Turns out your safety measures securing your bag with a combination lock are a lot more futile then you realized.
Finding a suitcase which will survive being lobbed like a sack of potatoes onto the conveyor belt and one which is big enough to fit your endless outfit options without going over the airline’s ridiculously precise measurements?
Finding a bag to take on holiday with you is no easy feat and it turns out making it secure is harder than you thought too.
A user took to a Reddit thread to ask: “People who work for airlines, what are secrets passengers don’t know?”
And it didn’t take long for a worker to weigh in, revealing padlocks aren’t as effective as many of us think they probably are.
They wrote: “It’s literally not even a deterrent. Some might take it as a sign that the bag is worth searching.”
And the proof is really in the pudding after an airport worker revealed just how easy padlocks are to get around.
In a video widely circulated on TikTok, a Transport Security Administration worker revealed how pointless combination locks can be in particular when it comes to securing your luggage.
The hard shell and combination lock are no match for the mighty pen (Getty Stock Images)
You may’ve thought you were safer with a hard-shelled suitcase versus a soft one, but think again.
Using just a pen, the worker can be seen breaking through the zip of a suitcase, breaching the suitcase’s security pretty instantly.
In the video, he explains: “The pen to the zipper technique has been around for tons of years, so I wanted show you guys this, so you know to look out for it.
“I’m just going to go all the way around and this once zipped up bag was opened with just a pen.”
The worker then suggests another small consideration when it comes to buying a suitcase for your travels which may help deter thieves.
It’s as simple as a suitcase having a cover over its zipper – one ‘extra added layer of security’. And it’s not taken long for people to weigh in
One TikTok user said: “I literally only have clothes in there – have fun.”
Although, another ominously noted: “It’s not what they can get from the luggage – it’s what they can put in it.”
“Or just carry your valuables with you,” a third suggested, while a fourth wrote: “But tell me solutions not problems.”
And TikTok being TikTok, a whole trend has since started of identifying ‘Suitcases that pass the pen test’ – if there was anything that sums up the weird limbo period between Christmas and New Year’s, doom-scrolling about suitcase zips is pretty perfect.
Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images
Topics: Social Media, Travel, Viral, TikTok, Reddit
A TikToker’s ‘fun personality test’ has gone viral, with people flocking to the comments in debate.
If cuffing season didn’t quite go to plan, and you’re now using Christmas as a period of reflection, to try and get to know yourself better before you begin hunting for a match in time for Valentine’s Day – or why not just embrace being single, eh? -, then a viral optical illusion can supposedly help offer a deeper insight into your personality type.
TikToker Mia Yilin took to her page earlier this year to share an optical illusion personality test with her followers.
In the video, she shares several images, asking followers what the ‘first thing’ they see is each time.
The first picture is of a cloud in the sky or a fish – depending on how you first look at it, that is, and what you saw first says a lot about your personality, according to Mia.
She explains: “If you first saw the cloud, then although you may seem like a very brave and resilient person on the outside, you’re actually rather sensitive on the inside and are easily affected by the words and actions of those around you.
“You hate the idea of settling for someone or something and have very high standards and goals.
“Your personality is so attractive and charismatic that people cannot help but be drawn to you.
“While you’re normally kind and friendly, you can be quite threatening in times of competition.”
But what happens if you saw the fish first?
What do you see? (TikTok/ @mia_yilin)
“You have this mentality that since life is short it should be lived to the fullest,” Mia says. “Your time is the most valuable thing to you so you hate wasting it on people and things that don’t deserve it.
“You’re very hard on yourself and give 100 percent whenever you do anything. That said, you’re also a major worrier and spend a lot of your time stressing about the unknown.
“You’re an extraverted introvert who prefers to spend time alone but can also become the life of the party when need be.”
And it’s not taken long for people to weigh in.
A user wrote: “A fish and it’s all true.”
“Get out of my head are you a witch,” another added.
However, a third said: “I saw a mouse.”
And a fourth wrote: “Ok definitely saw an opossum so… am I a street cat personality?”
Did anyone just see a fish-shaped cloud, or is that just me?
Featured Image Credit: TikTok/@mia_yilin
Topics: Social Media, Viral, TikTok
It’s time to start remembering to pack your portable chargers and not using airport sockets, according to a security expert.
Sadly, much of life is now governed by the small rectangles which are often glued to most of our hands these days.
And that includes our phones often now holding our boarding passes and other details for our flights, making it pretty essential they’re well charged before we jet off to whatever destination we’re going to.
Should you be doing a long haul flight – or swiping apps closed too frequently – it’s more than likely you’re going to need to top up your battery at some point during your trip, but a security expert is warning against doing it via the airport’s own charging sockets – and for good reason.
Remember to pack your portable chargers next time (Getty Stock Images)
Last year, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) issued a warning against using public phone charging stations, including those found at airports.
A warning on the FBI’s official website states: “Avoid using free charging stations in airports, hotels, or shopping centres.”
And Jae Ro, from plug adapter manufacturer SIGNAL + POWER, has also since weighed in.
While these charging stations are simple and easy to use, Jae warns ‘the convenience comes with a huge security risk,’ with the expert telling the Mail Online: “These ports can be tampered with to install malicious software (malware) on your device. “This malware can lurk undetected, quietly stealing sensitive information like passwords and banking details.”
A technique used by hackers known as ‘juice jacking’ is another reason why you don’t want to hook your phone up to a charging station at the airport.
This involves malware installed through a corrupted USB port which locks your device or even exports all of your personal data and password directly to the perpetrator.
The power supply and data stream on smartphones pass through the same cable, allowing hackers to take control of your personal information.
Don’t get tempted (Getty Stock Images)
“Once infected, your phone becomes vulnerable not just at the airport, but wherever you take it,” Jae told the publication.
Furthermore, charging your mobile phone at an airport can lead to unintentional data exposure.
And even if the charging station hasn’t been tampered with, your device very much remains at risk.
“Charging stations can transfer both data and power,” Jae said. “While phones prompt users to choose between ‘Charge only’ and ‘Transfer files’ modes, this protection is often bypassed with charging stations.
“As a result, your device could be vulnerable to data interception or exploitation. This stolen data can later be used for identity theft or sold on the dark web.”
So, remember the portable charger next time eh? Better safe than sorry.
Featured Image Credit: Grace Cary/anyaberkut/Getty Images
Topics: Phones, Travel, World News, Technology
It’s time to say no the next time you get offered a toothpick at the end of your meal.
Imagine being at a restaurant, leaning back into your seat and relishing in your dozy fullness when – to your delight – a little pack of toothpicks lay on the table in front of you for you to haphazardly prod at your gums. Well, if those glorious days of eating out aren’t behind you because of the cost of living crisis, you should apparently avoid the ‘trusty’ toothpick at all costs.
Just because Ryan Gosling’s character in Drive swans around chewing on a toothpick, it doesn’t mean you should too. Let’s face it, you’re not going to look as cool and apparently it could also be pretty bad for your teeth too.
YouTuber Zack D Films took to his page to share a video simulation emphasizing why you ‘shouldn’t use’ toothpicks.
The video explains: “Most people use toothpicks to poke out food stuck between their teeth. But should you actually use these?
“Well, toothpicks can actually damage your gums causing them to bleed and become inflamed. They can also splinter, leaving small pieces of wood lodged in your gums.
“And even if they didn’t cause damage, toothpicks don’t actually clean well between your teeth and usually just push debris further in.”
And well, let’s just say, the simulation part of it is very convincing, with people flocking to the post in horror.
One YouTube user wrote: “That animation is the most aggressive use of a toothpick I’ve ever seen.”
“That blood coming out the gum had its own heartbeat,” another added.
A third commented: “New fear unlocked: getting splinters by toothpick.”
“Zack will never Stop traumatizing us,” a fourth wrote.
However, a fifth said: “If you don’t suck at using toothpicks they’re fine.”
The YouTube video’s warning is valid as concerns surrounding using a toothpick are backed up by The Dental District.
Ditch the toothpick, you’re not Ryan Gosling (Film District)
On its website, the Dental District explains using toothpicks is ‘not recommended even though it is an ancient practice’.
First of all, because toothpicks are typically wooden and ‘not properly sterilized’, which means bacteria and an increased risk of infection in your mouth.
Echoing the YouTube video, it adds toothpicks are sharp which can indeed make your gums ‘bleed’, alongside causing ‘pain, inflammation’ and, you guessed it, infection – as well as pushing ‘debris back further’ and a ‘risk of splintering’.
It adds using them everyday can also lead to receding gums, so it’s best to avoid them and just rinse your teeth with water, brush them or use dental floss instead.
Featured Image Credit: YouTube/Zack D. Films / Getty Stock
Topics: Health, Social Media, Viral, YouTube
An expert has spoken out to warn about sleeping on your stomach.
Gone are the days where you can just face-plant on your bed and pass out without a care in the world because apparently, sleeping on your front is a lot more damaging than you may think.
Office workers, prepare for your prayers to be answered:
As well as the increased risk of waking up with an imprint of your pillow case’s creases on the side of your face, sleeping on your front can actually come with much more troublesome concerns.
A spokesperson from pillow and mattress brand Levitex has since revealed sleeping on your stomach can increase the risk of you running into issues with your back.
And if you’re like me – someone who already struggles to even get in and out of bed as a result of being hunched over a laptop all day – then you’ll want to listen in to avoid exacerbating your pre-existing aches and pains.
It’s time to wave goodbye to sleeping on your front. (Getty Stock Images/ Adam Lister)
In a video shared to TikTok by Levitex, the spokesperson broke down just how damaging sleeping on your front can be for your back with the help of a model wearing a muscle suit.
He explained that by sleeping on your front, the muscles at the back of your upper legs have to extend to maintain the position, putting strain on your back.
And it’s not just your legs doing all of the, well, legwork.
“None of you have ever watched TV like this, so why would you spend hours upon hours twisting your neck?” he continued.
I mean, looking at it from above, it doesn’t exactly look the healthiest position to sleep in, does it? (Getty Stock Images/ Stockvisual)
Then there’s your spine to think about which comes under strain when you lay on your stomach and will cause back problems ‘very, very soon’ if you dare continue sleeping in the position.
So, if you can stop sleeping on your stomach, do it – but if you really can’t refrain, then at least don’t use a pillow as this will relieve some of the pressure on your neck.
Elsewhere on Levitex’s TikTok, the spokesperson also revealed how the pillows you use to support your neck and head make all the difference too.
Forget the nice, big fluffy ones and trade them for thin, supportive cushions which will support the curvature of your head, minimising the risk of you being left with neck ache in the morning.
Although, that doesn’t mean you need to throw away those old pillows, with the Levitex host explaining you can wedge one between your legs if you’re a side sleeper in order to maintain your posture or add one to support your neck if – despite all this advice – you’re still resolute on sleeping on your front.
