Travel tip #129: Why you shouldn't watch someone's bag
Published 7 days agoย โขย 4 min read
Hi Reader,
How is your week going?
Thankfully, the weekend is just around the corner!
In my case, I am in Madagascar. Today is our last day here, and I am about to head over to other Indian Ocean islands, starting with Reunion, a French Overseas Territory, followed by Mayotte and Comoros Fair to say these are very remote parts of the world.
This week's tip is about the innocent and kind gesture of taking care of someone else's belongings.
As easy and nice it may seem to say yes, this week, I want to discuss reasons why you should decline to help take care of someone else's luggage.
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Why you shouldn't watch someone else's bag
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If you spend any amount of time in airports you will have heard the common announcements over the PA' "Do not leave your belongings unattended".
This warning is both a reminder that if you leave your valuables unattended they may be stolen and a request to report anything left unattended as it could be seen as suspicious and therefore disposed of.
At the same time, it is common, especially with parents with too many bags or a solo traveler, to ask a stranger to watch their bag for a quick run to the toilet.
But you shouldn't. You should fight all your nice tendencies and simply say no. Here's why you shouldn't watch someone else's bag at an airport:
It could be a security threat
The bag could contain a security threat (eg. a bomb).
Airports are strategic targets of any terrorist attack and as a result, are guarded by police and security who not only scrutinise people and bags but also hints of anything or anyone who could be suspicious.
An unattended bag is suspicious. In fact, the TSA launched a campaign that prompts airport users to report any bags that have been separated from their owners.
Because of this, if you intend to leave a bag unattended, you are best laving it with someone so it does not appear as unattended and therefore suspicious. Someone asking you to watch their bag could be trying to do that: avoid scrutiny by the security forces by leaving the bad with you and disappearing.
The risk is low, but the reminders on the PSA system are there for a reason.
It could contain something illegal
The owner could anticipate a possible search of their belongings and could leave the bag full of drugs, or other illegal item, with you instead.
If the bag is found in your possession, because it was left standing next to you, you could end up in trouble with the authorities, or at the very least missing your flight because of delays trying to explain or searching for the surveillance system.
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Other things to consider
Likewise, you should never leave your bags unattended or with a stranger.
They could put something illegal inside and then get it after you land or after security.
If someone asks you, it may seem harsh and rude to say no, so here are ways to get out of watching over someone's bags if you're asked to.
Say you also need to go to the bathroom, since usually that is the excuse given.
Say that your flight is about to board and you need to go
Say that you need to go meet a friend
Or simply say "No, sorry, I can't do this for you".
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