What action should a passenger take if they notice a suspicious item at the airport?

A passenger noticing a suspicious item at the airport should report it immediately to security personnel. This action is crucial for several reasons. First, airports are high-security areas where safety is a top priority. Recognizing an item as suspicious indicates a potential security threat, which could jeopardize the safety of all passengers.

By reporting to security personnel, the situation can be assessed by trained professionals who are equipped to handle potentially dangerous situations. They have protocols in place for investigating and managing suspicious items safely. Prompt reporting can prevent misunderstandings and ensure that any threat is addressed before it escalates.

Other actions, such as taking a photo, asking another passenger, or ignoring the item, fail to ensure safety. Taking a photo could draw attention to the item and possibly cause panic, while asking another passenger does not provide any actionable response or involve trained personnel. Ignoring suspicious items entirely could allow genuine threats to go unaddressed, putting everyone at risk. Therefore, the correct action is to report the item directly to security.