If you're flying to or from the UK, make sure your reader is charged!

[eschwartz]

Originally Posted by HarryT

Basically, yes. I'm entirely certain that this would not have been done on a random whim, but as the result of credible intelligence information.

... or because of politics, which ties into security theater.

Unless you think governments don't do self-serving things like that?

I never thought it would be done on a random whim, but there is a difference between having a reason and doing it because of credible intelligence information. That difference is security theater.

[HarryT]

Who would benefit from doing this unnecessarily? Unless we have all the facts at our disposal, which we assuredly don't, I really don't see how that claim can be substantiated.

[eschwartz]

Originally Posted by HarryT

Who would benefit from doing this unnecessarily? Unless we have all the facts at our disposal, which we assuredly don't, I really don't see how that claim can be substantiated.

To reassure people that they are doing what it takes to keep people safe. Like all the rest of the security theater.

Or else perhaps they did have reasons, but lack of knowledge.

[HarryT]

Or just perhaps it's a genuine threat, and prudent action has been taken in response to it. We don't know, and I'm certainly not going to second guess the people who do know.

[sirmaru]

If your device does not power up, you could be sent to a special room for a strip search, you could be subject to intense interrogation and you could be arrested.

They are looking for TERRORISTS with bombs.

[eschwartz]

Originally Posted by sirmaru

If your device does not power up, you could be sent to a special room for a strip search, you could be subject to intense interrogation and you could be arrested.

They are looking for TERRORISTS with bombs.

Um, or you could be subject to dropping off your device to be mailed home to you...

At least, according to actual sources of information.

[Bricorn]

My laptop had an empty drive bay. I've got a secondary drive in there now, but I could have put anything in there and not affected the working of the laptop.

Flying to Asia next month, via the middle east, on a middle east airline. The only serious security I'll see will be at Heathrow. In the airports where you'd expect it to be more of a problem, it isn't.

Looking forward to eating my meals with real cutlery too.

[tubemonkey]

The problem I have with this security measure is if your device won't power up, they'll let you place it in your checked baggage. Well, if it's a threat as a carry on, why isn't it a threat in checked baggage?

[Hampshire Nanny]

Originally Posted by mgmueller

BTW: I've always wondered, what such a quick start of a gadget should even prove. You could simulate a boot sequence via EEPROM and still load the battery compartment and the rest with drugs or explosives. Theoretically, in my opinion, they would have to test the actual functionality, not just accept some animation on a startup-screen.

Back in the day when you had to power on all laptops before boarding -- long before 9/11, even -- the security agent gave me permission to go on while the laptop was still running the POST and the little numbers (memory locations) were cycling in the upper left corner of the screen. I looked at him and asked why I even needed to power up the laptop if they weren't going to wait to see if the operating system loaded. I pointed out that those numbers could be driven by a device as small as my watch and the entire rest of the interior of the laptop could hold bad stuff. And, if you remember, early laptops were BIG! I didn't get a satisfactory answer.

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

The problem I have with this security measure is if your device won't power up, they'll let you place it in your checked baggage. Well, if it's a threat as a carry on, why isn't it a threat in checked baggage?

I suspect the threat is not so much that the device itself was a bomb. I heard some discussion last night that there is concern that terrorists could combine components from multiple devices to create a bomb with significant power. Also, the bags going into the hold may be subject to more tests than just simple X-rays.


Regardless -- I would never board an International flight without a fully charged e-Reader. I *need* to make sure I have plenty of reading material around.

[cromag]

I remember checking onto a plane back in the 80s and having to power up my "portable" Epson PX-8 Geneva. I thought it made sense.

Since 9/11 I've flown a few times, always with my family. I have always been pulled out of line for extra attention while checking in. No idea why -- maybe it's my beard?

The last time we flew was in 2011. We flew to Florida to watch the launch of the last space shuttle. We were, once again, pulled from the line for extra attention. When we got back home I discovered that my checked baggage had apparently also been searched. I only noticed it because whoever had searched my bag had put things back much more neatly than I had. In particular, I had some magazines that I'd left loose and a couple new ones that I left in the bag from the newsstand. When I unpacked, all of my magazines were in the bag.

[HarryT]

If the TSA search your bag they leave a letter inside saying they've done so. Last year I visited the US on holiday, making several internal flights, and my case got searched twice, probably because I had a telescopic metal hiking pole in the case which may have looked like a gun on security scanners.

You're right - they do pack your bag again very tidily - far more so than the way I packed it originally .

[cromag]

Yes, the TSA is required to leave an inspection notice. But, sometimes, they forget. There was no notice in my bag.

[Hampshire Nanny]

When we fly-and-drive, hubby has to carry adaptive devices that allow him to drive a rental car. The main device is a metal plate about 20 inches square with an accelerator pedal attached and a long-reach lever. The bottom side of the plate has metal spikes so that it won't slide on the carpeting. Needless to say this thing lights up an X-Ray. He always writes a note to TSA explaining what this thing is and why it's in his checked baggage. His suitcase is *always* inspected!

[Tarana]

My Aunt just came from Central America a few weeks ago. Most airports have plenty of places to charge electronic devices. They have been asking random passengers to start up their devices before 9/11, so nothing new to her.

[twowheels]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

You have quite a few countries closer to you than I do. I only have Canada nearby. Mexico is some 2,000 km away. These days, 800 km (distance to destination) is my limit for car travel. Next summer, I plan to do a 10-day trip along the Oregon coast.

What are you talking about... Sweatpea only has 20+ countries within the distance of you travelling to Los Angeles (assuming you're in Seattle). I really don't understand your excuse... I mean, just drive east and you'll see ... OK, I guess you have a point...

SweatPea... you mention Spain. Have you ever driven from Barcelona to/from Madrid? That's how much of the CA central valley is, for similar distances. Mind numbing nothingness. Nevada and other neighboring states to its east are even worse.