Honestly, I hate removing my laptop and tablets from my hand-carry luggage when passing through airport security x-rays. I mean, I’ve packed them neatly, and then I have to remove them and put them back again after they are checked. I mean, who wouldn’t, right? But we also have to understand that this is being done for our own safety and security on board. So yes, that is the only thing I now think of when I am asked to remove my laptop from my bag. And it is mandated by authorities too!
Passengers are generally required to remove their laptops from hand luggage and place them separately in the security scanner bin. This practice, while sometimes inconvenient, is necessary for several important reasons. It is however best to understand why we are asked to remove our laptops from our hand carry luggage.
Before the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, airport security was much less stringent. Passengers could carry a variety of items, including knives, liquids, and electronic devices, in their hand luggage without much scrutiny. However, the tragic events of 9/11 prompted significant changes in airport security regulations worldwide. These changes aimed to prevent potential threats, including the possibility of self-made explosives.
Density and X-Ray Imaging
The primary reason laptops must be removed from bags during security checks is that their batteries and mechanical components are too dense for X-rays to penetrate effectively, especially with older airport scanning systems. This density creates shadows or blind spots on the X-ray image, making it difficult for security personnel to see through the laptop and inspect its internal components. Power cords, tablets, and cameras also share this issue, as their dense parts can obstruct the view of other items in the bag.
By removing laptops and placing them separately in the scanner bin, security personnel can obtain a clearer image of the laptop’s internal components. This separation allows for a more detailed inspection and ensures that no potentially dangerous items are concealed within the device. In some cases, passengers might also be asked to turn on their laptops to prove they are functional and not tampered with.
Safety Concerns with Lithium-Ion Batteries
All laptop batteries contain lithium-ion, a highly flammable material. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued warnings regarding the potential overheating of lithium-ion batteries if stored in the cargo hold of an aircraft. According to the FAA, devices with lithium-ion batteries, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets, should be carried in carry-on baggage. Flight crews are trained to recognize and respond to lithium battery fires in the cabin. Passengers should notify the flight crew immediately if their lithium battery or device overheats, expands, smokes, or burns.
Advances in Scanning Technology
The inconvenience of removing laptops during security checks may soon be alleviated with the adoption of next-generation scanners. These advanced scanners can view carry-on luggage from multiple angles, effectively determining whether something is concealed without requiring separate electronics or liquids checks. Several airports have already implemented these advanced scanning technologies, including Milan Linate (LIN), Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO), London City Airport (LCY), and Eindhoven Airport (EIN).
Next-generation scanners significantly reduce the rate of tray handling, trimming the screening time per passenger. According to Smiths Detection, a company specializing in threat detection and security screening technologies, these advanced systems eliminate the need to remove electronic devices unless flagged by the scanner. This innovation promises to streamline the security process, enhancing both efficiency and passenger convenience.
Removing laptops from bags at airport security is an important measure designed to enhance safety and security. The density of laptops and their components interferes with X-ray imaging, making it difficult for security personnel to inspect them properly. Additionally, the flammability of lithium-ion batteries necessitates careful handling and monitoring.
Source: Simple Flying
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
