In the last month, security at LHR has instituted the US model of requiring all laptops to removed from your bags. The extra twist at Heathrow is that they also have a bunch of young kids in yellow shirts handing out clear plastic bags that you are supposed to place you laptop into.

I asked one of them if it was mandatory to use the plastic bag and was told that it was required. So being the person I am, I decided to see what would happen if I didn't use the bag. No problem at the front of the scanner, the person there said nothing. Just put my laptop in a tray but when I reached the other side, they decided they needed to swab my laptop for explosives and delayed my leaving for a few minutes. I wondered if this was like the "we suggest you remove your shoes" and when you don't they automatically send you to secondary screening as punishment. As I looked around, I noticed that three other folks who did the same thing, were also getting this delay for swabbing.

Hope this doesn't end up being picked up by the TSA.

McFinn added: This was at LHR T3

... is the point of the plastic bags? what's wrong with reusable trays?

(these are hypothetical questions, obviously)

Went through yesterday, no bags? Maybe BAA decided to save a few pence?

Went thru T3 yesterday. Was offered bag for my lap-top and refused it (... is the point?). No problems at the x-ray m/c resulted.

Are these plastic bags being reused or swabbed in batches later?

I wonder if any material has been made that changes colors upon contact with nitrates. That would be an interesting approach.

The plastic bags are just to encourage people to take their laptop out of their bag before they actually get to the x-ray machine by giving something for them to carry it in.