Computer on plane

[Horizons16]

Is it ok to take a laptop on the airplane these days or are they going to make me pack it into my regular case?
I know before they made you turn it on but whats the deal now?
Thanks
~Steve

[BonnieA]

On our trip to SF last month, my husband took his laptop. He had to remove it from the case to put through the X-ray but I don't think he had to turn it on. There was no problem bringing it on the plane and he did use it during our flight.

[Horizons16]

Wonderful... thanks for the reply :)

~Steve

[DebbieB]

I brought my laptop to Orlando twice since 9/11 - I was asked to turn it on once on both trips. Going to Orlando in December (gate check) and returning in May (at main security). It does draw attention - they sometimes just wipe it for explosives, but they did that before 9/11. They now have a plastic bin to put it in the x-ray machine. I like to put in the middle of my stuff so that I'm through the metal detector before it comes out, I've heard of them being stolen if not watching. I also have cards with my name on both the top and bottom, so there's no "accidental" switches.

You can use it on the plane while at cruising altitude.

[TheWho]

I also had to take it out, but not turn on.
Make sure you follow it through. There was someone else before me with the same brand. That would stink if I took the wrong one.