Airport Security and Culture Shock for Aussies

Art Prior - from The Muchas Preguntas! Agenda

24 October 2007

As always, I have questions - with the strong dollar tempting Aussies to travel overseas will those who have not journeyed far for a few years suffer culture shock? Will they be ready for the aggressive and sometimes hostile reception in foreign parts? Or the soft sneaky modus operandi of thieves masquerading as helpful guides? 

The almost genteel ambiance of Australia's airports is not typical of international airports elsewhere. The jetlagged visitor is often a vulnerable target for criminal predators. This is not exclusive to exotico destination de voyage - those less developed places. The bigger, bold and brash crossroads of the world can be dangerous places for the novice or unprepared traveller.

4.4 billion passengers passed through international and domestic airports worldwide in 2006. Seventy five per cent of airports worldwide experienced passenger growth Atlanta was the busiest airport in the world, with a massive 85 million arriving and departing passengers. So my friends, you will be a small act in a big circus! Take care; here is a little hint of our changing world of travel.

The major airports of the United States all suffer predatory crimes, and so do the larger airports of Asia Europe and Latin America. But for now, it is interesting to read of plans in the US to create Project Hostile Intent (PHI), a new anti-terrorism system. The US Department of Homeland Security proposes to use this to analyse behaviour remotely, to identify anyone arriving in the US who has ‘current or future hostile intentions'. No, it is not designed to detect hostile intent by airport criminals! That is up to you. It is an unforgiving world for the naive.

What can you do? Lotsa things. Give your self plenty of time in preparation. Start with your checked baggage packing plans and your cabin bag security. Pay a visit to one of the websites on airport crime and track down information about the airports through which you expect to travel and especially those where you will arrive as a visitor. It comes as a shocking realization when you read the claims lists showing what has been 'lost' in transit at named airports. Time and again, jewellery makes up the major number of entries - easy to steal, conceal and sell. Using the following link you can trial this advice and take a look at some airport ‘loss' claims filed - but remember these are only those claimed as 'lost' at the airport named. Many victims either do not report, or report elsewhere: http://www.kirotv.com/airports/13961650/detail.html

Buen Viaje!

Safe travels

Arturo - always asking many questions

[Art Prior is a JFG Guest Writer]