How to Outsmart Airport Thieves

Airport theft has evolved into an increasingly sophisticated threat, and it’s not just your purse or suitcase at risk. Today’s airport thieves operate at unprecedented levels, targeting everything from personal electronics to valuable documents. They often work as high-skilled, coordinated teams to exploit moments when travelers are most vulnerable. Surprisingly, some of the riskiest spots are within the airport’s most heavily monitored sections!

At Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport alone, organized theft rings stole nearly $5 million worth of vehicles in just one year, while major airports like JFK International report the highest rates of property loss claims in the nation. Even more concerning, reports of stolen bags have nearly doubled at some major airports, with criminals becoming increasingly bold in their tactics.

Recent incidents worth noting:

• January 2025: A sophisticated theft ring with 14 members was uncovered after stealing 52 vehicles from DFW Airport [source: New York Post]
• December 2024: Multiple incidents of organized theft reported at TSA checkpoints across major US airports
• February 2025: Sharp increase in terminal pickpocketing incidents, particularly targeting distracted travelers at charging stations and food courts

In this newsletter, I’ll outline the riskiest places and help you create a safety checklist to get you through the airport safely with all your stuff in hand.

 3 Most Targeted Spots in Today’s Airports

These are the three spots most targeted by thieves in airports.

1 Security Checkpoints (aka, the Distraction Zone)

Despite being surrounded by TSA agents, the security checkpoint is paradoxically one of the riskiest areas. Thieves exploit your moments of distraction when you’re:

• Removing shoes and emptying pockets
• Separating electronics into bins
• Going through the scanner while your belongings drift ahead of you and out of sight

2 Terminal Charging Stations (aka, the Tech Trap)

Modern airport design has created a new vulnerability: charging stations. These areas are perfect hunting grounds for thieves because:

• Stations are often positioned on tall columns, relatively far from the seating areas
• Travelers sometimes leave devices unattended
• Multiple cords and devices make it easy for thieves to grab the wrong one “by mistake”
• Tired travelers tend to doze off while charging devices

3 Food Courts and Restaurants (aka, the Comfort Zone)

Bad actors count on you letting your guard down while eating or enjoying a pre-flight coffee. Common tactics include:

• Targeting bags hung on chair backs
• Sliding bags away with their feet while you’re eating
• Quick grab-and-go theft of phones or wallets left on tables
• Working in teams – one creates a distraction while another slips away with your valuables

Your Pre-flight Security Checklist

Before you even step into the airport, set yourself up for success with these proven security measures:

Pack Smart

• Use bright, distinctive luggage (avoid basic black bags that thieves can easily claim “accidentally”)
• Add unique identifiers to all electronics (distinctive stickers or markings)
• Keep a digital inventory of valuables with photos and serial numbers
• Pack an Apple AirTag or similar tracking device in each bag

Protect your documents

• Keep essential documents (passport, ID, boarding pass) in a hidden travel wallet
• Store digital copies of essential documents in a password-protected cloud account
• Never pack valuable documents in checked luggage
• Keep your boarding pass private (thieves can use visible barcodes to access your information)

Keep your tech devices safe

• Fully charge all devices before leaving home
• Pack a portable power bank (FAA-approved)
• Enable “Find My Device” features on all electronics
• Use airport WiFi only with a VPN connection

Financial Safety

• Carry only essential credit cards (and keep them in separate places!)
• Keep emergency cash hidden separately from your wallet
• Set up mobile payment options as a backup

You’ll also want to schedule your airport arrival with enough time to avoid rushing — thieves love hurried and harried travelers!

Power Moves: Expert Tips to Outsmart Airport Thieves

Now that you know where thieves are most likely to strike and have your pre-flight security checklist in place, let’s talk day-of defense strategies. Former security experts and seasoned travelers agree: these specific moves will help you stay one step ahead of airport criminals.

1 At security and customs checkpoints

This one is tricky because you are required to follow officer’s advice, but you can express your concern over your things. Use these tips:

• Send your shoes and liquids through first
• Keep valuables (phone, wallet) for last
• Wait until the person ahead of you has gone through before placing your items on the belt
• Choose lanes close to TSA officers
• Keep your eyes on your belongings as they emerge from the scanner

2 When charging your devices

Never use the airport USB ports to charge your devices. The FBI has issued multiple warnings about malware installed in these ports! If you are charging your device at your seat or in one of the airport lounges, use these tips:

• Bring a fully charged portable power bank instead (even though that may get tricky with airlines cracking down on lithium devices)
• If you must use a charging station, stay with your device
• Use outlets at restaurant tables or airport seats where you can watch your devices
• Never ask strangers to watch your charging devices (although I’ve watched other travelers’ myself)

3 On snack or meal breaks

When taking a break to refresh and replenish your system, keep thieves at bay by:

• Keeping bags between your feet or on your lap
• Never hang bags on chairs or place them on empty seats (too easy to grab and run)
• Keeping valuables (like your phone and wallet) out of sight – not on the table
• Taking your bags with you if dining alone and you need to get up
• Choosing seats with your back to the wall, facing the crowd

Remember, airport thieves are looking for easy targets, not smart, prepared travelers. By implementing these strategies and remaining calmly vigilant (not anxious!), you’ll dramatically reduce your chances of becoming a victim.