Turning your laptop on for TSA?

After 9/11 they were very strict about that rule, but over the years the TSA has been lax in enforcing it. But they are strict about removing laptops/netbook from your carry-ons and putting them through the scanner separately.

I have flown a lot since 9/11 and know to have my laptop out and ready to the TSA. I usually even carry a printed list of things you can and can not take with me. But I have never had to turn my laptop on. This caught my eye as my netbooks battery is going bad and a replacement will not get here in time for my trip. It will work fine plugged up. But nothing on the battery.

About 4 years ago I was asked to turn mine on in Venice and they swabbed it. I think that is the only time and I have taken several flights every year. (As an aside, Venice airport was a zoo without that extra hassle!)

I too was asked to turn my computer on many years ago and haven't had any requests in the recent past. If you get pulled aside you may have to, which is a good reason to have a charged battery if at all possible. But I can't speeding you up if you are just going through in the normal manner. Pam

I cannot remember the last time I was asked to turn on my laptop. I had this happen at Heathrow some 10 years ago and occasionally shortly after 9/11, but don't think this has happened in the last 5 years.

I certainly cannot imagine how this would speed things up since it is rare to be asked to turn the laptop on.

I traveled a lot for work my prior to and after 9/11 and had to turn my laptop on. I always have the battery charged up.

Have not traveled with my laptop internationally yet. But will have the battery charged when I do.

I have had to turn on my laptop a couple times as well as the swab test run on it as well.

I think it depends on who you get, what time of day it is, and if they don't like the cut of your jib.

In the last few weeks, while I've had to take it out, that's been it. The last time, he didn't even want me to take it out of the soft case, just out of the main bag was fine.

I used to fly copious amounts of miles in my former position and have been subjected to just about every indignity one can think of while going through the TSA security checkpoints over the years. I must say, however, that I’ve never had to turn my laptop on. You can even leave it in its bag now as long as it’s a “checkpoint-friendly” bag. That could move you through more quickly (maybe).

Well I guess they will just have to let me plug it up, if they want me to turn it on.

Never had to turn it on before, but there is always the first time.

Thanks for the replies!

I had to do it once a few years ago in the US.

Just got asked to do it in Denmark in the Spring.