Air Travel Security For Your Next Flight

So here are a few air travel security tips that I recommend while flying.

As soon as you arrive at the airport be sure to keep a close watch on your luggage and passport. Thieves often target airlines travelers to steal their belongings while they go thru airport screening, sleep or visit the restroom.

Click here to read more about airport security.

Choose a seat near the exit row. In the event there is an emergency you will have an escape route close. If you can’t get an exit row seat, choose a seat near the rear of the plane.

Why? In the event of a hijacking, the terrorists will focus their attention to the front of the plane since that’s where they need to get to take over the plane. With there attention focused to the front of the plane, this will give you time to get to your cell phone and inform the authorities.

Keep your cell phone on your person. Don’t place it in your carry on luggage in the overhead compartment. You will need easy access to the phone in the event there are problem on the plane to inform airline officials.

Do not put your passport with your belongings in the overhead compartment. While you are sleeping or in the restroom, someone could easily steal the passport.

The same applies to your money. Keep it on your person.

Watch and listen to the flight attendant's safety briefing before the flight. If you are a frequent flier I understand that you have probably heard the speech a million times; however, the instructions they provide may save your life.

Notice who is seated around you. Remember, the passengers who prevented a potential terrorist attack by the “Shoe Bomber” were responsible for recognizing his odd behavior and wrestled him to the ground before he could blow up the plane.

If you do observe strange behavior from another passenger, be sure to notify a flight attendant immediately. Remember that airline travel security is everyone's business.

Not sure what do? Notify an attendant regardless. As the saying goes, better safe than sorry.

After September 11th the United States increased the number of Federal Air Marshals on U.S. airlines. These are U.S. federal law enforcement officers covertly placed on flights to prevent terrorist attacks and provide air travel security. They are responsible for neutralizing anyone who attempts a terrorist attack on the plane. These agents are very good at keeping a low profile; however, in the event that you recognize one, keep the information to yourself. Don’t mention your discovery to anyone. You could potentially put the agent's, and your life, in danger.

How would you feel if you recognized an Air Marshal and whispered the information to the person sitting beside you, who unbeknownst to you was a terrorist who was planning to hijack the plane? Not good. So, keep the information to yourself.

When filling out immigration forms be sure not to include too much personal information about yourself. For example, in the occupation section instead of listing "CEO of XYZ Company", simply list "Businessman". Boasting about your high level position can make you a potential target for kidnappers tipped off by corrupt immigration officials.

Learn more about kidnapping here.

Air travel safety is being involved in the security of the plane along side of the aircrew and law enforcement. Some may view it as being nosey but the world has changed and unfortunately planes can be dangerous places now. Gone are the days when terrorists simply hijacked planes to make political statements. Now they are being used as weapons of mass destruction. This is a scary thought but its true.

This is why air travel security is more important than ever.

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