Taking a DVD player on a flight

[Henlady]

Please bear with me. This is only the 2nd time I've flown since all the TSA stuff went into effect. I have a DVD player with carrying case that I was thinking of taking on our flight in September. The carrying case has the ability to connect to the DVD player and allow 2 people to listen via headphones to the movie at the same time.
Will I need to remove the DVD player from the case before going thru the security line? Can I keep the DVD's in the pocket on the outside of the case along with the electrical cord? What do the TSA's prefer?
I appreciate any input, as I'm hoping to make the process as quick and painless as possible.

 

[Tara]

Please bear with me. This is only the 2nd time I've flown since all the TSA stuff went into effect. I have a DVD player with carrying case that I was thinking of taking on our flight in September. The carrying case has the ability to connect to the DVD player and allow 2 people to listen via headphones to the movie at the same time.
Will I need to remove the DVD player from the case before going thru the security line? Can I keep the DVD's in the pocket on the outside of the case along with the electrical cord? What do the TSA's prefer?
I appreciate any input, as I'm hoping to make the process as quick and painless as possible.

I've only flown with a DVD player a couple of times, but we were asked to remove it from the bag to go through the machine. For the cords, I don't think it matters where they are, but having them wrapped up neatly is a big help and can prevent them from needing to take a closer look.

 

[csarenz]

I would think it may depend on the specific airport. Worst case, you would have to pull out the DVD player and scan it through separately, just like you would with a laptop. You shouldn't have to scan the case or cords separately though.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

We fly w/ port dvd players often. It's been somewhat recent, approx 1-1.5 years, since they started asking to have the player removed from its case. We just put in in a bin next to the case and send it through last. We don't like to send any valuables thru 1st just in case there's any delay going thru the metal detector; we wouldn't want it sitting there in plain view before someone in our party has a chance to be on the receiving end if you kwim.

Two headphones is great. Getting both kids to agree on a movie is harder.
To keep things fair, we let one child choose for the southbound flight, and the other for the return.

Have a great trip!

 

[formill]

We've had to remove our portable DVD players- when we did not we had to wait while security searched by hand through the bag- removed the DVD player then sent bag through again without it. Now we know just take them out.

 

[Thumper4me]

We travel with a portable DVD player. It varies by airport. I usually ask the TSA agent standing near the belts. I also let them know what it is the bag so as not to cause delays.

 

[Jestocost]

Technically, a portable DVD player shouldn't hve to come out (the published rules only say full-size DVD players, like the ones you hook up to your home TV, have to come out), but each airport and, in some cases, each individual agent can ask you to take anything out at any time. As has been noted, you frequently will find that they do want you to take out your portable DVD player. Just make sure you have it in an accessible place, ask what they want you to do when you get to security, and do what they ask. It shouldn't be any problem.

You didn't mention dealing with it on the flight, but you should be aware that most airlines don't have anyplace to plug in a DVD player on the plane. As a result, you'll have to rely on battery power unless you get lucky. If your plane does have power ports, they probably will be the cigarette lighter type that you find in cars, so make sure you have an adapter. If you want to know for sure, check out SeatGuru; just find your airline and the appropriate airplane type, then check the seat layout to see if there are any power ports and, if so, where they are. American has more than anybody else, but they are few and far between in the back half of the plane. Southwest, on the other hand, has none anywhere. Other airlines are all over the map.

 

[Henlady]

Thanks for all your help. I'll just plan to automatically remove the dvd player from the case so there is no potential hassle. We are flying Southwest, but the player has a built in battery that will hold a charge for about 2 hours and our flight usually only lasts about 2 hrs, so we'll just pick a movie that plays less than that and we should be OK. DH stresses a bit when flying so I am hoping to redirect his attention with a film.
I knew I could count on all of you for the info I needed.

 

[buzz5985]

Should you turn the DVD player on?? Or just take it out of the case??

 

[Alexander]

Thanks for all your help. I'll just plan to automatically remove the dvd player from the case so there is no potential hassle. We are flying Southwest, but the player has a built in battery that will hold a charge for about 2 hours and our flight usually only lasts about 2 hrs, so we'll just pick a movie that plays less than that and we should be OK. DH stresses a bit when flying so I am hoping to redirect his attention with a film.
I knew I could count on all of you for the info I needed.

You also won't be able to turn it on until you've reached cruising altitude. The pilot or FAs will let you know when it is safe to use portable electronic equipment. I usually have the kids do something else from the time we board until cruising altitude--color, read, etc, then turn on the DVD until we begin our descent and thus have to turn it off again.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Also if you want to watch a longer movie, you are allowed to turn it on while waiting at the gate. My kids look for electrical outlets to plug it in so we don't drain the battery before boarding.
He could watch some of it at the gate and then finish it in the air.

 

[PatsMom]

DD travels with my portable DVD player and just automatically takes it out of the case and sends it through separately. Not all TSA agents require it but it is just as easy to be ready for it.

She watches movies in the waiting area and plugs in to make sure the battery is fully charged for the flight. When she took friends with us, we had a splitter that allowed both of them to listen through the headsets. They just used the same earbuds they had for the iPods.