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Travelling with a laptop

posted by [personal profile] panik at 04:45pm on 15/12/2006 under
Has anyone any recent-ish experience of flying to the US from the UK (and vice versa) with a laptop? - ie; what are the security rules now? Will they let you keep it with you or does it have to (shudder!) go in the hold?

I've been googling all day and have only succeeded in  confusing myself horribly.

Many thanks for any help offered. (o:
Mood:: 'exhausted' exhausted
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There are 9 comments on this entry. (Reply.)
 

Too cool for subject

posted by [identity profile] andeincascade.livejournal.com at 04:59pm on 15/12/2006
Hey Gilly!

When I came in October it was ok to have my laptop from the US to the UK but coming back they would have required me to check it. So I didn't bring it.

If you're thinking about Moonridge there will be lots of laptops there. We all share. *g*

And, hey, the rules could change by then!

Ande
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Too cool for subject

posted by [identity profile] gillyp.livejournal.com at 05:49pm on 15/12/2006
Alas, I doubt if I'll make it to Moonridge )o:

But thanks for the info - I really need my laptop on a trip In have to make but the insurance is mad and I'm not at all keen about the idea of checking it in.
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Too cool for subject

posted by [identity profile] fingers.livejournal.com at 05:21pm on 15/12/2006
This is the DFT (uk) regs
*snipped*
At the security point
Be ready to hand over your re-sealable bag of liquids for screening as you approach the security check point. It will be screened at the same time as your cabin luggage.
All coats and jackets will have to be removed ready to be screened and metal items will be placed in plastic trays and scanned separately.
If you are carrying a Laptop or any other large electrical item within your cabin luggage then please have it ready for separate screening as you approach the security check.

http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_transsec/documents/page/dft_transsec_613514.hcsp

Seems to imply you can ...

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Too cool for subject

posted by [identity profile] gillyp.livejournal.com at 05:51pm on 15/12/2006
Yeah, I read that, but as you delve deeper into the regs, they start talking about all the things you have to check in, including laptops )o: I've been researching it all day and I feel like my head is coming off.

I think the best thing would be to make some calls ::sighs most deeply::

Thanks for the help, tho!
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starwatcher: Western windmill, clouds in background, trees around base. (Default)

Too cool for subject

posted by [personal profile] starwatcher at 06:02pm on 15/12/2006
.
Absolutely make some calls. As who-else said, you'll have to take it out of your bag, it'll be screened separately, and they may ask you to open it. But I'd be very surprised if they try to make you check it, whichever country you're entering. Just think of all the businessmen who travel with their laptops; can you imagine the stink if they were required to check their laptops? Laptops are (a) easily damaged by careless handling (like throwing luggage into the hold) and (b) easily stolen -- and the airlines know that. They really should allow you to keep it as part of your carryon luggage.

Good luck.
.
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Too cool for subject

posted by [identity profile] gillyp.livejournal.com at 07:28pm on 15/12/2006
Yeah, I'll try and get some sense out of Manchester Airport tomorrow; I think they're likely t be the alpha and omega of my potential problems.

They really should allow you to keep it as part of your carryon luggage.
Well, you'd think so, but security at UK airports is SO tight now, I just don't know.

TBH, the main reason I ay end up having to leave it behind (even though I really, really need it!) is the insane cost of insurance for the darn things.
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Too cool for subject

posted by [identity profile] snycock.livejournal.com at 09:19pm on 15/12/2006
I haven't traveled out of the country, but I've traveled within the US extensively with my laptop...you just have to take it out of the bag or backpack when you go through security screening and put it through the X-ray machine separately. Like someone above said, there are so many business travelers, I don't think they could make people check them.

But I'm going to see a friend tonight who traveled to London within the last six months; I'll ask her to be sure...

Jen
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Too cool for subject

posted by [identity profile] snycock.livejournal.com at 02:49pm on 16/12/2006
My friend went to London in September and said she was able to carry her laptop on board. She thinks things got really strict in August but they've loosened up a little now.
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Too cool for subject

posted by [identity profile] gillyp.livejournal.com at 10:34pm on 16/12/2006
OK, thanks! I assume that was also true for her return trip?

I'll still check with Manchester Airport, to be sure. TBH, it's the bloody insurance that's putting me off - £140! O: I could replace the thing for a new one for £500. I'm kind of inclined to take me chances and not bother with the insurance )o:
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