People often want to bring their laptop computers with them onto the plane instead of checking it with the rest of their luggage. Many travelers fear their computers will be damaged or lost in transit. The Transportation Security Administration has various regulations concerning items allowed and not allowed on planes. One of the items TSA permits for carrying on is the laptop computer, and have instituted rules for carrying laptops and going through airport security without incident.

Use “Checkpoint-Friendly” Laptop Bags

“Checkpoint-friendly” laptop bags include butterfly style, tri-fold style, or sleeve style laptop-carrying bags. These bags has separate laptop only sections, lie flat on scanners, do not have snaps, zippers, or buckles, do not have pockets on the inside or outside of laptop section, and do not have additional devices in bag. TSA does not endorse any particular laptop bag manufacturer, but travelers can ask for these particular bag styles when planning a flight. People using checkpoint-friendly bags do not have to remove their laptops from the bag when going through checkpoints because the security personnel have an unobstructed view of the bag's contents.

Going through Security

People carrying laptops in bags that are not checkpoint friendly must remove the laptop from the bag, according to airport rules. Place the laptop in one of the scanning bins to pass through the x-ray machine. Being cooperative helps alleviate difficulty. Airport security may instruct travelers to turn on their computers or ask questions about the computer. If travelers fail to answer questions or follow security guidelines, airport security has the right to confiscate the laptop computers. Travelers should put their names and addresses on their computers in case multiple laptops are passing through security, or travelers have to go through additional inspections.

In-Flight Instruction

Most airlines do not allow laptops or electronic devices to be on while the plane is taking off. Flight attendants or pilots will inform passengers when cruising altitude is reached, when people are free to turn on their electronic devices. Passengers usually have to pay a small fee to use the airplane's wireless connection.

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