For many travelers, the journey begin and end at the airport, making it one of the most familiar and secure places during their adventures. Signs are printed in multiple languages that are easy to understand and police and security officers are around every corner, leaving travelers with a safe feeling at many airports around the world. 

However, scam artists understand that travelers may feel safe while at the airport, making them easy targets while in transit.


As a result, smart scammers have found ways to part travelers from their valuables even in the most secure places. Letting your guard down even for a moment can result in the loss of wallets, passports, and even luggage.

Before you arrive at your destination, make sure you understand how to stay safe at the airport. Here are three common scams you need to watch out for when you land.

Airport security checkpoint scams result in lost luggage

It is no secret that airport luggage theft is a problem in airports around the world. From unscrupulous security officers stealing from luggage, to luggage being stolen directly from the carousel, luggage theft is a threat to anyone who takes to the skies. However, a new scam is rising in popularity, especially in parts of Europe.

The scam works in a team, and utilizes the security checkpoint. Much like a bottleneck pickpocketing attack, the airport security check scam starts when a traveler sends their luggage through the x-ray machine. Once it's through, another traveler will often cut in front of the line and intentionally set off the metal detector.

The alert causes a temporary pause in the line, allowing an accomplice to steal luggage on the other side of the security checkpoint.

Because this scam involves buying an airplane ticket, it is not as common as other scams. In order to prevent becoming a victim of this scam, be sure to stay with your luggage until you are next to go through the metal detector or scanner, and only then allow your luggage to go through the x-ray machine.

Airport pickpockets target passengers at the carousel

When a flight arrives at its final destination, most travelers immediately congregate around the luggage carousel to retrieve their checked luggage. While this is one of the places that luggage can be stolen from, smart scam artists are looking at passengers themselves as targets.

The airport pickpockets strike as tired and jetlagged passengers congregate around the luggage carousel on flights that have carousels outside of the secure zone. When passengers aren't paying attention, the pickpockets will utilize a "bump," where they seem to accidentally run into a deplaned passenger. Rather, the bump is very much on purpose, used to pick wallets, phones, and anything else of value the traveler may have on them. Only after it happens does the traveler realize they have become a victim.

Much like any crowded place, the best thing travelers can do is stay alert of their surroundings. Travelers who keep their head up and are focused on those around them are less likely to be singled out as a target.

Airport taxi scams prey upon tourists

After an overnight flight heading east, travelers may have no bigger want than to go straight to their hotel for some needed rest and jet lag recovery. After passing through customs and checking luggage, the next step is finding a way to get to the hotel. While some hotels offer shuttle service to and from the airport, others require a taxi ride – which is an easy way for travelers to get in trouble.

Most airports will offer an official taxi stand for licensed transport only. However, scam artists will still solicit travelers directly, offering discounted ground transportation if you go with them. The result can range from being taken for a long ride, to being taken to the wrong hotel entirely.

Unlicensed taxi services are not only illegal, but can be incredibly dangerous as well. If someone not from an official taxi offers a ride, don't take it. Instead, either book your ground transportation before you arrive at the airport, or use the official services offered by airport.

Even at the airport, scam artists and thieves are looking to take advantage of international travelers. By staying aware and alert of their situations, travelers can make sure they stay safe at both arrival and departure.