Question for a TSAer: PC through security
Dec 9, 2004 | 5:08 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: CHS
Posts: 2,274
Question for a TSAer: PC through security
So I need some quick advice about a trip tomorrow. I'm flying from ALB to TPA (through ORD) to have an early Christmas with my mother. I'm bringing with me a new computer for her. Its not a laptop - but its a very small computer (Shuttle XPC for those interested). It fits nicely in my standard backpack (think highschool kind).
So...when I go through security (of course I'm not checking it)...should I take it out and throw it (not literally) in the laptop tray? Or should I just keep it inside my backpack?
Thanks
Chris
So...when I go through security (of course I'm not checking it)...should I take it out and throw it (not literally) in the laptop tray? Or should I just keep it inside my backpack?
Thanks
Chris
Dec 9, 2004 | 5:16 pm
#2
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 456
Are you planning on packing it in the backpack by itself or with a ton of other components/personal items? Because I'm thinking the easiest, quickest way to xray it and get you on your way would be to leave it in the bag as long as there's not a ton of other stuff in it as well (except maybe a towel wrapped around it for shock absorbsion). That should afford a good clean view for the xray op as well as not let other people know what you got (I'm a stickler about pax privacy and courtesy). Worst case scenario, it would be an easy bag check if one were called since the tough ones are when the item in question is buried under lots of other stuff. Does this help?
Dec 9, 2004 | 8:59 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: CHS
Posts: 2,274
myrgirl - I am planning on using that for my clothes as well - so my personal items will be in the bag.
I'm thinking that I'll keep all my personal stuff in the front compartment (amen Florida = shorts ... b/c there's not too much room) and put the computer in the main compartment. Then I'll just take it out and send it through separately.
Now my super-paranoia question... Is there any need to tell them that I have it before it goes through? Kinda like "oh - I have a computer". Or are they just gonna be like "duh!"?
Thanks all
-Chris
I'm thinking that I'll keep all my personal stuff in the front compartment (amen Florida = shorts ... b/c there's not too much room) and put the computer in the main compartment. Then I'll just take it out and send it through separately.
Now my super-paranoia question... Is there any need to tell them that I have it before it goes through? Kinda like "oh - I have a computer". Or are they just gonna be like "duh!"?
Thanks all
-Chris
Dec 10, 2004 | 5:47 am
#6
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 456
Originally Posted by chrislacey
myrgirl - I am planning on using that for my clothes as well - so my personal items will be in the bag.
Dec 10, 2004 | 3:55 pm
#7
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Alabama
Posts: 400
Originally Posted by chrislacey
Now my super-paranoia question... Is there any need to tell them that I have it before it goes through? Kinda like "oh - I have a computer". Or are they just gonna be like "duh!"?
Dec 10, 2004 | 7:34 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Bay Area, CA
Programs: UA Plat 2MM; AS MVP Gold 75K
Posts: 35,092
Why do people even bother asking TSA for suggestions? While many of the TSA posters here are reasonable people who try to be helpful, you're probably not going to be going through their lanes. And as we know with all things TSA, you never know what you're gonna get.
While someone here may say run it separately, should be no problem, etc., for all you know your screener may deem it a prohibited item and hit you with a civil fine just for kicks.
You really never know what's going to happen to you at the carnival.
While someone here may say run it separately, should be no problem, etc., for all you know your screener may deem it a prohibited item and hit you with a civil fine just for kicks.
You really never know what's going to happen to you at the carnival.
Dec 10, 2004 | 9:10 pm
#9
Join Date: Oct 2004
Programs: TSA Reanimation Program
Posts: 148
Originally Posted by channa
While someone here may say run it separately, should be no problem, etc., for all you know your screener may deem it a prohibited item and hit you with a civil fine just for kicks.
While I suppose anything is possible unless you take your PC tower and hit someone over the head with it will probably not be considered prohibited. Rest easy brave soul.
Dec 14, 2004 | 10:55 pm
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: CHS
Posts: 2,274
Actually - I followed the advice from TSA screeners a total of 8 times on my 4-flight trip. (Cigarette breaks - doh!)
Every time I removed my PC from my backpack...and every time it went through without a hitch. It was never selected for secondary - nor were any of the bags I brought with me.
I told the screeners about the PC every time I went through security - and it seemed to work. As far as why I asked the TSA agents on the board...well - they certainly know best.
So thanks for the advice - it payed off...and I had absolutely no problems.
Thanks!
-Chris
Every time I removed my PC from my backpack...and every time it went through without a hitch. It was never selected for secondary - nor were any of the bags I brought with me.
I told the screeners about the PC every time I went through security - and it seemed to work. As far as why I asked the TSA agents on the board...well - they certainly know best.
So thanks for the advice - it payed off...and I had absolutely no problems.
Thanks!
-Chris