Taking a DS through security

[jack'smom]

I will be flying with a brand new (in the box) Nintendo DS and game. When I reach security, will it need to come out of my carryon, or can it stay in?

It is a gift for my son (who is traveling with me) and I don't want him to see it at security.

Thanks!

 

[clm10308]

We have never traveled with a NIB D'S, but we have multiple Hand held electronic devices in our carry-on bags. We have never had to take any of them out of the bags while going through security.

 

[Detailor]

I believe that TSA rules on the requirement to remove electronic devices from carry-on bags are limited to laptops, full sized video consoles, video cameras and DVD players. You should not have any problems by leaving the hand held game in your carry-on.

Dick Taylor

 

[disneyfaninaz]

No need to take it out of your carry on. But don't wrap it. That way if TSA needs to look, they won't have to unwrap it in front of your son.

 

[jack'smom]

Thanks everybody!

That's what I thought and was hoping for!

 

[Jestocost]

Unfortunately, it depends.

Technically the PPs are correct in that only full-size video game consoles are supposed to be required to come out of carry-on bags for screening. But, as always, there's plenty of variance in (mis)interpretation from airport to airport and even from screener to screener. When I went through security yesterday one was announcing that "all larger electronics" had to come out of carry-on bags for screening, and proceeded to list a number of items that don't need to come out under the rules.

If I were you I would leave it in the bag and it may sail through without a second look. Don't be surprised, however, if it gets flagged on the x-ray and you wind up with a hand check of the bag that could include opening the box.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

We took 2 new in the box full size blu-ray players to Hawaii with us in October. They didn't get a second look. Of course, your mileage may vary. -- Suzanne

 

[Huff]

I've traveled with several electronic test devices which have numerous lights, switches, wires etc. along with a large amount of solid steel or aluminum that trips the xray/metal detectors alarm. TSA always asks to look at it, then asks me what it is. I say test equipment and I'm on my way. They would have no idea what the heck it is as its rather unique equipement.

At MCO my DN walked through while carrying a large water bottle. She forgot about the rule of 3oz liquids in baggies. TSA said nothing.

My experience is that you never know at any given day what they may ask to see or stop you for.

 

[NotUrsula]

They COULD insist on inpecting it if they can't see it clearly on the scanner image. It is best to put it in a separate bag that will open kind of wide for looking inside, so that you can ask them to inspect it without taking it out if possible. They do usually understand the deal with gifts and work with people on it if they can.

It is also best if you have two adults in the party for you to go a few people ahead of him (strangers between you and them) so that if it needs to be inspected, TSA will be through with the process before he gets through the detector. (Give him a story about how you've heard that sometimes thieves steal people's valuables, so you want to be ahead with nothing important in case someone tries to take valuables that are ahead of you on the belt. Make a show of having the other adult send your purse through when you are already waiting on the other side.) We do this any time we have a "surprise" item in our hand luggage that we don't want someone in the party to see.