Airport Security - Perhaps an Oxymoron?

Pauline Frommer of Frommers fame posted an article on Bing about having her laptop stolen from the security line at JFK. In reading the post, I realized that though I consider myself somewhat of a travel expert, I too could easily fall into the trap of thinking that items in the security area (with all the attendant TSA personnel and airport police) would be safe. Far from it.

Read her post here. It is stunning that so many thieves are caught and as she pointed out, just as stunning to think how many HAVEN'T been caught! Though I usually travel where lines are so short you actually have to WAIT for your things, I can easily see how a duo bent on mayhem could slow up a line AFTER noticing a laptop going through and their accomplice(s) picking it up and wandering off. After all, there are no baggage tags assigned. So the security people have NO IDEA what belongs to whom. If you simply ACT like you own it, they assume you do and away goes your laptop. Just like what happened to Pauline.

Make sure you read the comments also for other tips. It isn't just laptops that are vulnerable - expensive cameras, iPods and now iPhones are highly sought after by thieves as well. Heck, even your CHANGE is probably vulnerable!