Flying with Electronics

[mmbrad02]

Do you still have to remove laptops from their bags when you fly?

What about other electronics? I seems like my phone and camera I have just laid in a bin because I usually have them out anyways. We are looking at taking our ipad and my daughters leap pad as well - do we need to remove those from our carry on's and put them in their own bin?

We have flown, but the trips have just enough time in between that I often forget all my do's and don'ts.

 

[goofy4tink]

If you're going through the regular security line, then yes, your laptop comes out and in a bin by itself. If you get to go through the 'express' TSA Precheck line, then no, the laptop can stay in your bag. The vast majority of people have to go through the regular line though.
I usually put all my electronics in a large ziploc baggie...camera, phone, chargers, cords. Easier if there is any question. I do leave that baggie in my carryon though.
iPads do not need to come out of the carry on bag.

 

[figment_jii]

I second the recommendation to put things in ziploc baggies. Laptops have to be in their own bins (out of the case), but other electronic devices (tablets, phones, etc.) can remain in your bag. However, if the screener sees a bunch of cables/wires and has trouble identifying/distinguishing items, they will open the bag and take items out to inspect the carry-on. If things are in bags, things are less likely to get misplaced.

 

[keishashadow]

I throw all the electronics/chargers/phones in one carryon along with touchpads. TSA does give the bag a thorough lookie-see, but would rather have my pricey stuff in the bag instead of a bowl/bin, especially when it's possible to get pulled aside and risk it going missing sitting unattended on the belt.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

If you're going through the regular security line, then yes, your laptop comes out and in a bin by itself. If you get to go through the 'express' TSA Precheck line, then no, the laptop can stay in your bag. The vast majority of people have to go through the regular line though.
I usually put all my electronics in a large ziploc baggie...camera, phone, chargers, cords. Easier if there is any question. I do leave that baggie in my carryon though.
iPads do not need to come out of the carry on bag.

Your laptop can remain in a bag if it is "checkpoint friendly:"

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/checkpoint-friendly-laptop-bags

Every once in a while, you are required to remove iPads, but this is not the norm.

 

[goofy4tink]

Your laptop can remain in a bag if it is "checkpoint friendly:"

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/checkpoint-friendly-laptop-bags

Every once in a while, you are required to remove iPads, but this is not the norm.

True, but I really think it's a better idea to just plan on taking it out. Who knows what the TSA agent is going to do, or if the passenger actually has a bag that is 'checkpoint friendly'. I have a Vera Bradly bag that is supposed to be so, but I'm still nervous to use it.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

True, but I really think it's a better idea to just plan on taking it out. Who knows what the TSA agent is going to do, or if the passenger actually has a bag that is 'checkpoint friendly'. I have a Vera Bradly bag that is supposed to be so, but I'm still nervous to use it.

Yes, it's always safer to just take it out.

 

[tjmw2727]

True, but I really think it's a better idea to just plan on taking it out. Who knows what the TSA agent is going to do, or if the passenger actually has a bag that is 'checkpoint friendly'. I have a Vera Bradly bag that is supposed to be so, but I'm still nervous to use it.

This is usually me - I try and make no waves going through security!

However, the past few trips I have been leaving my laptop in the checkpoint friendly (bag by itself no cords) as my bag has small handles that make it easier for me to get everything into and out of the bins more smoothly. No issues on 6 passes through so far.