This is the No. 1 item stolen at airport security checkpoints and how you can protect it
ETimes | July 12, 2026 3:39 PM CST
If you thought the airport security checkpoints are the safest areas, this explosive data will leave you shocked! The moment we move towards the security checks, we place our electronics like laptops, chargers and mobile phones, wallets, leather belts, among others very casually into a plastic tray before disappearing into the X-ray scanner. But as per Rose Rockwell (@rose.rockwell_) who on Instagram says she is a flight attendant and ‘I’m sharing the tricks the travel industry keeps to itself’, says this everyday habit could make your smartphone one of the easiest targets for theft.
A similar warning recently gained attention after travel creator Tiffany Booker (@travel.by.the.books) shared a video explaining why she now keeps her phone zipped inside a bag while passing through airport security.
Their advice is simple: ‘never place your phone loose in an airport security bin’.
Why smartphones are easy targets
Tiffany Booker recalled the incident when she placed her phone directly into a security tray. It was then a TSA (Transportation Security Administration) officer stopped her and asked, "You don't like your phone?"
The question took her by surprise and she asked why.
As per Tiffany, the TSA officer explained that phones are among the most commonly stolen items at airport security checkpoints. It is mostly because passengers are separated from their belongings for a short time during the security check. While they walk through body scanners and other security checks, their belongings get separated.
These things happen mostly during busy travel periods. The bins often pile up on conveyor belts, distraction is created because of all the chaos and expensive electronic items such as mobile phones, earphones or cameras become an easy target.
The claim about phones being the "number one stolen item" comes from the TSA officer's anecdotal advice. Security experts also agree that unattended valuables are at greater risk of being stolen during screening.
All they need is a few seconds of distraction
Yes, a few seconds of distraction and your valuables are gone! Airport security is among the few moments when travellers are physically separated from their belongings.
Imagine this familiar situation:
Your bags have already passed through the scanner.
You're waiting for an additional screening.
Someone ahead is reorganising luggage.
Security trays begin stacking up.
During those few seconds, your phone may be sitting exposed inside an open tray giving the perfect opportunity to someone who might have been eyeing the phone.
Even if theft never occurs, it is possible that you forget to pick it up or someone just mistakenly took yours.
TSA data reveals that travellers leave behind around 90,000 to 100,000 items every month at airport security checkpoints across the United States. These can range from phones, wallets, tablets and even laptops. These are among the most commonly forgotten items at the airport.
How to keep your belongings safe
As per security experts and travellers, never place your phone by itself inside a plastic tray. Instead, keep it inside a ziplock bag, handbag or carry-on whenever airport rules allow.
All your expensive times remain together.
Nothing is exposed.
You're less likely to forget your phone.
A few simple habits can make a huge difference:
Empty your pockets before reaching the checkpoint.
Keep travel documents in one dedicated pouch.
Zip all valuables inside your cabin bag.
Collect every item before walking away from the scanner.
Double check the tray
The TSA also advises passengers to review security rules before travelling regarding electronics, liquids and prohibited items.
Imagine losing your phone which has all your data, from your boarding passes to hotel books, bank details and emergency contact everything. Sounds scary right?
So from now on, be careful how you place your valuables inside the bin.
Sources: Transportation Security Administration (TSA), TSA Travel Tips , Instagram.
A similar warning recently gained attention after travel creator Tiffany Booker (@travel.by.the.books) shared a video explaining why she now keeps her phone zipped inside a bag while passing through airport security.
Their advice is simple: ‘never place your phone loose in an airport security bin’.
Why smartphones are easy targets
Tiffany Booker recalled the incident when she placed her phone directly into a security tray. It was then a TSA (Transportation Security Administration) officer stopped her and asked, "You don't like your phone?"
The question took her by surprise and she asked why.
As per Tiffany, the TSA officer explained that phones are among the most commonly stolen items at airport security checkpoints. It is mostly because passengers are separated from their belongings for a short time during the security check. While they walk through body scanners and other security checks, their belongings get separated.
These things happen mostly during busy travel periods. The bins often pile up on conveyor belts, distraction is created because of all the chaos and expensive electronic items such as mobile phones, earphones or cameras become an easy target.
The claim about phones being the "number one stolen item" comes from the TSA officer's anecdotal advice. Security experts also agree that unattended valuables are at greater risk of being stolen during screening.
All they need is a few seconds of distraction
Yes, a few seconds of distraction and your valuables are gone! Airport security is among the few moments when travellers are physically separated from their belongings.
Imagine this familiar situation:
Your bags have already passed through the scanner.
You're waiting for an additional screening.
Someone ahead is reorganising luggage.
Security trays begin stacking up.
During those few seconds, your phone may be sitting exposed inside an open tray giving the perfect opportunity to someone who might have been eyeing the phone.
Even if theft never occurs, it is possible that you forget to pick it up or someone just mistakenly took yours.
TSA data reveals that travellers leave behind around 90,000 to 100,000 items every month at airport security checkpoints across the United States. These can range from phones, wallets, tablets and even laptops. These are among the most commonly forgotten items at the airport.
How to keep your belongings safe
As per security experts and travellers, never place your phone by itself inside a plastic tray. Instead, keep it inside a ziplock bag, handbag or carry-on whenever airport rules allow.
All your expensive times remain together.
Nothing is exposed.
You're less likely to forget your phone.
A few simple habits can make a huge difference:
Empty your pockets before reaching the checkpoint.
Keep travel documents in one dedicated pouch.
Zip all valuables inside your cabin bag.
Collect every item before walking away from the scanner.
Double check the tray
The TSA also advises passengers to review security rules before travelling regarding electronics, liquids and prohibited items.
Imagine losing your phone which has all your data, from your boarding passes to hotel books, bank details and emergency contact everything. Sounds scary right?
So from now on, be careful how you place your valuables inside the bin.
Sources: Transportation Security Administration (TSA), TSA Travel Tips , Instagram.
READ NEXT
-
Sivasagar District Sees Decline in Encephalitis Cases Amid State Surge
-
Former IPS Officer Amitabh Thakur Applies for CEO Position at Ram Janmabhoomi Trust
-
Indoor air purification tips: Make your indoor air absolutely pure! These 5 indoor plants will enhance your home's beauty and oxygen levels.
-
CPI(M) to hold ‘maha dharna’ in Hyderabad over jobs for youth
-
Traffic awareness drive held for school bus staff in Hyderabad
