Cruising with a Netbook

[3LittleBirds]

Could someone explain what a "TSA approved" case for a Netbook computer is, and what it does for you? I understand that it somehow makes your security screening faster - but I don't understand why.

[6rugrats]

It makes screening faster because your computer doesn't have to be removed from the case. It lays flat, with nothing else inside the case, so TSA gets a clear view of it as it goes through the scanner.

 

You can do a google search to pull up a picture of one.

[cb at sea]

Or, just don't bring a case! Or, make sure your computer is out of the case, and turned on before you hit the security line. There's no need to spend extra money to save 2 minutes!

[chipmaster]

Could someone explain what a "TSA approved" case for a Netbook computer is, and what it does for you? I understand that it somehow makes your security screening faster - but I don't understand why.

 

Here is the web site info: http://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/simplifying_laptop_bag_procedures.shtm

 

I personally don't feel you will save anytime at all as you still need to put everything thru the machine. The only difference you have only one item going thru versus two; the bag and the laptop in their provided tray. The longest delay is really the line of people in front of you taking out the coins, phone, belts, shoes etc. and putting them in the trays etc.

 

BTW the previous poster isn't correct, you don't need your computer "on" It only needs to be "out" :D

[Treven]

Here is the web site info: http://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/simplifying_laptop_bag_procedures.shtm

 

I personally don't feel you will save anytime at all as you still need to put everything thru the machine. The only difference you have only one item going thru versus two; the bag and the laptop in their provided tray. The longest delay is really the line of people in front of you taking out the coins, phone, belts, shoes etc. and putting them in the trays etc.

 

BTW the previous poster isn't correct, you don't need your computer "on" It only needs to be "out" :D

Yes; I've never had to turn my laptop on, just out of it's case. In my very humble opinion, the "TSA approved case", be it for a note book or a net book is merely a marketing gimic.

[3LittleBirds]

Actually when traveling for business with my laptop, I have always been asked to turn it on.

[flamomo]

I took my Asus netbook on flights this summer. There was an "envelope" type of sleeve that came with it. There was nothing on the sleeve to indicate "TSA approved", so I wasn't sure if I would be able to put it through the scanner inside the sleeve. However, I decided to give it a try, and it sailed through, in a bin by itself, with no questions asked.

I think the key is that nothing but the netbook fits inside the sleeve, as my understanding is that if there are any wires or accessories in a computer bag, it impedes a clear view of the computer. Also, some cases may have metal zippers, and that would be another thing that might interfere with visibility.

[chipmaster]

Actually when traveling for business with my laptop, I have always been asked to turn it on.

 

You are the excpetion then, never seen it ever:D

[LHT28]

Took our netbook this year on vacation ;)

 

Security never asked us to take it out of the sleeve but I thought it was because we were not flying into/out of the USA.

[Shorex]

You are the exception then, never seen it ever:D

 

Concur. I have never been asked to turn on either laptop or netbook and just this year I'll have over 130k bis miles in five continents with one or the other. Not to say it doesn't happen on some random basis. Leaving the netbook in the neoprene sleeve does save a few movements in the choreographed dance through security.

 

"TSA approved" is a misnomer. The term implies that the TSA has somehow "inspected" the case and given a stamp of approval similar to the UL symbol of approval. A better and more realistic term is "checkpoint friendly." Do a search in Amazon electronics for "checkpoint friendly laptop bag" and you'll see plenty of briefcases/backpacks designed to flop open so that the computer does not have to be taken out of the case to go through xray. It's just another option for carting computers around the world.

[3LittleBirds]

You are the excpetion then, never seen it ever:D

 

Somehow I always end up being the exception in one thing or another :p

 

When moving from Zurich back to the states, I had to trek across a huge airport toting a massive suitcase, 2 bags, and a loaded snowboard bag. When I reached US customs, I was given the 3rd degree in questioning - "Why are you sweating - you shouldn't be sweating - there's no reason for you to be sweating". LOL

[sail7seas]

I travel with an Acer Netbook and put it in a bin by itself and have never had a problem. I have never had to turn it on. I love traveling with that little computer..... it's fabulous.

[ab0si]

Back in the old days, security wanted the 'puter powered up. That was long, long ago, however.

 

I've had my computer powered up and "inspected" several times since then, but never by security. Certain countries will sometimes check for porn or political content .. altho how they expect to find it is beyond me unless the computer owner is an idiot (but, then, bringing porn into, say, Saudi Arabia, does indicate idiocy).

[cruiseco]

Actually when traveling for business with my laptop, I have always been asked to turn it on.

 

Me too, twice. Once with a dead battery so I had to find an outlet to plug in to. A real pain.

[Treven]

Somehow I always end up being the exception in one thing or another :p

 

When moving from Zurich back to the states, I had to trek across a huge airport toting a massive suitcase, 2 bags, and a loaded snowboard bag. When I reached US customs, I was given the 3rd degree in questioning - "Why are you sweating - you shouldn't be sweating - there's no reason for you to be sweating". LOL

You should have told them, "you carry all this across the airport in X number of minutes and not sweat!"

[Hamburg Avon Lady]

:( When at all possible --- find internet cafes at the ports you are visiting.

The overall "speed" in the internet centers on the ships is HORRIBLE

and extremely EXPENSIVE. (Was the wost part of our cruise last Jan.):mad:

[househunter]

I keep my laptop in a neaprene sleeve which then gets stored in my huge shoulder tote. I have never had to take it out of the sleeve or turn it on. I just set it in the bin and that's it.

[Denny01]

:( When at all possible --- find internet cafes at the ports you are visiting.

The overall "speed" in the internet centers on the ships is HORRIBLE

and extremely EXPENSIVE. (Was the wost part of our cruise last Jan.):mad:

 

I found the ship's (Celebrity Infinity last cruise) connections to be quite acceptable and I used their 120min (got 20% addition for 1st day signup) for the 14 day cruise. I don't up or download large files or photos, and I personally would not waste time in an interesting port sitting in some internet cafe. For me, defeats the whole purpose of cruising.

 

I set up a new email for the cruise so I don't get a ton of useless stuff. Give it to family and friends who I will converse with, and to my business associate for Major issues, not to include large attachments.

 

Works just fine. I use a little ASUS 7" cheapie netbook. I journal on it, store my photos on a SD disc and internet access. And I Do Not spend port time doing so.

 

Denny

[pspercy]

 

I've been asked to turn on various electronic items, including laptops. However it wasn't in this country. Frankfurt comes to mind, for one.

[CanWeGoYet?]

I bought a "checkpoint friendly" carry on for my son, hoping it would make things a little more simple getting through airport security. It was basically a waste of money. Most flights, even domestic, the security screeners know nothing about these bags and simply parrot the same orders to take the laptop out of the bag. It was packed correctly, with nothing in the laptop section except for the laptop. Out of several flights, only 1 screener so far has let the laptop go through the scanner. Even he knew nothing about these bags but shrugged his shoulders & said give it a try - we'll see if it scans properly.

 

On international flights, forget it.