Airport Safety For Solo Women: How To Stay Safe During Late-Night And Early Morning Transfers

Traveling is always an adventure, but let’s be honest—airport transfers at night or early morning can be unsettling, especially when flying solo without my buff husband to protect me. As a solo female traveler, I usually try to avoid these situations, but sometimes better prices or flight connections leave me no choice. When that happens, my focus shifts to one thing: staying safe. Airport safety is important to me, especially during late-night flights. Here’s how I stay safe during those after-hours transfers.

Table of Contents

• 1. Pre-Book and Verify Your Transport
• 2. Share Your Journey and Stay Alert
• 3. Use Well-Lit Pickup Points and Sit in the Back
• 4. Know Your Route and Keep Valuables Secure
• 5. Be Cautious with ATMs and Important Documents
• 6. Carry USD
• 7. Essential Gadgets and Tips for Safety
• 8. Stay Alert and Aware
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1. Pre-Book and Verify Your Transport

Booking your transportation in advance can save you from the hassle of finding a ride late at night and enhance airport safety. Use reputable taxi services or rideshare apps, or arrange a hotel shuttle for added airport safety. If there’s a hotel attached to the airport, consider booking a room and traveling to your final destination in the light of day to prioritize airport safety. This extra step can significantly reduce stress and improve overall safety. Calling the hotel and asking for their help can also be very effective for safe travel. When your ride arrives, check the driver’s identification and the car’s license plate against the details provided in your booking to ensure your safety. Rideshare apps usually provide this information, so ensure you match these details before getting into the vehicle.

2. Share Your Journey and Stay Alert

Let someone know your travel plans, including your expected arrival time and your transport details. Did you know you can turn on location tracking on your cell phone and only allow your family access? Most rideshare apps have a feature allowing you to share your trip status with friends or family, adding an extra layer of security. This is very important for your safety at the airport. Also, never post details of your journey on social media until after your trip. This practice helps maintain operational security and is just plain common sense. Being tired after a long flight is natural, but stay alert. Keep an eye on your surroundings, and avoid using your phone or getting too engrossed in distractions. Trust your instincts; if something doesn’t feel right, seek help immediately.

3. Use Well-Lit Pickup Points and Sit in the Back

Airports are usually never completely dark. Some airports have lounges with later hours; seek those out if you can access them. However, when waiting for your ride, choose well-lit and busy areas. Avoid secluded spots, as they can make you more vulnerable. Airports usually have designated rideshare pickup zones; these areas are used for added safety at the airport. Sitting in the back seat can provide a buffer between you and the driver, giving you more control over the situation. It also allows you to exit the vehicle quickly if necessary.

4. Know Your Route and Keep Valuables Secure

Familiarize yourself with the route to your destination beforehand. You don’t need to memorize every turn, but having a general sense of direction is crucial. It helps you spot if something feels off. Use your phone to track the route and make sure the driver is following the correct path. Keep your belongings close and secure—place your luggage in the trunk and hold onto smaller valuables like your phone, wallet, and passport. Avoid displaying expensive items that might draw unwanted attention.

I learned this lesson the hard way while traveling solo in Italy. I hopped onto a bus with my luggage, but the suitcases were heavy, and I had to climb four or five steps. My luggage sat on the street until I could gather it all. In my rush to secure everything, I was so preoccupied with keeping my bags from rolling around that I didn’t notice a group of pickpockets rifling through my backpack. An elderly Italian man saw what was happening, yelled at them, and pushed them off the bus at the next stop. He then pointed to the floor, where they had thrown several coins they’d fished out of my bag. It was a wake-up call—while I was focused on my luggage, I had neglected to keep my backpack secure.

5. Be Cautious with ATMs and Important Documents

When you arrive late and need cash, use ATMs located inside the airport or in well-lit, busy areas to prioritize airport safety. Avoid using standalone ATMs in secluded spots. I remember arriving in Bali around 2 a.m. on a weekend, and the airport ATM swallowed our debit card. Luckily, we had another one to use until we could get the other one back from the bank on the next business day. The bank even delivered it to us at our villa, but it was a stressful situation that could have been worse if we hadn’t had a backup card.

However, rely solely on your phone either. We made that mistake during COVID-19 when I printed the wrong form and could not access the right one because the airport’s wifi was weak. Always carry a backup copy of all receipts and important information , such as hotel bookings and transportation details. These copies can be crucial if you lose your passport. For example, our passports were stolen on our last trip to Spain. Having copies allowed us to check back into our hotel and fly within the country to Barcelona , where we had new passports made to fly back home to Germany. This can also be a lifesaver if your phone dies or you lose internet access.

6. Carry USD

Contrary to belief, several countries and territories outside the United States use the U.S. dollar (USD) as their official currency or as one of their legal currencies. These destinations either use the U.S. dollar as their primary currency or operate with it alongside a local currency, often due to historical ties, economic stability, or convenience for international trade and tourism. These include:

North America

• El Salvador: Officially adopted the U.S. dollar in 2001 alongside the colón, which has since been phased out.
• Panama: Has used the U.S. dollar alongside the Panamanian balboa since 1904. The balboa exists only in coin form, so the U.S. dollar is the primary currency in circulation.
• British Virgin Islands: This British Overseas Territory uses the U.S. dollar as its official currency.
• Turks and Caicos Islands: Another British Overseas Territory where the U.S. dollar is also the official currency.
• Caribbean Netherlands (Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba): These special municipalities of the Netherlands use the U.S. dollar as their official currency.
• Bahamas: The Bahamian dollar (BSD) is pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar, and both currencies are used interchangeably.

South America

• Ecuador: Adopted the U.S. dollar as its official currency in 2000 after a financial crisis.

Africa

• Zimbabwe: Following hyperinflation, Zimbabwe abandoned its currency in 2009 and now primarily uses the U.S. dollar and several other foreign currencies.

Asia

• East Timor (Timor-Leste): The U.S. dollar has been the official currency since the country gained independence in 2002.
• Cambodia: Although Cambodia has its currency, the riel, the U.S. dollar is widely used and accepted in many transactions, especially in urban areas.

Oceania

• Micronesia: The Federated States of Micronesia, under a Compact of Free Association with the U.S., uses the U.S. dollar as its official currency.
• Palau: Uses the U.S. dollar under a similar Compact of Free Association.
• Marshall Islands: Like Micronesia and Palau, the Marshall Islands use the U.S. dollar as their official currency.

Caribbean

• Bermuda: The Bermudian dollar (BMD) is pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar, which is widely accepted.

7. Essential Gadgets and Tips for Safety

A 2020 survey by Statista indicated that 42% of travelers use mobile apps designed for safety, such as those that track your location, alert contacts in case of emergencies, or provide local safety information. These apps are increasingly popular among solo female travelers as a way to enhance security while navigating airports and other transit points like sketchy Paris train stations.

Make sure you enable automatic time zone updates on your phone. I learned this the hard way in Paris, returning from London. I missed my flight before I even realized it because my phone’s time didn’t update. This happened at Gare du Nord, a train station that can feel particularly sketchy at night. I suggest you also invest in a SIM card because you never know when it’s crucial to have cell service. It’s cheap almost everywhere except the United States. I found myself searching for a hotel in the area around the train station, and reliable service made all the difference. That’s why having the right gadgets can be a lifesaver, especially when you need them most. Here are some essential gadgets for solo female travelers:

• Personal Safety Alarm: Emits a loud noise to deter potential threats.
• Portable Charger: Keeps your phone powered in case of emergencies.
• RFID Blocking Wallet: Protects your credit cards from electronic theft.
• Hidden Pocket Scarf: Conceals valuables like money, credit cards, and passports.
• Phone Privacy Screen: Blocks people from seeing your phone over your shoulder.
• Apple Air Tags: This allows you to track your luggage and let people know where your luggage (or you) is located.

Additionally, don’t put all your money in one place. Keep it in different locations, such as a wallet, hidden pocket, and secure bag. Wear a pair of comfortable, closed-toe shoes like sneakers. They allow you to move quickly and safely. Make sure to sleep on the plane to stay alert upon arrival. Being well-rested can help you make better decisions and remain vigilant. Don’t travel with too much luggage. It can slow you down and attract unwanted attention.

8. Stay Alert and Aware

To stay alert, avoid overeating before your transfer. Avoid using open, non-password-protected Wi-Fi networks, as they can be insecure. Turn off geotagging on your phone to protect your location privacy. Try to keep at least one hand free for better mobility and readiness. And while some people can sleep in an airport terminal, I cannot for this very reason. Check out the lounges, many of them have early or late hours.

According to the European Travel Commission, airports in major European cities like Paris and Barcelona are hotspots for petty crimes like pickpocketing, often targeting distracted travelers. Solo female travelers may be more vulnerable in these situations, especially when managing luggage and navigating through unfamiliar environments. I suspect sleeping is a major distraction I suggest you avoid as much as possible.

Traveling solo as a woman is an empowering and transformative experience, allowing you to explore the world on your own terms. However, blending confidence with caution is essential to ensure your safety. While being friendly and approachable is important, maintaining awareness of your surroundings can help you avoid appearing as an easy target. Trust your instincts, and don’t hesitate to remove yourself from situations that feel off—even if it means risking being perceived as rude.

Remember that potential dangers can come from unexpected sources, so stay vigilant, even with those who seem harmless. Do your research before you travel so you’re well-informed about the safest routes, transportation options, and areas to avoid, especially at night.

Airport transfers at night can be a bit nerve-wracking, but they don’t have to be stressful. By taking simple precautions like using reputable transport services, keeping your valuables secure, and staying alert during the ride, you can ensure a smooth and safe journey to your destination. Prioritize your safety above all else, and trust your gut—it’s better to be cautious than to take unnecessary risks. With the right mindset and preparation, you can enjoy solo travel adventures while staying secure and confident.

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