Traveling with laptop

[Micca]

I'll be traveling with my new laptop for the first time over Thanksgiving. My questions are 1) If I carry on, what do I have to do while going through security? and 2) What is your experience in packing the laptop in luggage?
I don't necessarily need my computer for the flight, I just want it with me at my destination. TIA

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

Do not pack it in your luggage. Buy a neoprene case or a decent computer bag and bring it on the plane with you.

If you have to do anything you will have to turn it on and maybe bring up a program (such as Word) to prove that it is real.

 

[autumnbaby9]

the last time I traveled with my laptop (Jan 2005) you had to take it out of the carring case and send them in seperate containers on the belt. After it was scanned I had to turn it on and show it to the security guy. I think I read somewhere that they now make you take off the battery and show that your not hiding something in that area.

 

[lovesmurfs]

the last time I traveled with my laptop (Jan 2005) you had to take it out of the carring case and send them in seperate containers on the belt. After it was scanned I had to turn it on and show it to the security guy. I think I read somewhere that they now make you take off the battery and show that your not hiding something in that area.

I always travel with the laptop (most recently September 2006). They make you take it out of the bag and run it through in a separate bin (but then again, you do the same with your shoes). I've never had to turn it on (good thing, too, battery's been dead....).

I often wonder why I don't go to the airport in my pajamas and get dressed after security.

 

[Cool-Beans]

I don't pack it. If you have it in a bag, you'll have to take it out and put it in a container all by its lonesome...in most airports. Orlando varies. Sometimes they want it alone, sometimes they want your shoes on top of it.

In any event, they'll tell you what to do.

 

[epcotfan]

Whatever you do, DO NOT pack it in your luggage. Chances are you won't have a working laptop if it is in luggage. Always take your laptop onto the plane with you and put it in a secure spot so it can't slide around too much.