Tips for flying with laptop?

[Gina]

I've never brought my laptop with me, because I thought it was pointless without paying all that $$ for internet access, but thanks to Tether I can at least hook up with my 3G connection this next trip.

My laptop is in a neoprene sleeve, which fits inside a larger laptop bag with all the accessories and such. Can I just put the laptop in its sleeve in a bin by itself, and the bag in another, and call it a day? Or will I have to shimmy it out of the sleeve and power it up or something?

Any tips appreciated!

 

[Hedy]

If your sleeve is "TSA approved" it can just stay in its sleeve. Otherwise, it will just need to go into its own bin.
ETA: I've never had a problem using my TSA approved sleeve.

 

[SkaGoat]

you can't (aren't supposed to) use a 3G connection (from a 3G card, USB dongle or your cell phone) during the flight.

It's exactly the same as using your phone during the flght.

 

[Gina]

you can't (aren't supposed to) use a 3G connection (from a 3G card, USB dongle or your cell phone) during the flight.

It's exactly the same as using your phone during the flght.

The laptop is for while I'm at WDW, not on the plane.

If your sleeve is "TSA approved" it can just stay in its sleeve. Otherwise, it will just need to go into its own bin.

From the guidelines at the TSA site, the sleeve should work just fine as there is nothing to obstruct a clear x-ray image, but I know it'll just be up to whoever is working there at that moment. Consistency isn't exactly one of their hallmarks. Hopefully it'll be fine in the sleeve -- I don't want to hold up the whole line getting it out and putting it back in, and keeping track of all the other stuff too.

If anyone has gone through security with their laptop, I'd love to hear about your experience!

 

[vicki_c]

Many times with no problem. Most recently though with it in the sleeve and we didn't have to take it out or anything (BWI to MCO and back).

 

[Dan Murphy]

Hi Gina.

HAve gone through security many times with a laptop. I do not use a sleeve, but have never had a problem or a slowdown for that. Now, my camera bag, yes. Batteries, cables, etc.

 

[tjmw2727]

WE do it all the time, I keep all the cords and accessories in a zip lock and that stays in my carryon. The laptop comes out of the carryon but stays in the sleeve and goes into a bin by itself, no problem!

 

[NotUrsula]

It should be fine in a sleeve with no metal elements on it; everyone I know uses one for business travel.

One thing you should do when traveling with a laptop, however, is mark it clearly as yours. I have a laminated business card stuck to the lid of mine. However you mark it, make sure it has your last name and your cell phone number on it. Laptops have been known to walk away from checkpoints on a frequent basis, both deliberately and accidentally (mistaken identity), but the most common thing is that passengers who are in a hurry often walk away without them. The label lets TSA call you to come and retrieve it if that happens.

I carry two extra gadgets with me when travelling with it: a short multi-plug extension cord for sharing power outlets in the airport, and also a small hi-speed USB hub, so that I (and my family) can charge our various pocket gadgetry via the laptop.)

 

[Gina]

Thank you so much for all the tips! My sleeve does have a zipper, but at the very top -- from what I understand from the TSA info, as long as the zipper doesn't in any way block the laptop itself from top or bottom in the scanner, it's okay. Guess I'll find out!

The main laptop bag will still have the chill pad, mouse, power cord, & USB hub -- will any of that cause a problem? Do I need to take those things out and put them in a bin, or can I just send the bag through?

I really appreciate all the good advice, especially about putting my info on there somewhere! Would never have thought of that! (But my shiny pink laptop is my baby... I hope to not let it out of my sight! )

Hi Dan!!

 

[Taja]

My laptop travels with me quite frequently. I place it inside the case, but not in the neoprene sleeve until after I pass through airport security. One less thing to have to deal with!

If your chill pad contains any type of gel, you may need to put it in your checked bag. I've never used one, so I'm not sure how they are made.

Corral all of your accessories into one geek bag and leave them in the case while going through security. If the TSA agents want to see anything, they will let you know. A one-gallon zip-top bag works well, as it's transparent so they easily can see what is in it if they ask you to remove it.

I usually end up with two or three bins when going through security, in addition to my carry-on bag. Since I travel solo, I place them in this order:

Bin with coat/jacket and 3-1-1 bag on top of it.
Bin with shoes and purse.
Bin with laptop.
Carry-on bag (usually laptop case).

Essentially, try to keep the more valuable items between the less valuable items. And don't allow a TSA agent to place another item between any of your items! *eek* Almost missed a flight once because of that! *eek* I've learned not to be quite that polite! *LOL*

 

[Dan Murphy]

To make sure your computer makes it safely through security and to your seat-back tray, here are a few things to know. To coulee through advocacy as apprenticed as possible, haversack your laptop in a checkpoint affable bag. These widely-available bags, made in accordance with TSA to streamline the checkpoint process, have metal-free compartments that allow the x-ray machines to produce clear images of the laptop, allowing you to keep it inside the bag.

LOL, you are too funny, dell. At least this thread is somewhat current, the others you pulled up are five years old. Can we get all the things you talk about in this posts, and your other three, at the link in your signature? Too funny.

 

[dis_guy]

I follow the TSA suggestion of packing your electronics with a layer of clothes between them to make it easier for them to see individual items. So far I've never been inspected further. I even forgot to take out my laptop on an early flight out of MCO and didn't realize it until I was half way to the gate. Wouldn't try that intentionally, though!