Flying home with a broken laptop
Oct 13, 2017, 8:35 am
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 7
I tried hooking up the laptop to a monitor, but it’s dead. Faulty logicboard probably. Most computer repair shops close at 6pm so I will not be able to take out the hard drive.
If I put the laptop in my checked baggage, is TSA allowed to power it on and confiscate it without speaking to me? I thought the rule was only for carry-on luggage.
If I put the laptop in my checked baggage, is TSA allowed to power it on and confiscate it without speaking to me? I thought the rule was only for carry-on luggage.
Oct 13, 2017, 9:33 am
#17
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Dulles, VA
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There are a few reports from earlier this year in Checkpoints and Borders Policy Debate forum of travelers being asked to turn on computers during the security screening process. To the best of my recollection, those all took place at one or more of the ME3 hubs.
Here is one example:
Here is one example:
Last edited by TWA884; Oct 13, 2017 at 9:50 am Reason: Comment on moderation, FT Rule 18
Oct 13, 2017, 9:40 am
#18
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I tried hooking up the laptop to a monitor, but it’s dead. Faulty logicboard probably. Most computer repair shops close at 6pm so I will not be able to take out the hard drive.
If I put the laptop in my checked baggage, is TSA allowed to power it on and confiscate it without speaking to me? I thought the rule was only for carry-on luggage.
If I put the laptop in my checked baggage, is TSA allowed to power it on and confiscate it without speaking to me? I thought the rule was only for carry-on luggage.
You would not be notified of this as you part with the bag after Customs or I-T-I if available.
The only exception would be something dangerous, e.g. leaking battery acid, in which case the item would be disposed of.
Oct 13, 2017, 10:48 am
#19
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Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 7
Your checked luggage will be screened by TSA when it passes through IAH. TSA routinely opens and inspects checked luggage and removes anything which it cannot clear as safe. It will not confiscate the item, but will hold it for you at IAH. You would be responsible for retrieving it.
You would not be notified of this as you part with the bag after Customs or I-T-I if available.
The only exception would be something dangerous, e.g. leaking battery acid, in which case the item would be disposed of.
You would not be notified of this as you part with the bag after Customs or I-T-I if available.
The only exception would be something dangerous, e.g. leaking battery acid, in which case the item would be disposed of.
Oct 13, 2017, 11:37 am
#20
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Enhanced security measures at certain airports overseas
Airport security agency bans powerless electronic devices on flights to US
Let me reiterate what I perhaps not articulated clearly enough earlier, your concern should be more about getting your dead computer though security in Managua than during worrying about TSA inspections during your connection in Houston.
National Press Release
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Last week, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson directed TSA to implement enhanced security measures at certain overseas airports with direct flights to the United States.
As the traveling public knows, all electronic devices are screened by security officers. During the security examination, officers may also ask that owners power up some devices, including cell phones. Powerless devices will not be permitted onboard the aircraft. The traveler may also undergo additional screening.
TSA will continue to adjust security measures to ensure that travelers are guaranteed the highest levels of aviation security conducted as conveniently as possible.
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Last week, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson directed TSA to implement enhanced security measures at certain overseas airports with direct flights to the United States.
As the traveling public knows, all electronic devices are screened by security officers. During the security examination, officers may also ask that owners power up some devices, including cell phones. Powerless devices will not be permitted onboard the aircraft. The traveler may also undergo additional screening.
TSA will continue to adjust security measures to ensure that travelers are guaranteed the highest levels of aviation security conducted as conveniently as possible.
If an electronic device cannot be turned on because its battery is dead, passengers will be forced to leave the device behind or be turned away. Travelers carrying powerless devices may also face further security procedures. No information has been provided about what will happen to powerless devices or whether they will be confiscated permanently.
The new policy is part of efforts by the US government to exert greater control over air travelers and opens the door to more invasive searches of personal electronic devices in the future. Great Britain, France and Germany have all agreed to enforce the powerless phone ban.
The new policy is part of efforts by the US government to exert greater control over air travelers and opens the door to more invasive searches of personal electronic devices in the future. Great Britain, France and Germany have all agreed to enforce the powerless phone ban.
You may also be asked to power up your computer at LHR if it is in your carry on luggage.
Britain follows US in banning powerless electronic devices from flights
And again, this directive is from 2014 and I don't know if these procedures are still followed.
Airline passengers entering and leaving the UK on potentially any routes, including transatlantic ones and those connecting with mainland Europe, will be expected to be show that electronic devices in their hand luggage can be powered up, British authorities announced Tuesday in a tightening of aviation security.
Oct 13, 2017, 11:50 am
#21
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Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 7
Thanks for the clarification. I’ve sent my question to @ASKtsa on Facebook and they replied with the following:
Hi, X. We don't have any restrictions on laptop in carry-on bags. Since you're traveling internationally, we recommend checking with your air carrier for their policies. - Mary
Oct 13, 2017, 11:59 am
#22
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You've asked the wrong question of TSA or at least have a non-responsive answer and the answer you want isn't going to be given.
There is no "rule" against transporting inoperable laptops in checked luggage any more than TSA has such a rule for carry-on luggage.
What TSA is charged with assuring that there is nothing which poses a risk to the aircraft and passengers in your luggage. If it comes to question whether what looks like a laptop is a laptop, it will have you turn it on (carry-on) or turn it on (checked). If it can't satisfy itself, the device won't be allowed on the aircraft.
I can't speak for the Managua situation, but the TSA risk is low. Only you can evaluate what happens if you are told that the laptop isn't boarding with you or if it is pulled from your luggage.
Oct 15, 2017, 7:20 am
#23
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Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 7
I ended up putting it in my checked luggage. The guy from United told me that they don’t check for that in Managua and that was certainky true. I guess in London they might, the whole airport is plasteres with “warnings” about the new regulations.