How to Avoid Airport Laptop Loss

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By Alrady
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Laptop Loss at Airport Security

Passing through Security, waiting for flights, and shuttle transportation. All are places that a laptop can easily be stolen or misplaced.

Follow these steps to prevent loss or mitigate damages.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Check resource box for link to helpful tools

Step 1

Travel insurance auto purchase

INSURANCE: Purchase insurance with your ticket. If you have Amex or other credit cards, join their travel programs for inexpensive travel insurance. With Amex credit card you pay about 10 bucks per flight to insure your items.
Step 2

Airport friendly cases

LAPTOP SECURITY CASE:
Purchase a laptop case that is airport security FRIENDLY. see resource box. Supposedly you won't have to open the case if the X-ray machine can read through the casing with a clear view. Find a bag that also provide shock resistance to help give extra protection to computer.
Step 3

BACK UP DATA

PROTECT DATA:
Make back up of all info on your computer so it is safe. The best way to save is using a secondary hard drive. Keep it separate from computer. Online inexpensive choices such as ibackup.com are available. Remember to safeguard all client information on your computer.
Step 4

Label notebook or laptop

DOCUMENT OWNERSHIP:
Take a picture of your laptop and write the serial and other info on the picture file. Keep paper copy of file in your filing cabinet and one in your wallet.

Label your equipment. Tape name/phone/address onto bottom of laptop for return if it is found.
Step 5

Be aware watch laptop

TIME:
Arrive early so you aren't rushed... and take your time. Consider buying a waist organizer so you don't fumble as much during check in. Now women often will loop a handbag around their wrist or ankle while waiting - why not do same the laptop? or straddle it. Attach a leash to it that attaches to your belt. They sell computers that are leash friendly.
Step 6

airport security systems conveyor

SECURITY LINE:
Conveyor belt survival tips:
1)If you are carrying on Lots of things make sure to have a short list tucked into your airline ticket and refer to it on the other side of conveyor belt.
2) Try to time it so you go through the scanner just before the computer does. If you have to hold up the line for 10 seconds or so it will be limit the time factor for theft.
3) Pick up the RIGHT laptop. Do not grab someone else's by mistake. Reason #1 to have colorful identifier attached to it!
Step 7

PRotected by copyscape

If you did leave it in airport security systems, go to the main station of security and ask for help. Don't try to go back with a wild look in your eye, as they can cart you off and hold up your flight. Don't ask how I know!
Step 8

On shuttle bus to rental car or hotel make sure to keep laptop with you as it is easy for mix ups to happen. Hotels, well thats another story. :)