Australian airport security - laptop screening question

[SeatBackForward]

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.

 

[blackcat20]

Tablets don't even need to be removed for screening, they can remain in your backpack/bag etc.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Tablets don't even need to be removed for screening, they can remain in your backpack/bag etc.

So having "TSA friendly*" bags is useless in Aus?

*Understood that TSA has no bearing here.

 

[opusman]

Slip cases are ok but in my experience anything bigger and they'll want you to take it out, even if there's literally nothing else in the bag except the laptop.

 

[Archphoto]

I've always found that regardless of where you fly, security is sooo inconsistent, that I've given up. One day it's fine to leave in my neoprene sleeve, another it's not. This airport is fine today, that one isn't (but is was last week!!)

I actually just purchased a clear acrylic cover for my Macbook, and it just gets slid out of my bag as I'm waiting in the queue. Not much else to do whilst I'm waiting for "Mr or M/s LAGS what are they??, jackets on, laptops inside one of these carryon bags somewhere - just wait whilst I find it" travellers that drive me nuts.

Seriously, you've stood in the line for almost 5 minutes and decide to slowly undress and unpack when you get to the head of the queue!! Why couldn't you have at least removed your jacket, unpacked the laptop and emptied your pockets whilst waiting???

Rant over - been one of those weeks (and it's only Monday :shock.

 

[TheRealTMA]

I've always found that regardless of where you fly, security is sooo inconsistent, that I've given up. One day it's fine to leave in my neoprene sleeve, another it's not. This airport is fine today, that one isn't (but is was last week!!)

I actually just purchased a clear acrylic cover for my Macbook, and it just gets slid out of my bag as I'm waiting in the queue. Not much else to do whilst I'm waiting for "Mr or M/s LAGS what are they??, jackets on, laptops inside one of these carryon bags somewhere - just wait whilst I find it" travellers that drive me nuts.

Seriously, you've stood in the line for almost 5 minutes and decide to slowly undress and unpack when you get to the head of the queue!! Why couldn't you have at least removed your jacket, unpacked the laptop and emptied your pockets whilst waiting???

Rant over - been one of those weeks (and it's only Monday :shock.

And I hear international airports are going to be more fun this week with Border Force storm troopers being send in to quell the striking Border Force workforce! (Flying out on Friday. Can't wait.)

 

[Hoe Bing Lo]

Take it out, saves hassle of them rescreening you

 

[kelvedon]

Tablets don't even need to be removed for screening, they can remain in your backpack/bag etc.

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

 

[medhead]

Something to do with things like HDD's masking stuff behind the computer. It's just a simple look through x-ray, a density object like a computer might cast a shadow.

 

[SeatBackForward]

So is my surface pro 3 a laptop or a tablet? Does it depend on whether I have the keyboard attached or not? Quite clearly its not a joke and is a serious matter.

 

[bismarck]

IME Surface Pro 3 has been treated as a tablet and is OK to remain in bags.

 

[Buzzard]

So is my surface pro 3 a laptop or a tablet? Does it depend on whether I have the keyboard attached or not? Quite clearly its not a joke and is a serious matter.

I have a Pro too and was thinking the same thing. Mostly I leave it in my backpack and have never been pulled up about it. Mine always has the keyboard attached.

 

[SeatBackForward]

I have a Pro too and was thinking the same thing. Mostly I leave it in my backpack and have never been pulled up about it. Mine always has the keyboard attached.

Ditto, its my laptop, rarely use it as a tablet.

 

[TheRealTMA]

So is my surface pro 3 a laptop or a tablet? Does it depend on whether I have the keyboard attached or not? Quite clearly its not a joke and is a serious matter.

Doesn't matter. It's a tablet. Keyboard is just a cover.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Doesn't matter. It's a tablet. Keyboard is just a cover.

Whats the line between Tablet and Laptop? a removable keyboard cover can't be it.

 

[bismarck]

Don't think there is a clear rule as there is increasing convergence between laptops and tablets.

E.g. Macbook Air is, in many instances thinner than a SP3

Airport security rules are rarely consistent and logical.

 

[Jaryd]

I've got a Surface Pro 3... Have had many-an-argument with security about it being a tablet and not a laptop. I've even ripped the keyboard off and they've insisted it be re-screened. I find in MEL and SYD they accept as tablet and in other locations it is sporadic.

 

[Archphoto]

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"?

 

[opusman]

Whats the line between Tablet and Laptop? a removable keyboard cover can't be it.

Security theatre implies a certain amount of ad-libbing (i.e. they make it up as they go along).

 

[medhead]

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"?

The neoprene sleeve doesn't interfere with the x-ray. It's is the potential that something could be inside that sleeve in the laptop shadow.[SUP]*[/SUP]

Something to do with things like HDD's masking stuff behind the computer. It's just a simple look through x-ray, a density object like a computer might cast a shadow.

* I'm just stating the theory, don't assume that is acceptance or otherwise of said theory.