Australian airport security - laptop screening question

[eric2011]

Can anyone explain why tablets can be screened in situ, but Laptops have to removed.? If they have to turn the power up for laptops why can't they do that with it in a bag

I think the rules go back a couple of years and relates to laptops have removable batteries and tablets don't. A little bit different now as I still have to remove my Mac from my man bag

 

[medhead]

I think the rules go back a couple of years and relates to laptops have removable batteries and tablets don't. A little bit different now as I still have to remove my Mac from my man bag

Except it isn't just laptops that have to be removed. Had an interesting discussion with ADL security a few years ago when I didn't remove a mac mini (desktop computer).

Security person on rescreening - "Remove the laptop"
Me "what laptop"
Security "The X-box then" Said with tone in the voice
Me "what x-box"
Security "remove whatever has the HDD in it then" More vocal tone
Me "Don't put up a sign that says remove laptops if you want other things removed as well"

In any case, the issue here wasn't removable batteries, but the general density of the object in the bag.

 

[RooFlyer]

Do Australian security allow laptops to remain inside suitable bags (such as the one below) as US security allow.



I seem to recall they insist on laptops and tablets being removed.

Never seen one of those bags. When I went through LAX a few weeks ago, the calling was for 'All laptops out of bags' I left the neoprene sleeve on mine, but was told to take it out.

The only time its not been required (again, not talking about the bag you illustrate) is when I've gone through TSA 'precheck' where of course everything remains in the bag.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Except it isn't just laptops that have to be removed. Had an interesting discussion with ADL security a few years ago when I didn't remove a mac mini (desktop computer).

Security person on rescreening - "Remove the laptop"
Me "what laptop"
Security "The X-box then" Said with tone in the voice
Me "what x-box"
Security "remove whatever has the HDD in it then" More vocal tone
Me "Don't put up a sign that says remove laptops if you want other things removed as well"

In any case, the issue here wasn't removable batteries, but the general density of the object in the bag.

What about the general density of the security agents? That's probably the bigger factor.

 

[medhead]

What about the general density of the security agents? That's probably the bigger factor.

True dat...

to quote my children

 

[blackcat20]

I've always wondered why the neoprene sleeve on my laptop has to be removed - it's wetsuit style material and just protection. How does that interfere with x-raying it? The actual laptop case (when closed) would be more dense than that material.

Annoying, considering iPads etc can be left in their covers - so what's their reasoning, or is it just to make us all feel "safer"?

I've never taken the sleeve off my laptop; they are marketed as security friendly and no one here or in the USA has ever had an issue with it.

 

[kevrosmith]

A couple years ago, I had one of those "TSA Security Friendly" bags - it even had a big sticker with a big Green Security Ok tick on the side facing up so that the security staff could read it, but it just became too difficult and I gave up. It was easier, quicker and less stressful to just pull the laptop out and put in a separate tray than try to convince or educate them otherwise.

I pull my iPad mini out too. It's not worth trying to second-guess whether it can or can't be in my bag, and if I leave it in, it's just another potential hold up if they decide they it has to come out today and then have to re-screen my bag.

 

[Archphoto]

I've never taken the sleeve off my laptop; they are marketed as security friendly and no one here or in the USA has ever had an issue with it.

Wish I could say the same - Asia obviously works differently (and I have been asked to remove it in AU on several occasions as well). Guess it really is a case of "consistent inconsistencies".

 

[SeatBackForward]

Of course the irony about taking tablets and laptops out of bags is, that you can place them on top of one another in the tray, and there's no issues in that!

 

[juddles]

What about the general density of the security agents? That's probably the bigger factor.

Would you want to spend your days asking people to remove whatever yours Gods tell you to ask for? I doubt many kids growing up, when asked what they want to do in life - yell "I want to be a security person in an airport enforcing "rules" where technology changes quicker than my rulebook"

I always remove my laptop - it is a brick - a "rugged" Dell field computer. Already several security people have asked me to take it out of its cover - IT ALREADY IS!!!!!!!!

 

[medhead]

Of course the irony about taking tablets and laptops out of bags is, that you can place them on top of one another in the tray, and there's no issues in that!

But if we subscribe to the theory about hidden things in bags, it is the simple act of removing the computer from the bag that shows the computer isn't masking something else. Stacking them in the tray it is still apparent there isn't anything else hiding behind the computer.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Would you want to spend your days asking people to remove whatever yours Gods tell you to ask for? I doubt many kids growing up, when asked what they want to do in life - yell "I want to be a security person in an airport enforcing "rules" where technology changes quicker than my rulebook"

I always remove my laptop - it is a brick - a "rugged" Dell field computer. Already several security people have asked me to take it out of its cover - IT ALREADY IS!!!!!!!!

Leaving aside the tendering for security services, I would suggest that the rules in this situation should be clear enough to all contractors, so that personal interpretation is NOT a factor, so the density of the agent should be irrelevant - I would expect that were it Albert Einstein asking me to remove my belt, its done in a consistent manner. Yet what can and can't be done seems to vary. not just by which airport (ie contractor), but by which security lane and which security agent you end up with.

 

[SeatBackForward]

But if we subscribe to the theory about hidden things in bags, it is the simple act of removing the computer from the bag that shows the computer isn't masking something else. Stacking them in the tray it is still apparent there isn't anything else hiding behind the computer.

I thought the theory was more about the contents within the laptops, not so much the voids around them.

 

[Revolio]

all the discourse in this thread points to one thing: pay increase!

 

[medhead]

I thought the theory was more about the contents within the laptops, not so much the voids around them.

The theory I've heard for removal is then other objects in a bag can be masked by the computer. removing the computer deals with that issue.

In terms of voids in the computer, of course that's another issue. In particular consistency. I've been made to not stack items in a tray, but also been able to have items stacked.

There are so many theories about the reason for security, the only thing I know for certain is that I need to get through security to fly.

 

[Nugget_Oz]

The answer is it depends on where you're going. So far I have found the following.

Sydney Airport Terminal 1 - Requires Removal
Sydney Airport Terminal 2 - Requires Removal
Sydney Airport Terminal 3 - TSA friendly bag is okay
Melbourne Airport Terminal 1 - TSA friendly bag is okay
Melbourne Airport Terminal 2 - TSA friendly bag is okay
Melbourne Airport Terminal 3 - TSA friendly bag is okay
Hamilton Island Airport - TSA friendly bag is okay

The main issue seems to be SACL has a carte-blance regulation that laptops must be removed, however, Qantas is responsible for screening in their own domestic terminal and they allow for TSA friendly bags. So it's mainly a case of SACL being behind the times.

 

[Jurahn]

A little OT, but we flew SQ PER-SIN-FRA-ARN a few days ago and had to remove laptop and iPad at all security screening points along the way. In this electronic age, we of course now end up having to take multiple chargers for the various electronic devices, phones, cameras etc for both of us as well as our Belkin travel adaptor (double plugs with 2 x USB ports), so Mr Jurahn decided to use a thin hard shell case to carry all the chargers together in his hand luggage, so they'd be well protected from damage - we never put chargers in checked luggage in case our bags go MIA! Got through PER and SIN screening no problems, but came to a screeching halt at FRA when changing terminals. They didn't like the look of it at all, and we were held up at the screening point for some time - they said there were "too many" chargers - err, well, what are we supposed to do? It's not like we enjoy having to carry all the blasted things with us!

He hadn't taken the case out of his carry-on, as he hadn't needed to at the other airports, so maybe that was the issue. They finally let us go through, but we may have to split them up between us on the return trip as we have a VERY tight connection at FRA and the last thing we will need is being held up at screening again!

 

[marki]

The answer is it depends on where you're going. So far I have found the following.

Sydney Airport Terminal 1 - Requires Removal
Sydney Airport Terminal 2 - Requires Removal
Sydney Airport Terminal 3 - TSA friendly bag is okay
Melbourne Airport Terminal 1 - TSA friendly bag is okay
Melbourne Airport Terminal 2 - TSA friendly bag is okay
Melbourne Airport Terminal 3 - TSA friendly bag is okay
Hamilton Island Airport - TSA friendly bag is okay

The main issue seems to be SACL has a carte-blance regulation that laptops must be removed, however, Qantas is responsible for screening in their own domestic terminal and they allow for TSA friendly bags. So it's mainly a case of SACL being behind the times.

I have been through the above my experiences are a lot more consistent ie requires removal

 

[donovan301]

The theory I've heard for removal is then other objects in a bag can be masked by the computer. removing the computer deals with that issue.

In terms of voids in the computer, of course that's another issue. In particular consistency. I've been made to not stack items in a tray, but also been able to have items stacked.

There are so many theories about the reason for security, the only thing I know for certain is that I need to get through security to fly.

I believe the biggest issue they have is that They Cant See thru the Battery itself.
Laptop itself not so much of a problem.

Hence their preference for the laptop being the only item in the bin, and defo not stacked on top of laptop bag or other stuff.

.

 

[medhead]

A little OT, but we flew SQ PER-SIN-FRA-ARN a few days ago and had to remove laptop and iPad at all security screening points along the way. In this electronic age, we of course now end up having to take multiple chargers for the various electronic devices, phones, cameras etc for both of us as well as our Belkin travel adaptor (double plugs with 2 x USB ports), so Mr Jurahn decided to use a thin hard shell case to carry all the chargers together in his hand luggage, so they'd be well protected from damage - we never put chargers in checked luggage in case our bags go MIA! Got through PER and SIN screening no problems, but came to a screeching halt at FRA when changing terminals. They didn't like the look of it at all, and we were held up at the screening point for some time - they said there were "too many" chargers - err, well, what are we supposed to do? It's not like we enjoy having to carry all the blasted things with us!

He hadn't taken the case out of his carry-on, as he hadn't needed to at the other airports, so maybe that was the issue. They finally let us go through, but we may have to split them up between us on the return trip as we have a VERY tight connection at FRA and the last thing we will need is being held up at screening again!

I had a not dissimilar experience in FRA when leaving a non-laptop electronic device in carry on bag - "We make special test". The special test was an explosives test. I had the feeling all would've been good if I removed it from the bag. At the very least, I suggest removing the charges on the way back. Surprised they didn't do a special test for you as well.

On another trip FRA also had to "make special test" on the kids singing barbie dolls. Long plastic objects with wires and batteries in them - seemed reasonable.

I believe the biggest issue they have is that They Cant See thru the Battery itself.
Laptop itself not so much of a problem.

Hence their preference for the laptop being the only item in the bin, and defo not stacked on top of laptop bag or other stuff.

.

Pretty much my understanding of the issue. Not sure if I mentioned in this thread, but there was talk of a CT style baggage scanner a few years ago. That would produce a 3D image and allow every thing to remain in bags. Would speed up security screening significantly.