Airport security checks

[SunflowerSweet 1,321]

I always kept my laptop in my checked baggage when I fly domestic (within the US just to be clear).

9 times out of 10 when I open my luggage when I get to my destination there is a paper wedged between my laptop saying they checked my bag.

I had a similar issue with my old laptop, the battery had died after years of use so it only worked through the charge.

They never confiscated anything from me.

[MADDEN 40]

You might find this helpful.

http://www.flightcentre.com.au/travel-news/travel-tips/new-airport-security-rules-electronic-devices/

[Michael and Ganna 104]

My wife and I traveled from Europe to the U.S. Dec. 5th. We were asked about our electronics. They asked if anyone had used them besides us, They asked if we have received any unusual emails or texts on any of our devices. I dump my junk mail file often, and always before travel.

I always carry a computer and it has been a while since they asked me to boot it up. They HAVE asked for our phones and tablets though.

[gw68ad78 64]

Like Alaska2012 I have been asked to turn my laptop on when travelling internationally through Europe and Africa and I'm a US born citizen. You could very well be asked too but not because of your K1.

[Amine87 7]

Well I'll have the charger with me, and will bring a US plug adapter just in case. I've been traveling a lot too and I've never been asked to turn it on, but with what happened lately I don't know anymore. I jush hope they let me plug in my laptop if they wanna check it.

Thank you everyone for sharing your experience, do really appreciate it

[sumehra29 22]

I just flew on December 7 from a North African country into Paris then to USA . We were told that all electronic devices have to some type of battery life like my phone and portal charger had to be charged a bit for me to take with me and this was on December 7 in Paris I don't no about laptops but I would assume around the same if your traveling to USA from Paris

[town&country 9]

Just keep your power cord with the laptop and on the slight chance they want you to turn it on, tell them the situation and plug the thing in! More than likely you wont' have to do that.

Have a great trip--in just a few days!!

[Kastrs 723]

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.

Yes the last time I flew into the US, which was pretty recent, they had me turn on ALL electronic devices, if you cannot power up your device then they will not allow you to bring it on the plane

I am a US born citizen

Also, this process is most likely to happen when you are proceeding to the waiting area designated for your flight, they do extra security checks for the US

Edited December 11, 2015 by Kastrs

[dwheels76 5,468]

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!

I have seen it many times people made to turn on and I have seen in the immigration check immigrants told to turn on cell phone. It does happen.

Do you not have the plug to the computer. Pack it and that's that. Nothing to stress about.

[GabbyBird 53]

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

Just check it, the temperature will not break it. They don't allow luggage compartments to drop to sub-arctic temperatures. It seems like you are more worried about a half-dead laptop than your own trip.

[Stefany 2]

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.

Weren't you afraid your laptop could get broken in the checked baggage?

[SunflowerSweet 1,321]

Weren't you afraid your laptop could get broken in the checked baggage?

I know I wasn't the one you quoted, but like I said in my earlier post I ways put my laptop in my checked bag. I don't have any special case for it just put it in between my clothes and it's fine. Have flown on at least 12-15 flights with it like that and never had anything break or worried about anything breaking.

[IcezMan_IcezLady 582]

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.

They do enforce it. I have seen a lady been asked to step aside and her laptop turned on.

It is at TSA discretion to make that judgment.

I think people are been naive here. Depending on where you are coming from and/or going to, you could get scrutinized more.

OP should put the battery in the checked luggage, then have the laptop in the carry-on unless OP can cushion it well in the checked luggage.

My entire luggage was ransacked by TSA folks at IAH ( i was coming from Ghana), all because they had some Nigerians ahead of me who had, lots of agricultural products in their checked luggage and they did not declare those goods, so, that effect was carried on to me. That was the one and only time, that happened to me.

Weren't you afraid your laptop could get broken in the checked baggage?

If you cushion it well with your clothes, the laptop will be fine.

[mamoye 0]

if you don't need you computer, pack it in you luggage if you wont use it in the plane . wrap it up with some bubble wrap or clothing for protection .

If you insist on carrying it with you .You aint got nothing to worry about just carry it with the power cord and trust and believe if they want to turn it on they will find a way .

Do not stress yourself over these details .

[Michael and Ganna 104]

This note was on our new ticket. Hope this helps

RESTRICTED HAZARDOUS ITEMS

Spare batteries, fuel cells, and e-cigarettes are permitted in carry-on baggage only. If your carry-on bag contains these items and is gate checked, they must be removed and carried in the cabin. Visit the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website for the most current list of what can and cannot be transported on passenger aircraft.