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As an airline pilot, I see many people acting as if they're safe once they're in the airport "safety area". Nothing could be further from the truth. Do I have your attention? Human natures does not change once you enter an airport's inner sanctum: people are still out to get you. Here are my suggestions to stay safe at all times while you're in an airport and on an airplane.

In the airport terminal:

If you plan correctly, you will have checked in your large bag, leaving you with a purse, a wallet, and perhaps a small roller bag or laptop bag. Only the foolish leave these items out of their sight, even for a second. Any passerby could steal these items at any time. Do not carry large sums of money or your best credit cards unless you're willing to possibly have the money stolen in case of an airport theft. If you do carry large sums of money, keep it in your pocket, preferably a zip or button pocket that isn't easy to reach into. You've heard of pick-pockets, I'm sure.

As far as cleanliness is concerned, if you're in the bathroom and need to sit on a stall, bring a disinfectant from home. At the very least, put the paper cover over the seat to avoid germs. Wash your hands. I see SO many people walk out of the rest room after going to the bathroom and don't wash their hands. That brings me to my next point: avoid touching rest room doors or door handles with your hands! Use your elbows to avoid the germs the non-hand washers just touched. I see airports as nothing but dirty germ spreaders. If you use the same mind-set, you'll stay much healthier.

As far as "flying safely", just sit in your airplane seat, assured you're flying with two highly-trained, professional airline pilots in the flight deck whose primary job is to fly you from point A to point B safely.

Learn more about this author, Blair Mahoney.
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