Is a Tablet treated the same as a laptop for alirline security?

[SamSam]

We will have a Samsung Tablet with us on our upcoming trip and I'm not sure if they need to be put in a tray going through security like a laptop or not. We've always traveled with laptops and, of course, always took them out of their cases and put them in a tray for security. Is the same required for a tablet?

 

[tjmw2727]

I have an Ipad and leave it in my carry on bag. I travel at least once a month and have never been asked to take it out.

 

[Jestocost]

We will have a Samsung Tablet with us on our upcoming trip and I'm not sure if they need to be put in a tray going through security like a laptop or not. We've always traveled with laptops and, of course, always took them out of their cases and put them in a tray for security. Is the same required for a tablet?

Theoretically, no. You should not have to remove a tablet from your carry-on bags for screening.

Realistically, some screeners don't know or follow those rules and sometimes--depending on how the pad is positioned in the bag relative to the screening devices--it may look funny and require a rescreening.

 

[SamSam]

Thank you both for your quick responses. It will make things much easier not to have to take them out. We're traveling with twin 2 year old grandsons, so not needing to take the tablets out makes things a little easier.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Tablets may remain in your bag, although the TSA occasionally will require everyone to remove them.

 

[CPT Tripss]

Tablets may remain in your bag, although the TSA occasionally will require everyone to remove them.

SOP for Airport Security Screeners . . . The agency has a rule, but don't expect them to follow it.