This is a true story about what happened to my group after our trip to Machu Picchu, when we traveled through Lima airport security at the new terminal. It occurred on July 3, 2025. We were traveling from Cusco to Lima airport, on our way to board our international flights out of Peru. 

I'm focusing on an incident that occurred to a member of my group at the new Lima airport because nearly 100% of people traveling in and out of Peru must go through this airport. It's my intention to raise awareness about the need to take extra precautions when going through Lima airport security screening. In this case, just being attentive prevented an airport employee from pilfering a smart watch. I hope to provide insight for travelers on their way to Machu Picchu to protect themselves and their belongings in a place where literally every traveler is potentially vulnerable. Airport security screening.

Passengers on international and domestic flights arrive on the ground floor of the new Lima airport, where they collect checked bags then exit the controlled area. From there you go up the escalators or elevators to the 3rd floor. This is the checkin area with airline desks and the entrance to security for domestic flights and security for international flights. We arrived on a domestic flight from Cusco and then entered the security screening for international flights. Each person places all bags, clothing and travel gear into one or more bins which are placed on rollers to go through the x-ray machine. Passengers are then directed to walk through the metal detectors one at a time. It's pretty standard stuff.

Two women in my group each wore an apple watch during their trip. At the Cusco airport, both women went through security screening wearing their watches without any issues. In Lima airport security for international flights, the first woman walked through the metal detectors wearing her watch and continued without any delays to collect her bags after clearing the x-rays. The 2nd woman walked through the metal detector but was told to go back and remove her apple watch and place it with her bags to go through the xray. After she dropped the watch into the bin she went back to the metal detector. She noticed that the agent whose job is to push the bins into the xray machine, reached into her bin, took her watch and put it in his pants pocket. She walked through the metal dectors without any further incident then asked for the supervisor immiedately. She reported what she saw and identified the agent who took her watch. The supervisor went over to the agent where the two of them spoke quietly. The agent removed the watch from his pocket and gave it to the supervisor, who returned it to my friend. The supervisor explained that the watch had been trapped in the rollers. But they found it!

It's disgusting that the supervisor didn't acknowledge the depravity of the agent's behavior. But it's insulting that the supervisor concocted a bald-faced lie and literally looked my friend in the eyes while spewing it. So the circumstances around the theft now raise questions about the staff at the airport. 

Questions about theft at the new Lima airport security screening:

• was this woman who was wearing the apple watch targeted by a Lima airport security agent? Only one of the two women in my group wearing the apple watches was asked to remove her watch. Maybe it was random. Maybe not. But for the sake of prevention, it's best to act as if you could be targeted. 
• were the 2 Lima airport security agents working together? Did the agent at the metal detector send the woman back to place her watch in the bin knowing the other agent would snatch it? We have no way of knowing for sure. But it's best to act accordingly.
• was the Lima airport security supervisor in on it? There's various options here. Maybe he knew but didn't care as long as it was concealed.
• is it possible there is an organized theft ring at the new Lima airport security screening? Yes. But we don't know for sure. 

I'm speculating, of course. It could have been a total spontaneoius one-time crime. Right? Maybe the agent's kid told his dad he really, really wanted an apple watch for his birthday? So the agent went to his supervisor and said, "pretty please, can I steal an apple watch? Just today! Only one time. I promise!" Perhaps the supervisor doens't want any trouble? So, he or she just tells their staff to keep a low profile and not to make a scene. 

Uh-huh. So. What's a traveler to do? Well far be it from me to deliver bad news without offering suggestoins to protect yourself and your belongings. It's fair to say that not all airport staff and security agents are corrupt.. However we have no way of knowing who is on the take and who is your ally unless you know someone personally. Unfortunately, it only takes a few to defame the entire crew. 

Tips to protect yourself, your family and your belongings while going throught airport security screening:

• avoid becoming a target for theft. Remove all valuables from sight and empty pockets before approaching the security screening. Secure valuables in more than one place. Make sure all your hidey holes have secure closures like snaps, zippers, latches. 
• if you happen to get to the screening area and notice you are displaying a shiney bauble in plain view, take the time to secure it in a pocket or container that latches. Don't let the people around you pressure you to hurry and leave yourself open to becoming a target.
• if you see something suspicious, or you're the victim of a passive crime like theft, should you report it? Here's where it gets tricky. What if everyone is in on it? You have to play this one by ear. You could report it to the airport police, or the US embassy. But I'm not sure they can do anything unless you file an official police report. At best, the embassy could warn future travelers how to avoid becoming a victim of theft. 

I'm doing my part to spread this story through our established blog and when I talk to people in person. Lima airport is just one example of how travelers should be aware of their vulnurability. No matter where you go in the world, it's wise to take the time to organize your valuables and maintain situational awareness in public places. 

On my arrival to the new Lima airport terminal, I encountered so many other issues, I will write up a separate description, along with suggestions to prevent and deal with them.

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