Airport security

Last updated: October 2026

Airports are among the safest public places, with cameras and police everywhere. Still, theft happens, usually in the few moments when travelers are distracted: at the security belt, at the baggage carousel, at the café table or while charging a phone. This guide shows where it happens, how thieves work and what to do if you are robbed.

Traveler keeping an eye on luggage at the airport

Quick summary

Keep your valuables on you or in your cabin bag, never in checked luggage.
Do not let your belongings go through the security scanner before you do.
Never leave a bag, phone or laptop unattended, not even for a minute.
Be at the baggage carousel when the bags come out.
Keep digital copies of your documents and bank details to block cards quickly.

The security checkpoint: the riskiest moment

At security you are separated from your belongings for a minute or two, while your phone, wallet and laptop travel alone in open trays.

How it happens

A person in front of you slows down the line at the metal detector, while an accomplice on the other side takes items from your tray.
Someone "by mistake" picks up a bag or laptop that looks like yours.
In the rush to repack, you leave a phone or watch in a tray.

What to do

Put your wallet, phone, watch and keys inside your bag, not loose in a tray.
Place your trays on the belt only when you are next to go through the detector.
Keep your eyes on your belongings and, if you are delayed, tell the officers.
Put a sticker or tag on your laptop so it is easy to recognize.
Before leaving the area, check that you have everything.

Other places where thefts happen

Cafés and restaurants: bags hung on chairs or phones on the table.
Charging stations: phones left charging while the owner looks away. Use your own power bank, and avoid unknown USB ports or cables.
Seating areas and gates: bags left on a seat while you go to the restroom or the shop, or while you sleep.
Restrooms: bags hung on the door hook can be grabbed from outside.
Curbside and drop-off: luggage left on the sidewalk or in the open trunk while you say goodbye or pay the taxi.
Trains and buses to the airport: luggage racks near the doors.

Baggage claim and checked luggage

Be at the carousel when the first bags arrive, and check the tag, not only the color.
Use a distinctive strap or tag so nobody takes your bag "by mistake".
Put a tracker inside your checked bag.
Do not pack cash, jewelry, electronics or medicines in checked luggage: airlines limit their liability for them.
Use TSA-approved locks if you fly to or within the United States; elsewhere, any lock deters opportunists. Photograph your bag and its contents before check-in.

Behaviors that make you an easy target

Phone or wallet in your back pocket or an open bag.
Counting money or showing your passport and cards in public.
Sleeping without securing your bags (put a strap around your leg or the seat).
Accepting help from strangers with your bags or at ticket machines.
Talking loudly about your hotel, flight times or valuables.

Scams to watch out for

Unofficial taxis offered inside the terminal: use the official rank or apps.
Fake Wi-Fi networks with names similar to the airport's: connect only to the official network, and avoid banking on public Wi-Fi.
Distraction tricks: someone spills a drink on you or asks for help while another person takes your bag.
Fake officials asking to see your passport or wallet outside official checkpoints.

If you have been robbed

Tell airport security or police immediately and ask them to check the cameras; time matters.
Block your cards and change the passwords of your phone and email accounts. Use "Find my device" to locate, lock or erase it.
File a police report and get a copy: insurers and consulates will ask for it.
If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate for an emergency travel document, and tell the airline.
If something disappeared from checked luggage, report it to the airline before leaving the airport and send a written claim within 7 days.
Contact your travel insurance: many policies cover theft of belongings.

How to avoid theft at an airport