Jazmin Li
Airport security has become increasingly stringent, with carry-on baggage screening procedures in place to prevent prohibited items and other threats to transportation security from entering the airport. As a result, passengers are often required to remove laptops from their bags for X-ray screening. However, some airports are now utilizing advanced technology, such as computed tomography (CT) scanners, which provide high-definition 3D imagery, allowing travellers to keep their laptops in their bags. This technology is already in use at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, and some airports in the US. Nonetheless, the inconsistent application of these new systems means that passengers may experience varying requirements across different airports, terminals, and security agents.
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What You'll Learn
Airports with advanced CT scanners
Advanced CT scanners are being introduced at select airports worldwide, significantly improving airport security measures. This technology uses computed tomography (CT) – the same technology used in medical scanners – to analyse the molecular structure of the contents of a passenger’s bag. The machines can detect potential threats and present security officers with a three-dimensional image of the contents. They can also analyse whether laptops and other electronic equipment present a danger.
In the United Kingdom, a government mandate requires major airports to implement these advanced scanners by June 2024. London City Airport and Teesside International Airport have already implemented this technology, with Heathrow Airport following suit. The United States is also rolling out upgraded CT X-ray scanners across its airports. As of March 30, 2025, the TSA had deployed 983 CT units in 254 airports nationwide, with plans to deploy an additional 50 by September. Full CT integration at U.S. airports will take a decade and is not likely to be complete until 2035 to 2040.
In Asia, countries like Japan and South Korea are also adopting these advanced systems. Airports like Tokyo International, Incheon International, and Jeju International have integrated CT scanning technology, streamlining security processes for domestic and select international flights.
The introduction of CT scanners at airports offers a detailed 3D image of carry-on bags, allowing security personnel to scrutinise the contents without the need for passengers to remove laptops, tablets, and liquids in quantities greater than 100ml. This technology promises to enhance security measures and provide a sense of reassurance. The more sophisticated assessment of potential threats could reduce staff time consumed in secondary searches, allowing officers to focus more on assessing passenger behaviour.
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TSA PreCheck
The rules for hand luggage vary across airports, depending on the type of luggage scanners in use. For instance, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport allows passengers to keep liquids and electronics, including laptops, inside their bags. Similarly, passengers have reported being able to keep their laptops in their bags at Lisbon Airport and some checkpoints at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
However, at other airports, such as Heathrow, passengers have had to remove their laptops from their bags and place them in separate bins for X-ray screening.
To bypass this requirement at US airports, travellers can enrol in TSA PreCheck. TSA PreCheck is a service provided by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that allows low-risk travellers to expedite the security screening process at the airport. With TSA PreCheck, travellers can keep their shoes, belts, light jackets, and electronics, including laptops, in their bags during screening. Additionally, they do not need to remove their 3-1-1 liquids from their carry-on luggage.
To enrol in TSA PreCheck, individuals can start their application online or visit any of the 565 enrolment centres. The cost of enrolment varies by provider. Once approved, TSA PreCheck will be indicated on the traveller's boarding pass. It is important to note that TSA PreCheck uses unpredictable security measures, and all travellers will be screened. While 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes, expedited screening is not guaranteed.
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Screening processes
The screening process for laptops and other electronic devices may vary depending on the airport and the equipment used. Generally, it is recommended to carry laptops and other valuable electronics in carry-on bags to reduce the risk of damage or theft. However, if they need to be placed in checked baggage, additional precautions should be taken to protect them.
At most airports, passengers are typically required to remove laptops and other electronic devices from their bags and place them in separate bins for X-ray screening. This allows for a clear and unobstructed view of the devices during inspection. It is also recommended to keep laptops easily accessible, with cables and accessories neatly organized, to facilitate a smoother and quicker screening process.
However, some airports and security programs, such as TSA PreCheck, may allow passengers to keep their laptops and certain other items inside their carry-on bags during screening. This expedited process is designed to streamline security and reduce wait times. It is important to note that participation in such programs may require prior enrollment and eligibility. Additionally, the final decision regarding item allowance at checkpoints rests with the TSA officer.
To enhance security, TSA officers may request passengers to power on their laptops or electronic devices to verify that they are functional. This emphasizes the importance of ensuring devices are sufficiently charged before reaching the airport. Furthermore, certain airports may require the removal of electronic devices from their protective cases or sleeves for separate screening.
It is worth noting that screening procedures may evolve over time to address emerging threats and maintain the highest levels of transportation security. As a result, passengers may encounter variations in screening processes at different airports or even within the same airport at different times. Staying informed about the latest guidelines and arriving early at the airport can help ensure a smoother travel experience.
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Scanners and security
Airport security has become increasingly stringent since the terrorist attacks in the US on September 11, 2001. Scanning procedures are designed to prevent prohibited items and other threats to transportation security. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the US works with intelligence and law enforcement to share information and adjust processes to meet evolving threats.
The requirement to remove laptops from bags at airport security is a standard practice, with some exceptions. Some airports have introduced advanced computed tomography (CT) scanners that produce high-definition 3D images, allowing travellers to keep their laptops in their bags. These scanners provide a more detailed view of the bag's contents, including its internal components. This technology is being enhanced by AI to improve threat detection rates.
The TSA recommends arriving at the airport early to allow sufficient time for the screening process. Passengers may be asked to remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone, including laptops, tablets, e-readers, and handheld game consoles, and place them in separate bins for X-ray screening. This separate screening is necessary as a laptop inside a bag can shield other items from view, and scanning it separately can reveal its internal components. In some cases, travellers may be asked to turn on their devices to prove they are functional.
The rules for hand luggage vary depending on the type of luggage scanners used at the airport. For example, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport allows passengers to keep liquids and electronics inside their bags, while other airports may require the removal of laptops and tablets. Heathrow Airport in the UK has been in the process of implementing new scanners, leading to inconsistent requirements for passengers.
TSA PreCheck® in the US allows travellers to keep their laptops in their carry-on bags, and this status is indicated on the boarding pass. Foreign airports may have varying requirements, so it is advisable to ask or observe the practices of other travellers.
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Rules for specific airports
The rules for keeping your laptop in your bag at airport security vary across different airports.
At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, you can keep your laptop in your bag. This is because they have CT scanners, which can provide a detailed view of luggage and detect prohibited items. Similarly, some people have reported being able to keep their laptops in their bags at IAD, both domestic and international, due to the installation of new scanners.
In contrast, at Heathrow Airport, there have been mixed experiences. Some travellers have had to remove their laptops from their bags and sleeves, while others have only needed to take them out of their sleeves. This inconsistency may be due to the different terminals, lines, and security agents at Heathrow. Likewise, at Paris airports, some travellers have been asked to remove their laptops, while others have not.
In the United States, if you have TSA PreCheck status, you can generally keep your laptop in your carry-on bag. This privilege is indicated on your boarding pass. However, it's important to pay attention to the instructions given at the airport, as they may vary.
It's worth noting that the rules are constantly evolving, and airports are gradually adopting new scanner technologies. As a result, it can be challenging to keep track of the specific rules for each airport. To avoid any issues, it is recommended to arrive at the airport early and follow the instructions provided by the security staff.
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Frequently asked questions
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport allows laptops to remain in bags. Some airports in the US with TSA PreCheck, such as Seattle, also allow laptops to remain in bags. However, this varies depending on the type of scanners used and the terminal.
Laptops are removed from bags to be screened for prohibited items and other threats to transportation security. Scanning laptops separately from bags allows security officials to view the internal components of the laptop and discern whether something is being covered up.
Security procedures vary across airports due to the different types of luggage scanners in use. Airports are also constantly adjusting processes and procedures to meet evolving threats and achieve the highest levels of transportation security.
It is recommended to arrive at the airport early to allow enough time for the screening process. It is also helpful to pay close attention to the instructions given at the airport. Packing your electronics together can also make it easier to remove them from your bag if needed.
