AXA Partners "That might readily catch the attention of petty criminals." To put it differently, items like keys, wallets, and handbags — things that do not require separate scanning — ought to be placed in your carry-on luggage and passed through the X-ray machine.

Organize your valuables

Dean Van Es, CEO of, suggests instead of tossing your costly phone, tablet, sunglasses, and watch into the security bin as separate items, you should use a Ziploc bag or packing cube to keep these belongings organized together. Fast Cover Travel Insurance Not only does this add an extra layer of security, but it also makes it simpler to monitor your belongings and ensure nothing is forgotten.

Track your stuff

"During the inspection process, it’s essential to keep a close eye on your possessions as they move through each stage of the examination,” states Susan Sherren, who oversees the operations. Couture Trips She prefers maintaining a discreet profile by placing numerous loose items inside mesh packing cubes, making them less noticeable. Additionally, she emphasizes, "Always be ready and devise a strategy to make your passage through security as smooth as possible."

Wait for it

Do not hurry during your inspection, and make sure to keep an eye on your belongings. "Wait until your valuable items have gone into the X-ray machine before proceeding through the screening process," recommends Frank Harrison, who serves as the regional security director for the Americas. World Travel Protection I make sure to keep an eye on the bin for as long as I can until my belongings are safely returned to me.

Watch out for the bin advertisement.

"Pay particular heed to advertisements located at the base of the bin," says Jeremy Murchland, who serves as the president. Seven Corners Travel Insurance The adhesive strips make it more discreet when a small object such as your cell phone has been misplaced.

Register for PreCheck or Global Entry

The TSA's trusted traveler programs This allows you to bypass many inconveniences — as well as possible losses. For instance, you might not need to take out your laptop or remove your shoes. "When you lack PreCheck, numerous issues can arise," states Siciliano, who oversees operations. security consulting firm You enjoy the advantages of combining all items into your bags without needing to remove and show them in the bins or the dog bowls.

Even better, leave all valuables behind.

Donna Shelton, a seasoned banker from Chicago who has traveled extensively, follows this strategy. She explained to me, “My method is to leave behind non-essential valuable items. I keep my precious jewelry at home and only bring along the basic electronic devices required for the journey.”

What about the wallet found in Boston?

What ultimately became of the wallet that Siciliano spotted in the airport security zone? According to him, since he was rushing for his flight, he proceeded onward and left it to the TSA to handle.

There’s a good chance the owner came forward and retrieved their wallet. However, if they did not show up, the security personnel likely documented it and forwarded it for further processing. lost and found .

That's not where you should find yourself looking for your wallet, purse, or phone after flying. Therefore, try to keep most of your valuable items away from those TSA inspection bins.

However, if you proceed, monitor it with the precision of a laser-guided missile. Since there’s a chance that someone else could be doing the same thing.