Airport security checks

[Amine87 7]

Hi everyone, first of all sorry for posting here, I really don't know where to post this kind of topics.

I'm a K1visa holder nd my flight to the US is for Dec 15th. I've read that the TSA agents can ask you to turn on your laptop sometimes, that you're not allowed to bring a dead battery, and that they can ban you from your flight. My problem is, that my laptop works without a battery (my battery died like 1 year ago), I have to plug it in a source of power, it works like desktop computer.

The question is: if I bring my laptop without it's battery (since its a dead one), will it be a problem? they won't find it strange? what if they ask me to turn it on?

I cannot buy it's battery here in Algeria, got my laptop while I was student in France, it's impossible to find it here. nd I dont wanna give up on it, since it's really an expensive one.

It's really stressing me out, plus I'm comming from a North africa country...so..it's really freaking me out. I don't wanna miss my flight or anything cuz that.

Thank you in advance for your help nd advices.

Edited December 11, 2015 by Amine87

[kris&me 572]

Quit sressing

never heard of them asking for computer to be turned on

but if they want, they can find a power cord

i know security is getting tighter because of recent events

but this has not happened with anyone i know coming in

[Pitaya 2,577]

~Moved from K1 Process to General Immigration-Related Discussion Forum~

~Inquiry about computer/check/function during TSA checks, could be applicable to many visa processes~

[Amine87 7]

Really stressing, I never cared about that, but after all the recent events...can't help thinking about it. Maybe I'm just getting paranoid lol

[scotinmass 588]

I've never been asked to turn on my laptop and I've never seen anyone else being asked to turn it on. I know they made this rule a few years ago but I don't think they enforce it. You should ok.

[Lynkali 163]

The other possibility is to pack your laptop in your checked baggage. I did that often, both on international and domestic flights, because I wanted a laptop later but didn't need to carry it on the airplane with me. If it's in your checked luggage, it's fine -- it doesn't need a battery or need to be turned on.

[Amine87 7]

I've never been asked to turn on my laptop and I've never seen anyone else being asked to turn it on. I know they made this rule a few years ago but I don't think they enforce it. You should ok.

Thanks for your reply. I hope so so too.

[Amine87 7]

The other possibility is to pack your laptop in your checked baggage. I did that often, both on international and domestic flights, because I wanted a laptop later but didn't need to carry it on the airplane with me. If it's in your checked luggage, it's fine -- it doesn't need a battery or need to be turned on.

I thought about it too. But you know, airlines often load bags on top of one another in the cargo hold of your flight. Hundreds of pounds of pressure in conjunction with the low temperatures in unheated cargo compartments may lead to cracks or damage to electronic devices, so I'm not so sure about it hehe

[Boiler 45,486]

The only time I have seen it is where they suspect somebody who is seeking to enter on a non immigrant visa. There was a post the other day when they found printed job information, I have heard of them look for similar things on Computers etc.

None of that applies to a K1.

[Alaska2012 462]

I must be one of the few that always have to turn my stuff on! Just this summer they had me turn on my iPad and the kids ipods after a visit to sweden!

[senah 3]

dear amine i have been going thru airports with laptops and all kinds of electronics in the last couple of years and they never asked me to turn it on so dont stress anymore and just enjoy your new life here and welcome to America!!! my fiance should be here soon and he is also from Algeria so im sure he will be happy to know he isnt only one here from there !!! congratulations and good luck

[Amine87 7]

Sometimes they do that randomly, my fiancée have been asked to turn her laptop on during a domestic flight from California to Boston. Being without battery, with the recent events, coming from MENA country, and having my connexion flight at CDG airport, Paris, makes me feel worried and really uneasy. I'll bring it with my carry-on luggage, and hopefully I'll have a smooth trip, my connexion time is only 2 hours... Don't have time for any delays hehe

[Amine87 7]

dear amine i have been going thru airports with laptops and all kinds of electronics in the last couple of years and they never asked me to turn it on so dont stress anymore and just enjoy your new life here and welcome to America!!! my fiance should be here soon and he is also from Algeria so im sure he will be happy to know he isnt only one here from there !!! congratulations and good luck

Thanks, it makes me feel a bit better haha, good luck to you too, hope you'll have a happy life:)

[Georgia16 2,858]

I have been asked to turn my on

[JRF 117]

I too have been asked to turn on a phone. Don't assume you won't be asked to turn on a laptop.