Why do I have to take my laptop out of the bag at airport security?

The main reason you have to remove your laptop from your bag is because its battery and other mechanical components are too dense for X-rays to penetrate effectively – especially if the scanning system is old. The same goes for power cords and other devices such as tablets and cameras.



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Please remove the laptops from your bag and place it in a separate bin for X-ray screening.

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Please remove the laptops from your bag and place it in a separate bin for X-ray screening.

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You do not need to remove your laptop from its case or sleeve, as long as it is a designated checkpoint-friendly laptop bag. A checkpoint-friendly laptop bag is a type of laptop bag that meets certain criteria set by the TSA, which we will explain in the next section.

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The main reason you have to remove your laptop from your bag is because its battery and other mechanical components are too dense for X-rays to penetrate effectively — especially if the scanning system is old. The same goes for power cords and other devices such as tablets and cameras.

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Cabin-friendly suitcases with a separate laptop compartment are the perfect solution, providing a designated space specifically designed to protect your computer.

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As a guide, anything larger than A5 size or an iPad mini needs to be placed in a tray with nothing covering it up. If you can spray, spread or pour something at room temperature, it counts as a liquid in aviation security terms. This includes aerosols such as asthma inhalers and foodstuffs, like butter or jam.

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Liquids include:
  • all drinks, including water.
  • liquid or semi-liquid foods, for example soup, jam, honey and syrups.
  • cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lip gloss.
  • sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants.
  • pastes, including toothpaste.


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Taking liquids through security
  • all drinks, including water.
  • liquid or semi-liquid foods, for example soup, jam, honey and syrups.
  • cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lip gloss.
  • sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants.
  • pastes, including toothpaste.


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In short, the 3-1-1 rule is: Each liquid you bring through the TSA checkpoint must be in a 3.4-ounce or smaller container (3), all containers must be placed inside one clear quart-size plastic bag (1) and each passenger is only allowed one plastic bag (1).

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Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols.

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Why do airport security agents ask you to turn on your computer in a random security check? To make sure it has at least got computer components in it and not the circuitry and explosive compound that they fear.

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Remove the 3-1-1 liquids bag and place it in the bin. Ensure pockets are empty (keys, tissues, currency, wallets, cell phones, etc.) and remove bulky jewelry (valuable items can be placed in carry-on). Remove your shoes and place them directly on the X-ray belt.

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Remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone from your carry-on bag and place them into a bin with nothing placed on or under them for X-ray screening. (E.g. laptops, tablets, e-readers and handheld game consoles.) Remember to check the bins and collect all belongings after going through screening.

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TSA counts mascara as a liquid, so the 3-1-1 rule for packing it in hand luggage applies. It states that all liquids have to be in 3.4 oz (100 ml) bottles or smaller and packed in a 1-quart bag. Mascara usually isn't above 3.4 oz, so you're free to pack it in your hand luggage.

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What items do you put in tray at airport security? Put coins, keys, mobile phones and other small items in your coat or hand baggage. Place your hand baggage and coat into a tray. Place any liquid items (important: see 'Liquids - 100ml rule' above), correctly bagged, into the tray.

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Can you carry your wallet through airport security? While you can bring your wallet with you, you must remove all items from your pockets, including wallets, keys, belts, coins, and phones. You must place this in the provided bins to be screened.

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Here's what to expect when taking your carry-on bag through security screening next time you fly. You will be asked to remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone from your carry-on bag and place them into a bin with nothing placed on or under them for X-ray screening.

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Laptops with batteries below 160 watt-hours are allowed in hand and checked luggage, but batteries over 100 watt-hours require airline approval. Batteries over 160 watt-hours are banned. Spare batteries below 160 watt-hours are allowed only in hand luggage. Read Next: Can You Bring External Monitors on Planes?

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You'll want to pack your laptop so that it has some cushioning to protect it from bumps and vibrations. While traveling, you should always carry your laptop on your person. Never put it in your checked bag. Baggage handlers could throw it around, drop it, and cause damage.

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