TSA experiences? 9+" Readers/Tablets

rjpawlak · 01-16-2012, 11:10 AM

I'm just curious. One of the reasons I decided to go with a 7" tablet is that TSA doesn't require removal of the device from my luggage. I've been in many different airports over the years, and it seems as though some require removal of ipads (which I take to mean any 10" tablet-like thing), and some do not.

Does anyone travel successfully without having to remove their 10" tablet? Experiences?

Penforhire · 01-16-2012, 01:25 PM

My experiences with a huge 17" work laptop vary. Even recently I was passed through without removing the device from its case (I forgot, as it usually is required). The rules are just not consistently enforced by TSA workers.

I just take a deep breath and try to relax when I fly because it is just "security theater" to me (Really? You're telling me five or ten travellers intending harm won't think of combining multiple liquid containers? D'oh!).

rjpawlak · 01-16-2012, 01:43 PM

Yes, I abandon myself to the travel gods... But, I do have to travel with a work laptop, and the process of 'personal disassembly' that one has to go through is getting longer and longer.

I suspect that it may be influencing what people decide to buy, but I am not sure.

Bob

JSWolf · 01-16-2012, 01:47 PM

Getting a smaller tablet when you really want a larger one just because the TSA might want to see it is not really a good reason to go with the smaller tablet. My wife has an iPad and both on domestic and international flights, she has never had to take it out of her bag.

rjpawlak · 01-16-2012, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Getting a smaller tablet when you really want a larger one just because the TSA might want to see it is not really a good reason to go with the smaller tablet. My wife has an iPad and both on domestic and international flights, she has never had to take it out of her bag.

Which airports, if I may ask?

Since TSA requires a bin fo reach computer, it can be a bit tedious. (bin for laptop)+(bin for tablet)+(bin for shoes, jacket and liquids)+bags.

If this were the only issue it would be workable - but they also want removal of the laptop and tablet from its case, which is extra hassle, and places the tablet at risk because of its big glass display.

Bob

hrosvit · 01-16-2012, 03:24 PM

I have an ExoPC tablet (11.6" display), and fly about twice a month. I carry it in a small Timbuk2 messenger bag, and have never taken it out when going through security, and have never been asked to.

wizwor · 01-16-2012, 05:14 PM

This is an interesting topic. I have always been told that laptops must be removed, opened, and sent through separately. I have heard that electronic devices had to be removed from a carryon. So, I take my laptop, phone, and kindle out and send them through. I have had NO agent ask me about a bagged kindle or phone and I have had TWO tell me to leave them in the bag to avoid damage.

JSWolf · 01-16-2012, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjpawlak

Which airports, if I may ask?

Since TSA requires a bin fo reach computer, it can be a bit tedious. (bin for laptop)+(bin for tablet)+(bin for shoes, jacket and liquids)+bags.

If this were the only issue it would be workable - but they also want removal of the laptop and tablet from its case, which is extra hassle, and places the tablet at risk because of its big glass display.

Bob

Boston Logan, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Hethro, Talon, Helsinki, JFK in NYC are the ones I can recall. Never once did the iPad have to come out. Laptops yes.

So to be honest, return or sell your tablet and buy the one you really wanted with the larger screen.

And so what if the tablet has to come out of your bag. My laptop has never had a problem with the scanner. Nothing I've put through the scanner has had a problem. So really, your just being needlessly paranoid.

anamardoll · 01-16-2012, 05:20 PM

The TSA is weird.

We traveled last year. Husband had a laptop in his luggage; I had a little netbook (miniature laptop) in my carryon.

TSA made him boot up his laptop, but waved me through in irritation when I tried to boot up my netbook for them. They claimed they only checked laptops, not netbooks. I wanted to ask them why, since the devices seem remarkably same to ME, but of course you're not supposed to question them.

ETA: They weren't even REMOTELY interested in my Nook Classic. Move on, Miss!

Bob Butler · 01-16-2012, 05:22 PM

I have a backpack where the laptop compartment unfolds and lies flat on the conveyor belt without anything other than the canvas of the backpack obstructing the scanner. Since purchasing it about 3 years ago I have never had to remove my laptop from the backpack and have taken dozens of flights.

I also have both an iPad and a Kindle, and have never removed either from my backpack.

If only there was a similar solution for my shoes.

Bilbo1967 · 01-16-2012, 05:23 PM

In my experience (3-4 return international flights a month), I always get told to remove my laptop from its bag and to place my mobile phone in the tray. The e-reader and tablet never get queried when left in my bag.

I have no idea what the logic behind that is.

pidgeon92 · 01-16-2012, 06:13 PM

My husband travels extensively in the US and occasionally abroad, and he says it varies not from airport to airport, but from TSA agent to TSA agent. He always keeps it out of his carry-on bag and ready for them, just in case.

dgillette.rm · 01-16-2012, 07:31 PM

The only time the TSA makes me remove my tablet is when it ends up under my Sony during the X-Ray process. My carry on bag can avoid that, so I have no problem.

HansTWN · 01-16-2012, 09:32 PM

I only have international experience at a number of Asian airports. I average 2-4 flights each month. They always ask me to remove the laptop. But I never had to remove my 9" tablet or my Kindle DX.

RainingLemur · 01-17-2012, 12:11 AM

The last few times I've flown, it's been largely split. Sometimes they'll ask to see my devices out of the bags and ask some other questions, other times it's as if they didn't exist at all. I think it just depends on which agents you get to deal with. My dad was in the TSA for a while and he said that it's a crap-shoot as to who gets checked and when.

View Poll Results: Does TSA make you remove your 9"+ tablet from your luggage?
Yes, TSA makes me remove my tablet for inspection (most of the time)	3	9.09%
No, TSA doesn't make me remove my tablet for inspection (most of the time)	30	90.91%
Voters: 33. You may not vote on this poll

01-16-2012, 11:10 AM	#1
rjpawlak Enthusiast Posts: 44 Karma: 48432 Join Date: Feb 2010 Device: Nook STR and Nook Tablet	TSA experiences? 9+" Readers/Tablets I'm just curious. One of the reasons I decided to go with a 7" tablet is that TSA doesn't require removal of the device from my luggage. I've been in many different airports over the years, and it seems as though some require removal of ipads (which I take to mean any 10" tablet-like thing), and some do not. Does anyone travel successfully without having to remove their 10" tablet? Experiences? Last edited by rjpawlak; 01-16-2012 at 11:14 AM. Reason: improve accuracy of title

01-16-2012, 09:32 PM	#14
HansTWN Wizard Posts: 4,538 Karma: 264065402 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Taiwan Device: HP Touchpad, Sony Duo 13, Lumia 920, Kobo Aura HD	I only have international experience at a number of Asian airports. I average 2-4 flights each month. They always ask me to remove the laptop. But I never had to remove my 9" tablet or my Kindle DX. Last edited by HansTWN; 01-16-2012 at 09:37 PM.

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01-16-2012, 01:25 PM	#2
Penforhire Wizard Posts: 2,230 Karma: 7145404 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern California Device: Kindle Voyage & iPhone 7+	My experiences with a huge 17" work laptop vary. Even recently I was passed through without removing the device from its case (I forgot, as it usually is required). The rules are just not consistently enforced by TSA workers. I just take a deep breath and try to relax when I fly because it is just "security theater" to me (Really? You're telling me five or ten travellers intending harm won't think of combining multiple liquid containers? D'oh!).

01-16-2012, 01:43 PM	#3
rjpawlak Enthusiast Posts: 44 Karma: 48432 Join Date: Feb 2010 Device: Nook STR and Nook Tablet	Yes, I abandon myself to the travel gods... But, I do have to travel with a work laptop, and the process of 'personal disassembly' that one has to go through is getting longer and longer. I suspect that it may be influencing what people decide to buy, but I am not sure. Bob

01-16-2012, 01:47 PM	#4
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 73,887 Karma: 128597114 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	Getting a smaller tablet when you really want a larger one just because the TSA might want to see it is not really a good reason to go with the smaller tablet. My wife has an iPad and both on domestic and international flights, she has never had to take it out of her bag.

01-16-2012, 03:24 PM	#6
hrosvit Moron Posts: 333 Karma: 3113890 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Southwest PA Device: iPad 3, Galaxy Note 2, Nook ST	I have an ExoPC tablet (11.6" display), and fly about twice a month. I carry it in a small Timbuk2 messenger bag, and have never taken it out when going through security, and have never been asked to.

01-16-2012, 05:14 PM	#7
wizwor Wizard Posts: 1,068 Karma: 23867385 Join Date: Nov 2011 Device: kindle, fire	This is an interesting topic. I have always been told that laptops must be removed, opened, and sent through separately. I have heard that electronic devices had to be removed from a carryon. So, I take my laptop, phone, and kindle out and send them through. I have had NO agent ask me about a bagged kindle or phone and I have had TWO tell me to leave them in the bag to avoid damage.

01-16-2012, 05:20 PM	#9
anamardoll Chasing Butterflies Posts: 3,132 Karma: 5074169 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: American Southwest Device: Uses batteries.	The TSA is weird. We traveled last year. Husband had a laptop in his luggage; I had a little netbook (miniature laptop) in my carryon. TSA made him boot up his laptop, but waved me through in irritation when I tried to boot up my netbook for them. They claimed they only checked laptops, not netbooks. I wanted to ask them why, since the devices seem remarkably same to ME, but of course you're not supposed to question them. ETA: They weren't even REMOTELY interested in my Nook Classic. Move on, Miss!

01-16-2012, 05:22 PM	#10
Bob Butler Connoisseur Posts: 85 Karma: 11090 Join Date: Sep 2008 Device: Kindle, iPhone	I have a backpack where the laptop compartment unfolds and lies flat on the conveyor belt without anything other than the canvas of the backpack obstructing the scanner. Since purchasing it about 3 years ago I have never had to remove my laptop from the backpack and have taken dozens of flights. I also have both an iPad and a Kindle, and have never removed either from my backpack. If only there was a similar solution for my shoes.

01-16-2012, 05:23 PM	#11
Bilbo1967 Not scared! Posts: 13,424 Karma: 81011643 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Midlands, UK Device: Kindle Paperwhite 10, Huawei M5 10	In my experience (3-4 return international flights a month), I always get told to remove my laptop from its bag and to place my mobile phone in the tray. The e-reader and tablet never get queried when left in my bag. I have no idea what the logic behind that is.

01-16-2012, 06:13 PM	#12
pidgeon92 Wizard Posts: 3,144 Karma: 8426142 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Chicago, IL Device: Kindle PW2, Kindle Voyage, Kindle DXG, Boox M90, Kobo Aura HD	My husband travels extensively in the US and occasionally abroad, and he says it varies not from airport to airport, but from TSA agent to TSA agent. He always keeps it out of his carry-on bag and ready for them, just in case.

01-16-2012, 07:31 PM	#13
dgillette.rm Connoisseur Posts: 95 Karma: 10072 Join Date: Apr 2008 Device: sony	The only time the TSA makes me remove my tablet is when it ends up under my Sony during the X-Ray process. My carry on bag can avoid that, so I have no problem.

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01-17-2012, 12:11 AM	#15
RainingLemur Spork Connoisseur Posts: 2,355 Karma: 16780603 Join Date: Mar 2011 Device: Nook Color	The last few times I've flown, it's been largely split. Sometimes they'll ask to see my devices out of the bags and ask some other questions, other times it's as if they didn't exist at all. I think it just depends on which agents you get to deal with. My dad was in the TSA for a while and he said that it's a crap-shoot as to who gets checked and when.