A little preparation can save you from headaches at the airport and beyond.
If you have to use the airport facilities, bring your laptop bag.
If you leave it on the floor by your feet, someone can access it unless it’s locked.
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These show that you left the country with a laptop and other mobile gear.
The onus is to prove that you own the equipment and did not purchase it while traveling.
Carry Your Laptop or Pack It Away?
Keep it with you at all times.
It goes with you on the flight as carry-on baggage.
Do not store it in the overhead storage area; someone else could knock it around.
Do not put your laptop in with your other baggage.
Should You X-Ray Your Laptop?
Letting your laptop go through the X-ray equipment will not harm your box.
The magnetic field it generates is not enough to cause harm to yourhard driveor your data.
On the other hand, metal detectorscandamage it.
Request (politely) that Security/Customs not use the metal detector but do a hand check instead.
It’s a good reason to keep your laptop battery charged.
Examining your laptop in this manner is often called “hand checking.”
Keep a Low Profile
Dont draw attention to yourself.
If its too crowded, dont use your laptop; wait until its less crowded.
If someone is curious about your laptop, be brief but polite and pack it in.
Two people will get ahead of you at the security area.
You have placed your laptop on the conveyor belt, and it has moved ahead.
The first person goes through it without problems, but the second has many difficulties.
While you and Security/Customs are distracted, the first take off with your laptop.
Always wait until the last moment to put your laptop on the conveyor belt.
