Laptops and US immigration

Flying to Las Veags next week, and was thinking of taking my laptop so we can stay in touch. Will be doing a lot of travelling whilst there for three weeks. I did hear that US immigration were stopping and searching laptos not so long ago. Anyone know the current situation of taking a laptop into the US - particularly through LAS?

I went through immigration at LAS on Mar 31st with the family, 3 bags and a lappy in tow. Really nice polite and efficient immigration officer, bags through in record time and breezed through customs. Plane door to taxi in 20 mins flat.

On the way home just had to take the lappy out of it's bag and put in a separate tray for the scanner.

[mitchja]

Had various experiences with lap-tops at airports.

Most of the time, it's just a case of taking it out of your bag and putting it through the scanner on it's own.

Do this at LHR and you will probably get roared at and told under no uncertain terms that you are now supposed to keep it in your bag (well in T1 anyway).

Going though LAS (and SIN), I have been asked to switch my lap-top on once it had gone though the scanner.

At JFK, my lap-top got the full rubber glove treatment which involved having it swabbed and tested for explosives. Also had the explosive test done at MAN once too, only there the whole of my hand luggage was also swabbed and tested at the same time.

It really just depends on which airport, the time of day or any other number of random things.

Just be prepared for anything, that's all.

Regards

I cleared immigration at MCO a few days ago and immigration / customs did not look in my luggage. TBH, at MCO I've never seen them open bags - Customs do seem to send a random number of people to have all their luggage x-rayed, but I think this is to check for plant / food items that may pose a threat to agriculture in Florida.

James

At T3, laptops are required to be taken out.
At LGW I was asked to take the laptop out.
Never had my Laptop checked upon arrival at las Vegas, or any other US airport. Must have had 30 trips since Aug 06.

Never been checked on arrival in the US, always laptop out and separately scanned on every journey through security at any US airport. Infrequently I get swabbed and tested too! Perhaps 1/10 to 1/15 times through US security ... can't speak to LAS specifically but TSA rules are pretty consistent across airports. If you're prepared and quick to manage your stuff, taking a laptop will be no trouble.

[HighFlyer]

My experiences echo James'. Usually I go through with no issues at all and the lappy just stays in the bag or goes through the scanner in a tray but every now and then I get the random extra check and sometimes have the explosives swab and have occasionally been asked to power on the laptop. I have been asked this when I have had a flat battery and on explaining this to the staff they were fine about it and said not to worry. I assume they do a number of extra checks a day and its pot luck. Bottom line, don't worry about it, chances are you'll not be asked anything out of the ordinary but if you are aware of what you may be asked you'll be fine [:)]

Thanks,
Sarah

Hi there

we just flew out in April to LAX..no problems with bringing in a laptop either. One issue I will raise though and that is you can now leave your lap top in a protective sleeve whilst it goes through the xray machines.

Six months ago my faithfull laptop was scratched to death in one easy go due to folk jut throwing their empty scanner trays on top of it before I had time to reach it due to having to have a body search. My new machine survived totally unscathed both ways this time.

hope this helps

Allen