Airport Safety Tips You Should Never Ignore

Millions of people travel each year, and the majority of them fly to their destination. Unfortunately, not all of those passengers are friendly. The sad truth is that airlines can be extremely dangerous and crime happens every day.

The good news is that there are many things you can do to ensure your safety. For instance, avoid getting tipsy at the terminal. It may sound like a good idea, but in some cases it calls for danger. If you feel like someone is following you, ask airport security for an escort.

*Related: 11 Things Your Airline Never Wants to Tell You

Criminals could be anywhere; they usually blend in and make it hard for you to spot them out. Make sure you always do your best to blend in with the crowd and you keep your personal belongings with you at all times.

Continue reading for more airport safety tips.

Protect yourself during your flight and keep your seatbelt fastened at all times. You never know when the plane may hit a bit of turbulence. The last thing you want to do is fall out of your seat because you're enduring a bumpy ride. According to research, "between 1980 and 2008, three people died during turbulence accidents. At least two of those three were not wearing their seatbelts, even though the seatbelt sign was illuminated."

Regardless to where you venture off to in the airport, it's important to keep your personal belongings with you at all times. If you use the bathroom, take your things with you; when you are at security, watch your items closely. Crime is common in airports. If you leave your belongings unattended, you may end up becoming a victim of theft.

You are most likely exhausted when you get off of your flight and as tempting as it may be to just jump in the next available cab with a stranger, don't do it. They may lead you a strange place, somewhere you don't want to be.

If you can help it, don't carry large amounts of money through airport security. There have been claims that TSA stole money from people when they were patted down. According to abcnews, in February 2012, a TSA agent stole 5,000 in cash from a passenger's jacket at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

You're taking a late flight and the airport seems quiet and empty, but that doesn't mean it is. There are people lurking around and one of them may be watching you. If the bathroom is empty, wait for someone else to walk in first, and then go. If you go alone, anyone could follow you in, steal your belongings, or worse, hurt you.

It may be tempting to talk to the person next to you on the plane, and that's fine, but make sure you don't overshare. Don't talk about where you are going, staying, or your plans for your trip. You never know who the person is next to you and what he or she is capable of.

Wear something dark and bland so you can't be easily spotted in a crowd. If a criminal wants to find you, it will be harder for them if you are blending in with everyone else.

Giving someone access to your phone is a huge no-no. If you want your picture taken, ask airport security or someone who works there. Asking strangers to take a photo of you gives them access to your phone and personal information.

Before you head out, give someone at home your itinerary. This way someone who is not traveling with you will have an idea of where you are and at what point in time, just in case something goes wrong.

Don't store your most valuable items in your luggage or carry-on bags. Airlines often misplace luggage and theft is common in airports. So if you don't want to lose it, or risk it getting stolen, wear it somewhere on your body.

If you need to make a phone call, head somewhere private and secluded. Don't let anyone hear your private conversations. Criminals are listening and the last thing you want them to know is where you are going, staying, or who you are meeting.

Although it can be expensive, travel insurance is a must. It's one of the best ways to insure your own personal safety and the safety of your belongings. It will reimburse you for lost baggage, cancellations, medical emergencies and more.

Getting tipsy in the terminal may sound like a good idea, but before you know it, one drink turns into four and your staggering your way on the airplane. The motion of the flight can make you sick; or worse, someone may notice you are intoxicated and target you before you even make it on to your flight.

Many people are not aware that they can ask for an escort. If you are feeling unsafe, visit airport security and they will arrange an escort for you.

You're bored at the airport and you found a few people to talk to, to pass the time. Remember to not trust people too fast. They may have a different agenda. Don't tell them where you are going and what your vacation plans are, make sure you guard your valuables, and don't trust your belongings unattended.