Hi all -- it seems to be a new rule in US airports that laptop computers have to be removed from their bag and screened separately. I have never seen this practice outside the US (well, at least not in Asia).
My question is, what is the reason for this? Of course, I'm not asking for any "secret" information about security procedures, but just curious as to how a laptop is different from any other electronic device that it needs to be removed (It's unlikely to me that the X-rays can't penetrate a laptop bag)? And why does it apply only in the US (from my experience)
Thanks!
Moderators: richierich, ua900, PanAm_DC10, hOMSaR
RE: Air Security Of Laptop Computers
It applies in Canada as well in my experience but nowhere else. There is no logical reason for it, as the security pundits will readily admit. However, it creates the illusion of safety to the infrequently flying public so it serves its purpose.
RE: Air Security Of Laptop Computers
A little off topic but,
Has anyone else noticed that a lot more businessmen are traveling without there laptop bags? It seems like I see more and more people flying with just there laptops.
Has anyone else noticed that a lot more businessmen are traveling without there laptop bags? It seems like I see more and more people flying with just there laptops.
RE: Air Security Of Laptop Computers
I`ve had to remove it a couple of times in Canada, not in Europe I don`t think. It`s not a big deal since I have to turn it on anyways...........
RE: Air Security Of Laptop Computers
It is actually not pointless, at the moment the reason why the US do it is that when in a bag with other items, it is hard to differenciate what is part of the laptop and what isnt. Therefore they make you take the laptop out, this means the bag can be screened with less chance of error. I am not sure why it is that this doesnt happen in Europe or anywhere else, but it may be due to the fact that in the new systems of security in the US they are being a little more careful in the short term that they would normally need to be.
Jeremy
Jeremy
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- delta-flyer
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RE: Air Security Of Laptop Computers
Actually, this has been the practice in the US for nearly a year. Sometimes, they use some type of chemical treatment to "test" the computers after passing through the X-ray -- anyone know what that is?
I have not seen this in Europe or Asia.
Pete
I have not seen this in Europe or Asia.
Pete
RE: Air Security Of Laptop Computers
I believe that in australia they make you take the computer out of the case and then take the battery out of the laptop. Someone correct me if I'm wrong but thats the way it was back in June.
Here in the US if your traveling with a laptop, you must make sure that you grab the correct computer after passing security. Don't want to end up with somebody else's. In Denver, I have seen a few laptops an cell phones and other things stacked up on top of the X-Ray machines that people had left behind. What a disapointment that would be when you tried to use your computer inflight and it was still sitting at the security checkpoint!!
Dinker
Here in the US if your traveling with a laptop, you must make sure that you grab the correct computer after passing security. Don't want to end up with somebody else's. In Denver, I have seen a few laptops an cell phones and other things stacked up on top of the X-Ray machines that people had left behind. What a disapointment that would be when you tried to use your computer inflight and it was still sitting at the security checkpoint!!
Dinker
RE: Air Security Of Laptop Computers
I believe that in australia they make you take the computer out of the case and then take the battery out of the laptop.
That would be very interesting to see since my laptop battery is screwed into place and they won't allow me to carry a screwdriver through security!
That would be very interesting to see since my laptop battery is screwed into place and they won't allow me to carry a screwdriver through security!
RE: Air Security Of Laptop Computers
Sydney Airport has signs up directing that laptops should be removed and the battery taken out.
New Zealand has the same rule, although being the inefficient dolts they are, they have not bothered to invest in a sign, instead the security officer must ask each person individually "Do you have a laptop in your bag? Please take it out." And apparently the reason is because they bought cheap X-Ray machines that can't see through the laptop.......
New Zealand has the same rule, although being the inefficient dolts they are, they have not bothered to invest in a sign, instead the security officer must ask each person individually "Do you have a laptop in your bag? Please take it out." And apparently the reason is because they bought cheap X-Ray machines that can't see through the laptop....
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- Guest
RE: Air Security Of Laptop Computers
Delta
What they are doing is a chemical test for explosive residue.
What they are doing is a chemical test for explosive residue.
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- houstondallas
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RE: Air Security Of Laptop Computers
The whole laptop thing is ridiculous. It's just another example of security resources that are being squandered when they could be used for other more important measures.
If they can x-ray carry-on's, why can't they x-ray laptops in their cases?
In Canada, they make us turn on the damn things. What does this prove? My laptop has multiple battery bays. I can have it start-up, and the other bays could be filled with plastic explosives. So what does turning it on prove? Nothing, another waste of resources in security.
houston
If they can x-ray carry-on's, why can't they x-ray laptops in their cases?
In Canada, they make us turn on the damn things. What does this prove? My laptop has multiple battery bays. I can have it start-up, and the other bays could be filled with plastic explosives. So what does turning it on prove? Nothing, another waste of resources in security.
houston
RE: Air Security Of Laptop Computers
Hving you take it out and turn it on is so show that it is in fact a working laptop and not a container for something else....(ie...a kilo of C-4). No, it is not a perfect way to screen them, but it does make sense.)
The security system in the U.S. does have a long way to go, but this is an item that does make sense and is not very intrusive.
The security system in the U.S. does have a long way to go, but this is an item that does make sense and is not very intrusive.
RE: Air Security Of Laptop Computers
Turning it on is silly, as Houstondallas says. The airports I've been in most commonly don't have the turn on requirement.
What is true is that it makes it easier to screen the laptops and their bags, as Artsyman says. Usually people carry along a mile of cables and other electronic stuff. By separating the laptops and everything else, it makes it much easier to screen on the x-ray.
What is true is that it makes it easier to screen the laptops and their bags, as Artsyman says. Usually people carry along a mile of cables and other electronic stuff. By separating the laptops and everything else, it makes it much easier to screen on the x-ray.
RE: Air Security Of Laptop Computers
Is it neccesary to ban any cables and laptops on US flights?? The cable can be used as weapon! I think everyone knows that how to use cables to kill someone. The laptops are heavy objects, it is very easy to damage something.
RE: Air Security Of Laptop Computers
B-HXB, last time I flew out of Sydney back to Europe in early February this year, there was a loooooooooooooooooong line of upset passengers and an aussie security officer at the end asking each and every pax: "Do you have a laptop in your bag sir? Please take it out and remove its batteries.."
There was not a sign there at all by that time, I suppose they've placed it later.
There was not a sign there at all by that time, I suppose they've placed it later.
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- VirginFlyer
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RE: Air Security Of Laptop Computers
Alpere1 - I too passed through Sydney in early February, and I am certain I saw a sign there (I had a laptop computer with me, and had to go through the check). I am also certain the sign was there in the previous October.
What part of the terminal were you in - the 'qantas and oneworld' wing or the 'star and others' wing?
V/F
What part of the terminal were you in - the 'qantas and oneworld' wing or the 'star and others' wing?
V/F
RE: Air Security Of Laptop Computers
Haha, this Laptop checking thing worked out to be a good thing to me.... I went through Sydney, and the "normal" queue was real long! And then came this security guy, shouting for those people who has a laptop to follow him, and jumpt the queue! I swear, the people waiting there without one were so jealous......
All I had to do is power it up for them... In the meantime, they helped you screen all your other stuff.... My laptop was kind of like a fast foward ticket then.... Dunno if it'll happen again though.....
All I had to do is power it up for them... In the meantime, they helped you screen all your other stuff.... My laptop was kind of like a fast foward ticket then.... Dunno if it'll happen again though.....
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