How is security treating your iPad...like an iPhone or like a laptop?

[Homer]

I'm flying on Friday (domestically) for the first time since getting my iPad and I am interested to know whether I can leave it in its case when I put it through the x-ray machine like my iPhone or whether I need to take it out of the case like a laptop? The case is the soft, foldable iPad case that Apple sells. It's a tight squeeze for the iPad and so if security are asking people to remove the iPad from its case then I'll probably do that in advance so I'm not pfaffing around in the morning...

 

[djfuzz]

We had a thread about this somewhere, can't recall where though.

Having flown extensively domestically and internationally since I got mine, I have not once been asked to remove my iPad from my bag going through a scanner, and the TSA has confirmed that it's not necessary.

So I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[jamesatfish]

Same experience here - have travelled domestically and to the US and NZ over the last 6 weeks with mine - never had to take it out of my hand luggage.

Apparently being solid state the XRay equipment can see through it without problems, hence it's okay to keep stowed.

 

[medhead]

I haven't been asked to remove my laptop from it's case flying domestic this year.
Note the difference between a case and the bag I carry the laptop (and case) in.

 

[Katie]

I've only been through LAX T4 with my iPad, and although I wasn't required to take the iPad out, the TSA agent ended up taking it out. It apparently "looked like" a laptop. Don't know if there was a disturbance in the force because I had my Kindle on top of the iPad, and that's what set the monitor off?

 

[SeaWolf]

My laptop has a wet-suit skin that I use for it and just toss it in my backpack. I just remove it from my backpack and send it through the scanner still in its skin. I've only once been asked to remove it from the skin.

If I can do it with a laptop I think you'll have no problems with an iPad.

 

[dragonman]

Both in the USA and here on flights SYD-MEL have not been asked to remove it.

 

[burrco]

A dozen or so flights, never taken it out of the case, or my bag when carrying one, zero issue everytime.

The only strange thing that's ever happened is that on one flight the FA made me stow it in the overhead for landing. Didn't argue but one of the strangest flight crew requests I've had in a while.

 

[Sequel]

The only strange thing that's ever happened is that on one flight the FA made me stow it in the overhead for landing. Didn't argue but one of the strangest flight crew requests I've had in a while.

That is a standard request (for laptops anyway). I think the theory is they are to heavy for the seat pockets, or that there is a risk they will fall out and become projectiles during turbulence or a rough landing. Obviously easier to have a flat rule, than try and have the FA decide whose device is light enough to stay in the pocket and whose should be put in the O/H locker.

 

[burrco]

That is a standard request (for laptops anyway). I think the theory is they are to heavy for the seat pockets, or that there is a risk they will fall out and become projectiles during turbulence or a rough landing. Obviously easier to have a flat rule, than try and have the FA decide whose device is light enough to stay in the pocket and whose should be put in the O/H locker.

Agree, but the iPad is seriously light so if it goes overhead so should kindles, heavy books etc. When he kindly put it in the overhead for me, the FA commented on how light it was as soon as he took it.

 

[medhead]

Agree, but the iPad is seriously light so if it goes overhead so should kindles, heavy books etc. When he kindly put it in the overhead for me, the FA commented on how light it was as soon as he took it.

But then there are laptops that are just as light, should they go up or down?

 

[medhead]

I've only been through LAX T4 with my iPad, and although I wasn't required to take the iPad out, the TSA agent ended up taking it out. It apparently "looked like" a laptop. Don't know if there was a disturbance in the force because I had my Kindle on top of the iPad, and that's what set the monitor off?

No force disturbance. The xray image is 2D, the screening person can only tell there is one object with electronics in it that looks as dense as a laptop. He can't get a side view and see that it is 2 separate things.
Plus if the kindle and ipad are on top of the bag going through the xray they can block the view of whatever else is in your bag.

 

[burrco]

But then there are laptops that are just as light, should they go up or down?

Good point. I don't think anything weighing less than a kg should go up, but I know blanket rules are needed.

 

[bdl]

Had no problems in SYD and MEL flying domestically with my Kindle in my backpack, however was asked to remove it from backpack and xray it separately when flying YVR-AKL

bdl

 

[MatF]

Hi guys,

Thought I'd resurrect this thread now that I've given in and bought an ipad .... and go through domestic security at least twice a week.

So ... what's the latest? Will I have to take my new ipad out of my crumpler messenger bag when I go through security?

Cheers,
Mat.

 

[russ]

No change, ie just leave it in your bag.

 

[drewbles]

No change, ie just leave it in your bag.

It's like QF's on-board service, consistently inconsistent.

At PER I've been asked around 50/50 to remove it (after leaving it in bad and having it go through x-ray I was asked 'do you have an iPad in there sir?'). In MEL one or two times I was asked to removed it (once being explicitly mentioned 'remove iPads please' from the rent-a-cop as people approached the screening point).

In the past few weeks:

- MEL Int - Must be removed for scanning
- DOH Transfer - nothing removed from bags (not even liquids, just remove your belt if wearing one; that's how it should be!)
- BRU - iPad left in, LAGS bag and Laptop separate
- ARN - iPad left in, LAGS bag and Laptop separate
- LHR - iPad left in, LAGS bag and Laptop separate

Still have quite a few airports to go through in the next week so will be interesting to see their MO.

 

[drron]

Have Had to remove my kindle from its jacket at DUD,AKL and SYD T2.Mrsdrron on each occasion did not.But overwhelmingly not asked.
Then there is the treatment of kindles on aircraft-JQ-always have to turn it off for landing.DJ-keep reading.QF-50/50.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Never had a problem

 

[Jobu]

I almost missed my connection in Heathrow because I left it in my bag, and my entire bag went to the back of a very long line of re-screens and further scrutiny such as physical inspection and explosives residue testing... It kept me at security for about 40 minutes, and they knew it was an iPad that triggered it, because that was the first question they asked me when they got to my bag.