TSA: Do I take my 11" MB Air out or leave it in?

[ReallyBigFeet]

It is fine but I am sort of curious now that you had posted this question. Hopefully someone will fly with one of these soon!!

Just landed in Vegas after flying in from Chicago. I put it through the scanner without removing it. I had both my MBA and my iPad with me. They stopped the belt, took out my bag and told me to remove it from my bag next time. They left the iPad in the bag for the re-scan, however.

I don't have one of those TSA-checkpoint-friendly bags at the moment. That would have negated this interruption I'm sure.

I've got the 13" MBA...I'm pretty sure the smaller 11" netbook model would have been treated the same, however.

 

[FlyingScot]

Just take it out...

I travel a lot. Most TSA agents don't know their own rules and will ask for it to come out. I tried to keep my ipad in a few times and each time they re-ran it and gave me a hard time for not keep out. This happened at a number of airports.

Now - for the sake of expediency, I just always pull out my iPad (and now the MacAir). Otherwise you stand a good chance of watching as they pull your bag, ask you to remove the device, then re-run...then stand as they do the *sampling* for explosives on the device. Faster to just pull it out of the bag...

 

[bella92108]

I travel a lot. Most TSA agents don't know their own rules and will ask for it to come out. I tried to keep my ipad in a few times and each time they re-ran it and gave me a hard time for not keep out. This happened at a number of airports.

Now - for the sake of expediency, I just always pull out my iPad (and now the MacAir). Otherwise you stand a good chance of watching as they pull your bag, ask you to remove the device, then re-run...then stand as they do the *sampling* for explosives on the device. Faster to just pull it out of the bag...

The reality is the longest process of getting through is people taking things out. If the US properly trained on how to detect risk items, there would be no need to take out liquids, nor computers at all, nor remove shoes. The issue is everytime there's a breach, they add that aspect to the screening process. I fly through Asia all the time, and you go through 2-3 inspections prior to getting on the plane. I feel 100x more secure getting on there, and it's not invasive like in the US. Why do I need to pull out my shampoo? Why do I need to remove my shoes? You have technology that detects chemicals, and you have technology that sees through anything and will show the items that would be dangerous. When the britts make fun of our airport security we should take a hard look at why we do what we do. So much in the US is done because it's the way it's always been done.

 

[ReallyBigFeet]

Government agencies of all kinds have a tendency to create bureaucracy to help demonstrate their "value." "The more stuff I am able to make people do at my direction, the more relevant I become" seems to be the mantra of every governmental agency. The TSA is no exception.

The more policies they enforce, however useless they may really be in practice, the more "relevant" their work effort appears to be to John Q. Public. People see all this scrutiny over acne creams and laptop computers at the security lines so they "feel" safer. Who gives a flip about relevancy of the actions...its a marketing campaign designed to make the public feel a false sense of security and to reinforce that the government is "doing something" about airline safety.

The only thing these TSA bozo's are doing is helping to keep the cows docile and the stupid terrorists out of the airplanes. But since everyone wants the government to "do something" this is what we get.

 

[bella92108]

Government agencies of all kinds have a tendency to create bureaucracy to help demonstrate their "value." "The more stuff I am able to make people do at my direction, the more relevant I become" seems to be the mantra of every governmental agency. The TSA is no exception.

The more policies they enforce, however useless they may really be in practice, the more "relevant" their work effort appears to be to John Q. Public. People see all this scrutiny over acne creams and laptop computers at the security lines so they "feel" safer. Who gives a flip about relevancy of the actions...its a marketing campaign designed to make the public feel a false sense of security and to reinforce that the government is "doing something" about airline safety.

The only thing these TSA bozo's are doing is helping to keep the cows docile and the stupid terrorists out of the airplanes. But since everyone wants the government to "do something" this is what we get.

Wow, you actually put that perfectly.

 

[noodles5666]

http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/28/11-6-inch-macbook-air-cleared-to-remain-packed-through-security/

 

[darngooddesign]

What we, on an internet forum, think you should do is completely irrelevant. So are our opinions of how necessary the TSA is. If the TSA officer tells you to take it out, you can either take it out or not pass the checkpoint. And they will tell you to take it out. End of line.

 

[jfulcher]

Not sure why people in this country feel the need to fear TSA. They're there to protect you against the people around you. They're trained to see items inside your bag that'll pose a security threat to you.

They are trained? BAHAHAHAHA I haven't removed liquids from my carryon bag in the 26 round trip flights I've made this year. They are a joke at best. They were working at your local McDonalds before 9/11. It's security by scare tactics. We won't prevent a terrorist attack with the TSA - it takes this thing called intelligence - which the TSA lacks - ala the Shoe Carnival, the Liquid Ban, removing DVD players, etc. All a joke.

Only sheeple think that the TSA is actually offering you any protection at all.

 

[ssb333]

according to this you can leave the 11.6 in your bag, the 13 needs to come out

http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/tsa_11.6-inch_macbook_air_is_bag-safe/

In addition to that, according to Walt Mossberg, the MBA 11.6 model can be left in the bag.

https://www.macrumors.com/2010/10/28/walt-mossberg-reviews-the-new-macbook-air/

 

[BornAgainMac]

Or take it out to show off.

 

[WardC]

You realize the machines they use at the Airport security scans are X-ray machines and use high powered magnets. I ALWAYS take my laptop out and NEVER put it through an X-ray machine. That could mess up the hard drive or the Flash memory because it uses electromagnetics to store the data.

 

[bella92108]

You realize the machines they use at the Airport security scans are X-ray machines and use high powered magnets. I ALWAYS take my laptop out and NEVER put it through an X-ray machine. That could mess up the hard drive or the Flash memory because it uses electromagnetics to store the data.

It's comments like this that make me shake my head in disappointment. Why do people continue to spread misinformation that they heard from someone who heard it from someone?

The post that an airport x-ray has ANY negative impact on a laptop or the data on it is utter bulls$#t... and in any event, the laptop goes through regardless of if it's in your bag, or in the conveyor bin, so I'm not sure what this guy's post is even trying to say. He doesn't skirt the x-ray with a laptop, so clearly he's either lying or just hasn't flown in 15 years, I'm guessing the latter.

Last night I went through security and left my MBA 11" in the bag. No issues with security. I asked the TSA screener, he said general rule is if it's less than 15" they'll let it go through when they see it, provided it doesn't obstruct any views inside the bag. Even a 13" MBP is fine, but he said once it gets to that size it makes it more difficult to see inside a bag, however the important thing to note here is for 11" owners like me he says the general policy is to leave them in the bag.

 

[bella92108]

You realize the machines they use at the Airport security scans are X-ray machines and use high powered magnets. I ALWAYS take my laptop out and NEVER put it through an X-ray machine. That could mess up the hard drive or the Flash memory because it uses electromagnetics to store the data.

Please enlighten us...

a) What bearing does electromagnetic fields have on flash memory, and why would you even bring it up when x-ray is not even an electromagnetic technology? Do you just repeat what you hear others babbling about?

b) If an x-ray is so harmful, how many people do you know who have lost their data due to putting their laptops through x-rays. And how do you explain the 100 million travelers per day globally who don't seem to be suffering this same issue as you do?

c) Are you for real?

I'm trying my hardest to be nice, and not completely say something mean about this guy, nor attack his ridiculously laughable claims ... the nice thing about the internet and forums is people can get good information from reliable sources. The bad side of that coin is any hick can just make crap up and post it, and someone might listen and believe it, and even worse, pass it along to other people...

http://modmyi.com/forums/iphone-new..._all+(MMi+|+Homepage+All)&utm_content=Twitter

 

[bolsen78]

I travel a lot. Most TSA agents don't know their own rules and will ask for it to come out. I tried to keep my ipad in a few times and each time they re-ran it and gave me a hard time for not keep out. This happened at a number of airports.

Now - for the sake of expediency, I just always pull out my iPad (and now the MacAir). Otherwise you stand a good chance of watching as they pull your bag, ask you to remove the device, then re-run...then stand as they do the *sampling* for explosives on the device. Faster to just pull it out of the bag...

I just read on a CNN site that we dont not have to take out our 11.6 macbook airs.

http://www.cultofmac.com/tsa-leave-...ch-macbook-air-is-not-a-security-threat/66685

 

[dannyar]

As a TSA Officer i take offense to all the BS in this thread. First of all, ANY ELECTRONIC LARGER THAN A GPS MUST COME OUT. With the exclusion of the ipad and small ereaders because we have actually tested these devices coming through in bags and the components inside of them do not cause an obscured view of your bag. Simply put, the 11.6 air has 5 battery cells and a motherboard which is more than enough for the xray to not be able to penetrate the device therefore not giving a clear image of what else you may have in the bag.

Liquids, if they are bigger than 3.4 oz you know you cant bring em. simply put. Dont complain about it. Yea theres plenty of what ifs and loop holes that you are all gonnna bring up but simply put, its the best way for us to deter any liquid based explosives. Shoes..Richard Reid...nuff said.

And to those fools talking about getting damage to your flash memory or hard drive from the Xray, your fools. The machine gives off.0000000000001 of radiation. Even camera film 1600 and under goes through just fine. Just like all these clueless women who wont walk through the metal detector because their" pregnant". You cause more harm using your cell phone while driving than walking through it. END RANT

 

[KPOM]

As a TSA Officer i take offense to all the BS in this thread. First of all, ANY ELECTRONIC LARGER THAN A GPS MUST COME OUT. With the exclusion of the ipad and small ereaders because we have actually tested these devices coming through in bags and the components inside of them do not cause an obscured view of your bag. Simply put, the 11.6 air has 5 battery cells and a motherboard which is more than enough for the xray to not be able to penetrate the device therefore not giving a clear image of what else you may have in the bag.

Thanks for the post. I have always wondered what the rationale was.

 

[rotobadger]

As a TSA Officer i take offense to all the BS in this thread. First of all, ANY ELECTRONIC LARGER THAN A GPS MUST COME OUT. With the exclusion of the ipad and small ereaders because we have actually tested these devices coming through in bags and the components inside of them do not cause an obscured view of your bag. Simply put, the 11.6 air has 5 battery cells and a motherboard which is more than enough for the xray to not be able to penetrate the device therefore not giving a clear image of what else you may have in the bag.

Liquids, if they are bigger than 3.4 oz you know you cant bring em. simply put. Dont complain about it. Yea theres plenty of what ifs and loop holes that you are all gonnna bring up but simply put, its the best way for us to deter any liquid based explosives. Shoes..Richard Reid...nuff said.

And to those fools talking about getting damage to your flash memory or hard drive from the Xray, your fools. The machine gives off.0000000000001 of radiation. Even camera film 1600 and under goes through just fine. Just like all these clueless women who wont walk through the metal detector because their" pregnant". You cause more harm using your cell phone while driving than walking through it. END RANT

Not sure I understand this post. TSA has made it clear that the 11.6 inch Macbook Air does NOT need to be removed from a bag for scanning. You're taking offense, yet you don't seem to be aware of this policy. A policy that comes directly from your employer.

Or am I missing something in your post?

 

[YMark]

Not sure I understand this post. TSA has made it clear that the 11.6 inch Macbook Air does NOT need to be removed from a bag for scanning. You're taking offense, yet you don't seem to be aware of this policy. A policy that comes directly from your employer.

Or am I missing something in your post?

You're not missing ANYTHING. You are however, proving the point that there is ZERO consistency within TSA, and the whole organization is a complete FARCE.

 

[dannyar]

Not sure I understand this post. TSA has made it clear that the 11.6 inch Macbook Air does NOT need to be removed from a bag for scanning. You're taking offense, yet you don't seem to be aware of this policy. A policy that comes directly from your employer.

Or am I missing something in your post?

Where are you getting this information, cause last time I checked I work for the agency and as early as today we were removing 11 inch mba from bags and treating it as a regular laptop which it is. Dont believe any of these cnn articles and yahoo news updates.

 

[bella92108]

Where are you getting this information, cause last time I checked I work for the agency and as early as today we were removing 11 inch mba from bags and treating it as a regular laptop which it is. Dont believe any of these cnn articles and yahoo news updates.

You exemplify just how disorganized the TSA is... so scary.

It was on the TSA site, search through here you'll find a link.

It was only repeated on CNN, but the story came right from TSA.

I am more scared of TSA's lack of security than I am of the chance of being on a flight with terrorists.

 

[rotobadger]

Tom's Hardware
Wired
zdnet
gadling
appleinsider
pcworld
laptopmag
tuaw
engadget
gizmodo
CNN
networkworld
aolnews


The 11-inch MacBook Air is so small and thin that it doesn’t need to be taken out of your bag when going through airport security. But the rules for the 13-inch model are not clear yet. That’s according to a story today by CNN, who quotes Transportation Security Administration (TSA) official Nicholas Kimball

 

[bella92108]

Tom's Hardware
Wired
zdnet
gadling
appleinsider
pcworld
laptopmag
tuaw
engadget
gizmodo
CNN
networkworld
aolnews


The 11-inch MacBook Air is so small and thin that it doesn’t need to be taken out of your bag when going through airport security. But the rules for the 13-inch model are not clear yet. That’s according to a story today by CNN, who quotes Transportation Security Administration (TSA) official Nicholas Kimball

And the TSA is supposed to make us feel more secure. If they can't share internal policy that's a week old, imagine their lack of communication in things that really affect our safety.

 

[dannyar]

You exemplify just how disorganized the TSA is... so scary.

It was on the TSA site, search through here you'll find a link.

It was only repeated on CNN, but the story came right from TSA.

I am more scared of TSA's lack of security than I am of the chance of being on a flight with terrorists.

And explain how being more cautious is worse? How is ever doing more than you have to a worse idea? You exemplify the same douchebags who come through with attitudes about every little thing that we have to check and have to constantly be reminded of 9/11 before they ****.

 

[bella92108]

And explain how being more cautious is worse? How is ever doing more than you have to a worse idea? You exemplify the same douchebags who come through with attitudes about every little thing that we have to check and have to constantly be reminded of 9/11 before they ****.

Right. There have been very many studies showing that the TSA is ineffective and passive in their security measures. I've never taken out my liquids, gels, or aerosols, and have never been asked to. So does TSA not pay attention, or does TSA selectively enforce the rules?

Either way, even the EU has condemned the steps the TSA takes to give a false sense of security, stating that the shoes-off policy, and the laptop removal are unnecessary.



UPDATE: went through TSA checkpoint 8 times now so far with my MBA 11" and not removed from the bag. Of course I also didn't remove my bathroom bag of liquids, gels, and aerosols and 8 times went through without a problem (4 different airports)... consistency is there, but enforcement is nonexistent lol. ;-)