Date posted: 2-20-01

Editors: You are encouraged to use this story in your publication. Please credit the author and DeKalb News Service as shown. And, please send two tearsheets to: Jim Killam, Department of Communication, Watson Hall, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115.

Safety tips for airline travelers

By Emily Kohl

DeKalb News Service

DeKALB -- When Lauren Krzywanos went to Ireland last March, her friend had a bag stolen by someone passing by the metal detector.
"None of the guards recalled seeing anyone taking off with her suitcase since it was so busy," said Krzywanos, a junior elementary education major at NIU. "You'd think your bags are safe, especially when there are security guards standing right there. Apparently they aren't."
Airport safety is an important part of the traveling process. While you may be more concerned with who's behind the wheel of your taxi, don't forget that people in airports are not always there to travel. Some people in airports are just waiting for the inexperienced traveler to make a mistake.
Safety begins before you even enter the airport. Travelocity.com recommends that a person park in well-lit areas close to the terminal or shuttle pick up. If you are unable to do either of these, you may want to have someone else drive you to the airport so you can be dropped off at the front door.
Once in the airport, there are many things you should watch for. If you see any unattended baggage, let airport security know immediately. The Federal Aviation Administration warns not to let people you don't know watch your luggage while you run to the restroom or make a phone call.
While in the restroom, never hang things on the hooks on the back of stall doors. It is very easy for a person to lift your purse or jacket from the opposite side of the door and there is little you can do about it. Travelocity.com recommends using hooks on the side of the stalls or putting article on your lap. Krzywanos said that she always puts her purse strap around her ankle in the restroom to ensure it can't be stolen.
"You have to be really careful," she said, "You never know what will happen. The airport is a busy place."
Many travelers make credit card phone calls from pay phones in airports. Always shield the key pad so that people around you don't see the number you punch in. Some airport thieves have been known to use binoculars to watch credit card callers.
Once you are ready to enter the boarding area, never let anyone cut in front of you at the metal detector. A thief may be trying to get to the luggage that you placed on the conveyer before you do. This is a busy area and security guards often are distracted with the metal detector and not who picks up the bags.
The FAA recommends that you place essential items in a carry-on bag rather than your suitcase in the event that your luggage is lost or late. Prescriptions, eyeglasses, personal hygiene products and jewelry are a few of the items most commonly carried on.
Airport travelers can save themselves a lot of problems just by being watchful of their surroundings and remembering these important tips.

Source list:
· (Travelocity.com, www.travelocity.com)
· (Federal Aviation Administration, www.faa.gov)
· (Lauren Krzywanos, student, krazy2@usa.net)