Choosing a security firm in Europe is one thing. However, selecting an Indonesia executive protection company requires a different approach. For one, more regulated corners of the world tend to mandate protocols and internal company structures to be able to provide protective services.

On the other hand, things are more flexible in countries with unexpected security trends like those in Indonesia. There, one needs to scrutinise many more moving parts and prepare better for contingencies.

At any rate, businesspeople and corporations seeking to hire an Indonesia executive protection company must examine two main factors:

• Company capabilities, and
• Individual qualities of team members.

In other words, the first aspect informs how the company handles big picture items. On the other hand, the second deals with everyday operational movements. Therefore, to be on the receiving end of the best possible protective solutions, one should choose a security firm with those two overarching characteristics in place.

For this article, we will explore these and provide insight into how to pick the best fit.

Company Capabilities

Currently, hundreds of security companies operate Indonesia-wide. Thus, finding a firm that has the most remarkable capabilities may seem daunting. So, where does one start when filtering through hundreds of company websites and reading client reviews?

In a nutshell, we suggest looking at the overall services that a particular Indonesia executive protection company offers. To that end, here are a few questions to consider:

• Do they have security drivers and threat assessment specialists?
• Are they providing covert and overt protection services?
• What are their operational capabilities for more volatile settings?

To get to the core of the benefits on offer, the person seeking protection needs to be well informed about their services, experience, and skills. Moreover, it might be easier to have a single security provider with multiple capabilities rather than various providers with one or two services.

The Security Pillar

An EP company serves as a supporting pillar for everyday security assignments and agents. For example, an Indonesia executive protection company may need to provide protective intelligence and threat assessments. But also, it needs to be able to inspect and select vehicles. Thirdly, it could use its pool of experts to find security ex-pats in the country.

For illustration, suppose an Australian UHNW family travels to Indonesia for a public function. In this case, a select EP company will draw lessons from its previous security assignments in the region and compile their recommendations to choose suitable EP vehicles. Again, this task is rarely done by a single EP agent but rather by the contracting security company.

Similarly, an individual protection professional may not be able to check the latest updates on the news, protests, or weather forecasts. Alternatively, that is what the Indonesia executive protection company is for. It can gather intelligence from open-source locations as well as local assets. It provides logistical support and guidance, taking care of everything for which the individual agents lack the time or the necessary skills.

Even more importantly than that, the EP company’s manager, director, and team leader will assess every specific situation and decide on assigning other capabilities such as paramedics.

Likewise, they may determine that the medical risk profile may dictate that a team of medical professionals including a paramedic and a doctor with advanced equipment is necessary. In any event, most settings will require UHNW families and high-ranking individuals to have access to some type of remote medical support.

Finally, it is up to the EP company to assess legal restrictions and opt for the best course of action in organising operations. For instance, some legislations prohibit foreigners from carrying firearms, including Indonesia.

Individual Qualities

Protective agents are doing so much more than merely standing and waiting for the principal. In some cases, public perception of the protector may be that they are physically prominent individuals who serve to intimidate.

Still, they have more critical matters to grapple with in their daily security assignments than their image, including:

• Operational planning,
• Advances,
• Violent protesters,
• Forceful environmentalists,
• Stalkers,
• People with personality disorders,
• Attackers, intruders, and
• Many more individuals and groups.

Besides the hard skills of using firearms, advanced driving and reaction to attack, an executive protection agent must be well-versed in communication skills.

For example, not all protection deals with “physically fighting threats” or averting danger last minute. In fact, one of the primary individual qualities of EP agents is to know the principal or person receiving protective services. In other words, to learn their behavioural patterns, likes and dislikes, as well as any inclinations that can adversely or positively impact a protective assignment.

A professional security operative at any Indonesia executive protection company typically sees their assignments as more than just work. The reason is that they spend much more time with their protectees than their own children, wives, or husbands. Hence the strong relationship.

Point in fact, knowing the business and personal environment of the protectees is equally important as knowing the threat level of potential harm.

Making Things Worse (Or Better)

Apart from familiarising themselves with the principal and their habits, the protection agents must also master other soft skills, including de-escalation techniques:

• The art of advances,
• EP planning,
• Communications skills and liaison,
• Maintaining a safe distance and avoiding touching the threat actor,
• Giving full attention, asking questions, nodding, and
• Removing the principal from the area.

Expectedly, getting into a physical scuffle with a potential attacker may seem very easy to do. Moreover, it could even appear to be a good reaction to somebody invading the personal space of protectees.

However, doing so may make matters worse and raise the threat levels. Therefore, we recommend that employees of any Indonesia executive protection company take a different approach and try to de-escalate a situation before it erupts into something over which the security team has barely any control.

But ultimately, here are the main traits that any agent should have:

• Mental agility,
• Professional conduct,
• Self-initiative,
• Cooperation and diplomatic tact, and
• Dependability.

Final Remarks

Not all principals will respond equally to security professionals suggesting specific protective measures. In fact, some may outright reject following protocol. Alternatively, others may be more open to listening to the protector’s wise words. In any case, the EP team can do only so much by conveying information and straightforwardly giving recommendations.

But at the end of the day, it is up to the principal to decide if they want to take the advice or not. In other words, protective agents cannot make protectees do anything outside their free will. Thus, it follows that protection is a matter of agreement and compromise between what is necessary and that which won’t impinge on the principal’s lifestyle. Simply put, a midpoint between security and comfort.

To conclude, here are the main takeaways from this article on selecting an Indonesia executive protection company:

• Look into their company capabilities and individual qualities by asking for recommendations and case studies,
• Explore if they offer security driving, close protection, and threat assessment services at the same time,
• Scrutinise their online presence, including social media and website.

Companies like Panoptic Solutions support individuals and organisations in enhancing productivity and peace of mind by offering unmatched private security services.

A residential security team (RST) is just what it sounds. It comprises a group of protection operatives who secure the home of the wealthy, famous, and those at risk.

But it is not like a crowd of individuals merely standing around, waiting for something to happen. In fact, a residential security team creates a sense of calm and reassurance in the principal, their family, and entourage by conducting preventive actions.

Many high-level individuals and families tend to spend their leisure time in far-off estates. But for RST this is not about relaxation per se because a team of this sort also safeguards any type of inhabitable private property. That includes even smaller residencies and homes that may be close to the HNW individual’s corporate building or office.

In any case, there have been many attempts to penetrate private gated estates of famous people over the years. Although this is an enormously important subject, some principals take securing their homes for granted.

Nevertheless, a residential security team onsite provides the following benefits to the client and their immediate surroundings:

• Securing doors and windows,
• Gate control and security,
• Trained security guards or close protection operatives,
• Threat and risk assessment in place,
• Various forms of patrols, including patrol cars, on foot, by bicycle,
• AI-powered CCTV cameras and other high-quality equipment, and
• Background checks of the estate staff, such as butlers, assistants, cooks, chauffeurs, etc.

The last point is critical, as at least a dozen staff members may be mingling there throughout the executive’s stay.

However, for some principals, all of this can sound excessive. But for most for whom budget is not an issue, this range of services is probably what they need.

Regardless of the intricate details of security provision, protective agents need to adapt to the lifestyle of the principal, their family, and guest. So, let us explore what that entails exactly.

Searching and Equipping the Property

When HNW families decide to hire a residential security team, they expect them to secure the premises. The first step in this process is to conduct a threat and vulnerability assessment (TVRA) and an advance.

An advance entails visiting and assessing the estate. But also identifying its weak spots and how bad actors could use them to their advantage. As a matter of fact, the close protection officer must also establish the safest routes to and from the gated property and collect related details.

Briefly put, such an assessment could entail:

• Addresses of the nearest health facilities in case of medical emergencies,
• Information on nearby intersections, road infrastructure, street lighting, etc.,
• Identifying helicopter landing zones (HLZ) on the property, and
• Finding, upgrading or recommending alarm and CCTV systems.

That is by no means an exhaustive list. Nevertheless, it is indicative of how a proficient team approaches the matter. After conducting an advance, the protection agents seek to reduce the vulnerabilities and establish safeguards for maximum security.

Related actions may mean setting up CCTV cameras, addressing easily penetrable points, or installing a security operations centre.

Note: A Security Operations Centre (SOC) is a centralised function within an organisation. It employs people, technology, and processes to regularly monitor and improve an organisation’s security posture. For example, an SOC is equipped to handle access control but also manages lighting, alarms, and vehicle barriers. A similar but lower-level SOC is often called a control room or Command Post (CP).

A rule of thumb when hiring a residential security team is to find a company with extensive experience in the field. For instance, employing a unit of protection professionals well-versed in emergency provision, advance medical training, and access control is far more perceptive than hiring people with a great website but little to no experience.

Balancing Between Privacy and Security

An age-old dilemma in executive protection refers to how to balance the privacy afforded to the principal with the security enforced by the protective detail. This becomes increasingly complicated with CCTV cameras and AI-powered equipment around the residence of the high-net-worth family.

On that note, one must consider features such as:

• Static masking
• Dynamic masking
• Face recognition
• Camera positioning

Static masking allows a camera or video management software to pixelate or blank out defined areas within the camera’s range. In addition, it lets the user mask areas outside the designated property, such as a private residence.

Dynamic masking focuses on fixed locations and applies pixelation to objects entering and leaving the scene. This feature allows the user — i.e., the security team — to identify licence plates and obscure faces.

Ultimately, facial recognition flags identified and unidentified facial shapes to check for security breaches.

Positioning cameras to face out from personal zones should be considered and discussed with the principals.

Therefore, protective agents must assuage concerns related to privacy and security. In other words, they need to convince the principal that protection does not imply infringing upon their or the privacy of their guests.

Reasonable Security Measures

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 919,500 households experienced one or more selected household crimes during the 2020-2021 reference period. These included:

• Break-ins and attempted break-ins,
• Malicious property damage, and
• Theft.

High-level individuals and families are by no means exempt from these crime statistics. In fact, bad actors target them frequently due to the expected gains.

To combat these events, proficient security teams introduce reasonable levels of protection, including CCTV coverage and physical barriers. But also always have in mind their protectees’ level of comfort.

For instance, they consider how to position the cameras so as not to be intrusive toward the protectees’ daily activities.

In Conclusion

This article explored how residential security teams help high-ranking individuals take control of their safety. And it is more complex than one might expect.

To address the security concerns of the principal and their entourage, protective agents usually prepare for worst-case scenarios.

To sum up, here is a list of items to consider before hiring a residential security team for a gated property, estate, or rural home:

• Does the security company have extensive experience and skills in handling the latest gear and technology?
• What is their background in working in more volatile settings?
• How do they go about striking a balance between privacy and security?
• Does the protection firm come with recommendations from other business executives or HNW individuals?

Companies like Panoptic Solutions support individuals and organisations in enhancing productivity and peace of mind by offering unmatched residential security services.

When many people think of Indonesia, the first thing that comes to mind is Bali. Although arguably Indonesia’s most popular vacation spot, it doesn’t represent the country’s vast diversity. In fact, security requirements change depending on the location. For instance, hiring a bodyguard in Indonesia may be necessary when travelling to more volatile regions but not others that are less populated.

At any rate, travelling to some corners of the country warrants hiring one or multiple bodyguards, especially during

• Vacations or film shoots in Bali,
• Business travels to specific areas in Sulawesi,
• Notable and publicized events in Jakarta, and
• Surfing in remote regions of Sumatra or research for documentaries.

In any of the cases, high-profile individuals, celebrity agencies, and other clients need to consult local security professionals to obtain local knowledge about things like extreme weather events, risk profile, and logistical challenges.

The reason being that international travelers may rarely read local Indonesian news. Also, they may be surprised by the diverse threat levels country-wide. Similarly, foreign executives and UHNW families must uphold local laws and customs regardless of their own religious inclinations.

The Benefits of Mixed Teams

Whenever travelling to less frequented areas, it is wise to check regional and provincial particulars. For instance, before hiring a bodyguard in Indonesia, one must bear in mind the following key details:

• More than 700 languages are spoken there on more than 6,000 inhabited islands,
• The Economist’s 2021 Safe Cities Index gives the capital city of Jakarta a safety score of 56.4 out of 100,
• Indonesia is a relatively conservative Muslim country, and
• Traffic rules and regulations differ from those in many other countries, in that locals appear to adhere to their own rules.

Now it is up to the executive protection team and bodyguards to compile a well-rounded security plan. However, travelling to the nation with only international security staff would be unwise. In fact, it could prove unfavourable for the principal and their entourage in many ways, as they may likely do a poorer job of preventing unexpected events due to a lack of local knowledge.

Conversely, we recommend hiring a mixed team comprised of local and expatriate security professionals. The reason is that ex-pats bring global experience, while locals provide regional knowledge and liaison with various government organisations, including critical stakeholders.

Ex-pat security professionals have a unique understanding of the local communities and trends due to their extended stay. Further, it’s likely that expats will have security or close protection training conducted at an international training academy. Coupled with that, local support amplifies the security efforts by providing better up-to-date information and opening communication channels that would not have existed otherwise.

On that note, more than 8 in 10 Indonesians say that corruption is widespread in the country’s businesses and state-run institutions. Thus, it is advisable to seek advice from a local risk management firm before working with or conducting business with various government or law enforcement agencies. One should leave it up to the select bodyguard in Indonesia to handle such matters, simultaneously maintaining direct contact between:

• Core security team (from abroad),
• Ex-pats, and
• Local support.

Only a multifaceted workforce can understand the intricacies of local dynamics and respond appropriately.

Avoiding Kidnap Scenarios

One of the most traumatic experiences, kidnapping, is an event that targets foreigners and locals alike. Apart from the principal’s death, it is the second-worst outcome for any security assignment.

For this section, we will explore how to avoid kidnap scenarios altogether.

At face value, it seems clear what an EPA and bodyguard in Indonesia need to do to ensure the safety of protectees:

• Create protocols,
• Vet individuals with whom protectees interact, and
• Direct the protectee’s activities without deviation.

However, that is only part of the protective plan. Other elements include items like reserving a safe hotel. But what does a safe hotel mean? Simply put, it entails:

• Avoiding booking rooms that face busy streets or are at ground level with the windows,
• Keeping one’s room door locked while staying inside,
• Checking if they have on-site security 24/7,
• Informing the hotel staff about the number of colleagues or entourage members one expects to work with in the hotel’s conference rooms,
• Having access to instructions, including evacuation and emergency response plans.

To that effect, getting from the airport to the hotel is the space that potential kidnappers monitor closely to find out if the HNW individual or family will reveal themselves. Typically, they do so by observing the behaviour of travelers once they land at the airport.

For instance, are they blending into their environment or standing out? Are they wearing brand name items or a lot of jewelry? Are they lining up for express business class queues? Do the travelers have a large amount of luggage or brand-named luggage? All these items may draw attention.

How a Bodyguard in Indonesia Prevents Theft

Due to the fast expansion of foreign enterprises into Indonesia and neighbouring countries, we expect an increase in the stream of executives who travel there. Unfortunately, many have poor knowledge of travel security and unwittingly present themselves as soft targets for criminal elements.

On the ground, the bodyguard is the security professional that the protectees should consult before moving anywhere or doing anything incompatible with a safe and secure environment. Thus, the key is preventing crime from happening and not chasing thieves while leaving the principal unprotected.

As a matter of fact, the thieves are likely to be experienced criminals and bag-snatchers who are well-versed in their craft. Hence, pursuing them would probably be futile, as they are the ones who know the local streets, avenues, and hiding places.

In Bali, crime generally poses a moderate threat. But with millions of tourists yearly, it is probably the most crowded place with foreigners. Criminal threats occurring there are typically non-violent and include:

• Scams,
• Robbery, and
• Drug trafficking.

Regardless, malefactors often target foreigners due to their perceived wealth. Therefore, we recommend not carrying any jewellery, watches, or expensive phones and clothes in public, as they might signal high status.

Of course, not all places within Bali are equally safe. For instance, we suggest taking particular care while walking the streets of Denpasar, Gianyar, and Kuta’s famous tourist sites. A rule of thumb here is not publicly showing signs of wealth or attracting any attention. Intoxicated travelers also become easy targets.

Finally, staying near a bodyguard and listening to their advice is always advised. At the very least, they will act as a visual deterrent in most settings.

In Conclusion

This article explored how hiring a bodyguard in Indonesia can be invaluable for those receiving protective services. Yet, selecting one (or multiple bodyguards) can often be taxing.

To help you out with the process, here are a few key takeaways:

• Ensure the bodyguards are vetted,
• Confirm that they speak the local language(s),
• Create a mixed team of ex-pats and local security professionals,
• Assure familiarity with the customs, regulations, and laws, and
• Consider selecting a hotel that is compatible with a safe and secure environment.

Companies like Panoptic Solutions support individuals and organisations in enhancing productivity and peace of mind by offering unmatched bodyguard services.

In close protection operations, there is always room for changes in schedules. However, proficient executive protection companies make use of planning and scheduling to enhance their workflows and tackle the unexpected. And yet, that is easier said than done. So, in this article, we examine how and why to make planning and scheduling an integral part of everyday assignments. 

We often hear the catchphrase that something can still go wrong no matter the amount of preparation. Although that seems true at face value, there is more to it. For example, one can conduct assignments in one of three ways: 

• Effectively, 
• Efficiently, or 
• Both at the same time. 

Still, not all EP operations are cheap, to begin with. While it is correct to say that cost savings can occur where possible, financial restrictions should be avoided if they impede protective efforts. 

Firstly, effectiveness entails doing something in a useful manner that produces the desired result. Secondly, efficiency is all about doing something well but with the least amount of wasted resources, such as money, time, and effort.  

For the most part, executive protection teams aim for effectiveness in their assignments. But still, they are not unfamiliar with limited resources when working with specific clients. That is why the only limit to security may be either financial means or one’s imagination.  

To get back to our point on why timely planning and scheduling benefits both the principal and the protective agents, it is vital to consider that plans: 

• Identify clear goals of the assignment, 
• Anticipate contingencies to sidestep avoidable issues, 
• Mitigate risk to threats, 
• Deploy and use staffing and resources effectively, and 
• Decrease the likelihood of unplanned events. 

To keep everyone safe in the process, let us consider how to prepare for close protection operations in more detail. 

Communication Planning

Communications can be the backbone of effective planning. This refers primarily to transmitting information within the EP team but also with the principal and other protectees. No matter the environment — hostile or friendly — it is paramount to establish clear, robust communication channels. 

We discourage the use of messenger services such as Facebook Messenger or plain text messaging. Conversely, the protective agents should consider safer alternatives like: 

• Signal, 
• Wickr, or  
• Telegram. 

Moreover, a secure app should possess qualities like end-to-end encryption and self-destructing messages, to mention a few. And yet, some of these may not be useful while escorting a client to a desert race like Australia’s Finke.  

In our experience, satellite phones are the way to go while travelling to areas with poor reception. That way, protective agents decrease the chances of losing contact with one another  

Furthermore, the frequency and type of information make all the difference. For example, suppose the security team establishes that malicious actors are surveilling the principal. In that case, giving a running commentary while monitoring the potential attacker is deemed essential. In other cases, however, providing regular check-ins while grocery shopping with the client may suffice. 

Similarly, some executive protection teams may be in charge of securing the principal’s office building and their residence simultaneously. Again, such cases warrant more thorough communication considerations in an assignment’s planning and scheduling phase. 

In the end, it all depends on the circumstances surrounding the principal and their entourage. Nevertheless, all team members must be able to communicate with one another at all times while conducting the task. 

Operational Planning

Looking at the process that precedes and accompanies planning, the security detail must collect relevant information. The reason is that data informs setting up schedules. Without the correct information, planning and scheduling resemble a mess of guesswork. And guesswork is the arch-nemesis of any properly implemented protective assignment. 

Thus, some of the information that the security team should collect beforehand include details like: 

• Locations 
• Vehicles 
• Timings 
• Countries 
• Meetings 

Suppose the principal’s personal assistant or they themselves provide the team leader with the relevant information. In that case, the protective agents must scrutinise the timetables and other elements provided. That is especially vital when considering that secretaries and principals are busy individuals. Hence, they may not have the time to share all relevant information with the executive protection team. But most importantly, they may forget to mention important points. 

In such an instance, we recommend always maintaining close contact with household and staff members. These may include house managers, nannies, pilots, and chauffeurs. In fact, the protective agents frequently come last on the so-called information dissemination list. Expectedly, this can hinder security efforts. 

In other words, the process of gathering information follows the sequence: 

• Collecting and receiving data, 
• Assessing threats, vulnerabilities, and risks, and 
• Implementing safeguards in line with approved budgets. 

The operational process we outlined above remains identical for every function or trip. In short, the team leader is ultimately the one in charge of conducting the plan. This person needs to assign goals and specific responsibilities to every team member. However, even this is subject to change.  

For example, suppose a malicious actor tries to block a particular route. In this case, the EP team should modify the plan on the go.  

Planning and Scheduling for Unplanned Events

The actual value of a thoroughly composed plan is in preparing for worst-case scenarios. Of course, it cannot predict what will happen. Yet, a plan can anticipate certain risks and establish detailed responses. The best possible outcomes are what the close protection operatives should always have in mind. 

Moreover, some security experts even go so far as to say that Murphy’s Law applies even to planning and scheduling in EP. Simply put, the stated rule posits that “anything that can go wrong will go wrong.” That is why the team leader must be a flexible individual, quickly thinking all the time. Doing so will make the entire team better equipped to adapt to unplanned events, as it is the team leader who decides on what happens next. 

• Should the principal change vehicles? 
• What are alternative routes to the destination? 
• Are medical facilities nearby? 

The plan should account for these and any other questions. 

In addition, if an unplanned event were to occur abroad, such circumstances may imply coming into conflict with local law enforcement. That is an exceptionally touchy subject as many corners of the world have corrupt police officers. In fact, they may try to make the principal’s life difficult to earn their livelihoods. 

In this circumstance, it is paramount to have local support in countries with more volatile areas, including Indonesia. 

Companies like Panoptic Solutions support individuals and organisations in enhancing productivity and peace of mind by offering unmatched close protection services.  

According to data, four bags in every 1,000 are considered lost luggage in Australia. Although airlines are liable to compensate the affected passengers, this primarily applies to travelling wholly within Australia. In other words, it is more difficult to find lost luggage and demand accountability from an airline for international trips. 

During a recent operation, we at Panoptic Solutions had staff fly internationally. In the process, they lost their luggage. We went through quite an ordeal to retrieve it. However, it is doable. So, in this article, we will explain how our experience helped reduce the likelihood of losing bags in the future. 

First and foremost, here are a few things anyone can and should do before getting to the airport: 

• Label the luggage clearly, 
• Take photos of the baggage before departure in order to provide accurate ID to the airline staff if bags get lost, 
• Ensure the company has adequate insurance for lost luggage, and 
• Have the ground team purchase only essentials for the first 24-48 hours, as the bags will likely be recovered and returned in that timeframe. 

Completing these steps enables the business executive or high-net-worth family to continue their trip and the remainder of the day unhinged. 

At any rate, what should anyone do in the first hours upon establishing that the bags have gone missing? 

Proactive Behaviour with Lost Luggage

The mishandled baggage rate for international departures in many major airports in Australia is more than twice the average for the Asia-Pacific region. In fact, international airlines have spent more than AUD25 million year after year due to lost luggage. But, when one travels in haste or needs to attend an urgent business meeting, it does not truly make a difference how much the airline is willing to pay to retrieve the person’s mismanaged baggage. 

However, what does one do in the immediate aftermath of losing their luggage? For one, we suggest registering with baggage services as soon as possible. After that, the airport staff will ask the concerned traveller to put together a Property Irregularity Report or PIR. Such a sequence of actions allows the relevant workers to establish what the bag looks like and other flight and airline information, including onward travel. 

Yet, some airlines may tell the passenger who lost their luggage that it awaits them on the next flight. Regardless, it is vital still to file the PIR in order to have proof later on if the bags remain missing. Airlines typically treat baggage as delayed for the first 21 days. During that timeframe, they are responsible for locating and delivering it to the affected traveller. 

Note: If the lost luggage does not turn up within 12 hours of the passenger’s arrival at the destination, we suggest making a claim to the relevant travel insurance for baggage delays. 

However, not all bags are always found. In this case, the person who lost their luggage has a right to compensation.  

How to Handle High-Value Items

As for domestic travel within Australia, airlines must compensate for lost luggage by paying up to: 

• AUD2,319 per passenger for checked baggage, and 
• AUD230 per passenger for carry-on bags. 

As for international travel, things are partly different. In fact, according to the Warsaw Convention of 1929 and the Montreal Convention of 1999, a passenger with lost luggage could get up to: 

• AUD2,500 for both checked and carry-on baggage, and 
• AUD30 for each kilogram of the checked baggage or AUD600 for carry-on bags. 

However, none of this matters if the passenger has exceedingly valuable items in their lost luggage. That is why we recommend declaring a higher value for the bags and items when checking them in at the airport. In this case, the airlines typically provide a higher coverage amount for a fee. This is especially critical when HNW individuals and families travel to far-off Australian areas with valuable clothes and equipment, such as medical stores. 

Travelling with expensive items like jewellery, cameras, or laptops warrants declaring the valuables in the hope that the airline will take the job of preserving the bags seriously. 

Nevertheless, what if the airline finds the lost luggage but cannot locate the affected passengers? In this case, after a maximum of 90 days, the airline will auction it off to the highest bidder or donate the contents to charity. So, the answer to whether they will sell the luggage if they are unable to find the owner is probably yes. Therefore, we recommend remaining reachable after reporting the baggage as missing. 

Lost Luggage That Isn’t Lost

We have not discussed what happens when other passengers “lose” their luggage at the airport intentionally. Although this is not a common occurrence due to increased levels of security in most jurisdictions, it can still happen.  

In virtually all airports, unattended luggage calls for a reaction from airport personnel, security staff, and police. The same applies to deliberately abandoned luggage that bad actors may place in strategic places throughout airports. In fact, some people can leave their bags unsupervised in terminal 2 sites, including restaurants, comfort areas, and the departures hall. 

So, what should one do if confronted with such a scenario? 

When business executives hire an executive protection team to escort them through the airport, the protective agents usually spend their time: 

• Observing people who hold backpacks or luggage that seems to be overly heavy, 
• Monitoring people who have bags in unusual places, and 
• Watching out for abandoned luggage. 

Thus, it is up to the executive protection team to scrutinise the environment and scan for threats. Accordingly, the principal should not be the one to worry about their security, although they ought to have a certain level of situational awareness throughout. 

In Conclusion

This article helped explore how to respond in situations when baggage goes missing at airports. But also how to handle high-value items and bags. For most HNW families and business executives, it may not be paramount to get compensation for their lost luggage. However, it can certainly provide a sense of satisfaction due to the airline’s mishandling. 

In addition, some airline companies are more efficient in responding to their customers’ concerns than others. So, it would be unwise to expect all airlines to approach the issue of lost luggage with the same level of dedication. By this, we mean not only Australia but the wider Asia-Pacific region. So, we suggest contacting the relevant airport staff every day or so to receive updates or get a tracking number. 

Most importantly, as many as 130 countries have ratified the Montreal Convention prescribing rules for when luggage is lost. Moreover, most jurisdictions belong to sophisticated airline systems in the developed world. Therefore, there is not that much to worry about when luggage goes missing. In most cases, it will get found. However, it is always beneficial to keep in mind the advice we mention above to be ready for emergencies. 

Companies like Panoptic Solutions support individuals and organisations in enhancing productivity and peace of mind by offering unmatched executive protection services.