5 Tips for Protecting Your Data in Airports

American air travel hit a new high mark last year—according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 849.3 million passengers passed through airport gates on their way to destinations around the world.1 The caveat? More travelers also means more emphasis on airport safety, especially in other countries.

Basic travel advice talks about paying attention to surroundings, but what happens beyond the airport gate that you need to watch out for? For example, crime at British airports has doubled in the past two years^.2

1.Try to Avoid Long Lines

Besides the obvious annoyance, long lines also can be a security risk.³ Why? Because pickpockets and other scammers often target those waiting in long lines. It makes sense: Frustrated and tired travelers may not equate a bump on the arm with a pickpocket's grab.

How can you avoid lines at the airport?. At the airport, use electronic kiosks where provided to print baggage tags; many airports have drop-off baggage locations if you already have baggage tags attached. Using boarding passes on your mobile device, you can skip the check-in line and go straight to the one line you can't avoid: security.

2.Travel Smart

Use an official taxi, ridesharing service or hotel-provided shuttle service after you leave the airport. If you're using a taxi, ask about the fare upfront and only pay once you've arrived at your destination.

Be very careful when using transportation from an airport internationally. While unmarked taxis may offer lower rates, the lack of regulation means you have no guarantees about the condition of the vehicle, and there's no guarantee that the driver will actually take you where you want to go.

3. Keep Conversation Casual

According to the FBI's tip sheet, Safety and Security for the Business Professional Traveling Abroadyou should avoid talking about "character flaws, financial problems, emotional relationships or other difficulties" with any other travelers or anyone you meet at your destination.⁴ For example, telling strangers your name and what hotel you're staying at makes it possible for them to follow you after you leave the airport and put you at risk. Sharing personal information because you're frustrated and stressed after a long flight can make charming strangers seem like safe confidants but allow them to take advantage of your generosity.

4. Watch Out for "Free" WiFi

While the free WiFi at airports is a great way to pass time waiting without breaking the bank on Internet fees, Forbes warns that not all WiFi networks are created equal. It doesn't take much for criminals to create their own "network" as a cover for snooping on information—like passwords and financial data—that you're transmitting over wireless connections.⁵

Not sure if the WiFi connection is genuine? Start by looking around for notices about the network—typically, airports will post the name and login details for their official network in prominent locations. Next, check for opt-in or "terms of service" pages before you're allowed to connect. Most airports include these pages for liability purposes; if they're absent it could mean hackers are mimicking real connections with close approximations of WiFi network names.

5. Hide personal details

Next on our list of airport safety tips? Keeping personal details out of sight. Even if you're friendly but guarded with other passengers and don't make much conversation, your personal information could still be at risk.

 Also a good idea to keep hidden? Keep your boarding pass out of sight, since this gives away your name, flight number and other information people could use to track your movement.

Airports are getting busier, lines are getting longer and travelers are worried about increasing security risk. Boost your airport safety beyond the gate by avoiding lines where possible, using approved transportation, keeping personal details personal, checking on WiFi security and hiding personal details wherever possible.