TSA, Tablets, and Protective Cases...

[Petals & Pixie Dust]

Hi Everyone!

I will be traveling soon and typically take a laptop with me...However, since my last trip, I have converted to a tablet. I'm curious as to what the TSA protocol is. I do have a protective case on it, but it is something that my husband put on and I wouldn't have the first clue on how to get it out...Do I have to remove the protective case? Or like my laptop can I leave it on???

Any insight is greatly appreciated!

TIA

 

[delilah]

I have an IPad, and for the past year or so, it has been unnecessary to remove tablets from your bag when it goes through security. So, you shouldn't have to worry about removing the protective case. Of course, TSA could change their minds again. As a matter of fact, when I've gone through security, it has been permitted to keep a laptop inside a neoprene sleeve, as long as that is all that is in the sleeve.

 

[OKW Lover]

Good news, as far as the TSA is concerned your Tablet doesn't exist. Just leave it in your carryon as it goes through the xray machine.

 

[dudspizza]

Good news, as far as the TSA is concerned your Tablet doesn't exist. Just leave it in your carryon as it goes through the xray machine.

Yep, don't take it out. I travel with two iPads, one of which has a case with a bluetooth keyboard...... essentially it looks like a small laptop and I don't ever take it out and I don't get questioned.

Duds

 

[beccasmom]

Have never been questioned - or searched- traveling with a tablet and e-reader in my carry-on.

 

[Petals & Pixie Dust]

awesome thank you!

 

[BuzzLiteyear]

On our last trip I was told I needed my iPad out. It did not have to come out of its case, but it needed to be out of my bag. TSA agent was prompting everyone in line to get all devices with storage out. He specifically mentioned iPads, iPods, and Kindles. This was the first time I've had to do it.

 

[Jestocost]

Theoretically, an iPad or other tablet should not have to come out of your bag. Practically speaking, sometimes you might be asked to take tablets out (as a result of some special screening or due to screener incompetence) or they might show up weirdly on a scan and require some kind of secondary screening.

 

[CoffeeCup]

I've never had to take out my iPad when flying in the US, but recently I had to take it out of my purse when flying out of Zurich, Switzerland. I was able to leave it in the protective case.

 

[Petals & Pixie Dust]

I'm ok with having to show it...but if I had to get it out of the case I'd be a goner...