A retired federal agent with decades of experience protecting US presidents has issued a crucial safety warning for anyone planning to pick up friends or family from airports this festive season. The advice highlights a surprisingly common oversight that could leave travellers vulnerable.
The "Lightbulb Moment" in the Car Park
Former Secret Service Agent Scott Bryson, who served for 25 years safeguarding five commanders-in-chief, shared his revelation in a recent social media video. With nearly half a million followers across his platforms, Bryson regularly posts safety guidance, but this tip struck a particular chord.
"I've never thought about this," Bryson admitted, explaining he was sitting in an airport car park waiting for an arrival. "It literally just dawned on me because I was sitting here scrolling Instagram... and I realized, 'Hey dummy, you've got your nose in your phone.'"
He described putting his phone down and scanning his surroundings with a newly critical eye. The former agent warned that just because vehicles are entering the car park does not mean their occupants are there for innocent purposes. "I think 99.9 percent of the time they probably are, but it literally just dawned on me, this would be a great place - I hate to say it that way - to rob someone," he stated.
Why Airport Car Parks Are a Potential Risk
Bryson pinpointed the perfect conditions for opportunistic crime. "Everybody's sitting here, waiting on someone, and they're bored, and they're tuned out," he explained. This combination of distraction, predictable behaviour, and the valuable items often kept in vehicles creates a potential target.
The realisation of what could go wrong "hit him like a ton of bricks." His stark advice to viewers was simple: "Don't be like I was just now." He urges people to stay alert, avoid being glued to their phones, and maintain awareness of their environment.
In the comments, many social media users agreed, drawing parallels to other risky scenarios. One person noted, "Just like a drive thru. Window down distracted with phone and kids." Another added, "Head on a swivel 24/7 everywhere people are distracted." A third commenter reinforced the message: "Always be careful and know your surroundings. The people who are wanting to do bad things are."
A Timely Warning for Record Holiday Travel
This security alert comes at a critical time for travel. Bryson's video emerged just weeks after the Thanksgiving holiday, which saw significant flight disruptions at major US hubs like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and New York's John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia Airports due to severe weather.
The warning is even more pertinent for the upcoming Christmas and New Year period. Travel organisation AAA projects that a record 122.4 million Americans will journey more than 50 miles between December 23 and January 1. This figure surpasses last year's record of 119.7 million travellers, indicating airports and their surrounding infrastructure will be exceptionally busy.
While the agent's advice originated from a US context, the principle is universally applicable, especially for UK travellers using airports like Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester during the peak holiday rush. The core message remains: vigilance is a key component of personal security, even in seemingly mundane situations like waiting in an airport car park.
