Airport bag mistake can be big security risk: Woman traveller learns important safety lesson

Airports are unique spaces where normal rules sometimes feel suspended. Between early-morning fast food, tight security, and travelers in a rush, even small interactions can become unexpectedly tense. This was the case for Cara O’Bannon, a 25-year-old from Nashville, Tennessee, whose simple request at Tampa International Airport went viral after an unusual reaction from a fellow passenger.

While waiting to board her flight to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, O’Bannon needed to use the restroom and asked a woman nearby to watch her carry-on and purse for a few moments. To her surprise, the stranger declined. She recounted the interaction in a social media video, explaining that she had assumed the request would be routine.

“I expected her to say yes, but she said, ‘No, you should honestly take it with you,’” O’Bannon said. The bathroom, she noted, was only a few steps away, yet the woman insisted that she take her belongings along.

Social Media Reaction: Confusion and Criticism
The video quickly sparked debate, with commenters divided on the appropriateness of O’Bannon’s request. Some highlighted security concerns, reminding others that leaving your luggage in someone else’s custody is strongly discouraged at airports.

One user emphasized, “That’s the number one thing you don’t do at an airport.” Others noted that announcements warning against watching or leaving someone else’s luggage are repeated constantly, and said ignoring them is risky. Conversely, some social media users defended O’Bannon, sharing that they frequently exchange brief bag-watching favors without incident.

O’Bannon told TODAY.com that the backlash surprised her more than the initial refusal. She noted that she had traveled alone many times and assumed the request was minor, merely asking someone to keep an eye on her items. She also emphasized that the video was intended to be lighthearted, not controversial.

Expert Advice on Airport Bag Security
As per TODAY.com, Dr. Sheldon H. Jacobson, an airport security expert and professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, explained that while some flexibility exists beyond TSA checkpoints, the general rule is clear: passengers should avoid taking responsibility for others’ bags.

Jacobson also highlighted the practical limitations of airport enforcement. With millions of passengers daily, full oversight is impossible, making passenger self-policing crucial.

Reflecting on the incident, O’Bannon acknowledged the strong reactions but said she values the discussion it has generated about safety norms. She admitted the criticism sometimes felt excessive, yet recognized that her experience underscores a key airport principle: err on the side of caution.