The 2009 arrests of the couple accused of stealing over 1,000 checked bags from the Phoenix airport highlighted
one of the baggage theft risks that airline passengers face each time
they fly. Another ongoing problem inside the airline terminal is the
risks passengers face of having their laptop computer lost, stolen, or
damaged. When it comes to protecting your laptop, two areas of risks are
taking the computer through security and keeping your computer safe
inside the terminal.
Putting Computers in Checked Baggage
There is a very simple way to avoid this
problem-just don’t ever put your computer or your computer data in
checked baggage. There is the obvious risk of a lost, damage, or stolen
checked luggage. Also, airlines often load bags on top of one another in
the cargo hold of your flight. Hundreds of pounds of pressure in
conjunction with the low temperatures in unheated cargo compartments may
lead to cracks or damage to a laptop screen or damage to other computer
components.
Taking a Portable Computer Through Security
In most other countries, laptops have to
be taken out of its carrying case or out of your carry-on bag as you go
through the x-ray scanners at airport security. To protect your laptop,
you should do the following:
- Place laptops in a bin by itself before you put it through the x-ray machine.
- Keep your laptop in sight at all times. You may be delayed getting through the metal detector or you may be pulled aside for additional screening. If this happens, make sure you keep your laptop in sight. If you are traveling in a group, one thing that you can do is to have the first person through security be the person who takes care of all the laptops.
- Reclaim and secure your laptop as quickly as possible once you are through the screening process.
Notebook Computer and iPad Screening Exceptions
Currently, traveling to the US, the TSA
does not make you take out for separate screening a smaller computer
such as a notebook computer or iPad. You can keep these in your carry on
bag, computer bag, or other bag as you go though security. Keep in mind
that a security screener may still ask you to take out your iPad or
notebook computer for separate screening, especially if you have several
many electrical or electronic items in the same bag.
Laptop Security in the Terminal
If you decide to use your laptop
during the time before boarding, take the same precautions that you
would in any other public space. Don’t leave your laptop unattended, and
if you using the airport’s free Wi-Fi access, avoid doing anything
online such as online banking that requires a secure connection.
Other Laptop Security Hints
In addition to protecting your
laptop from loss, damage, or theft, you should also take the time to
protect the information on the laptop. One way to do that is to separate
the data from the laptop. For most users, the information on a laptop
is far more valuable than the laptop itself. One easy way to protect
against the loss of data is to either backup your data before you
travel, or plan to keep any important or sensitive data data separate
from the laptop in a device such as a flash drive, CD-ROM, or or
external hard drive. Of course, these data storage devices should always
be with you or with your carry-on bag, and not in any checked bag.
If you are unwilling or unable to
separate the data from the laptop, at least put some kind of password
protection on the laptop or on individual files or directories within
the laptop.
One way to avoid the hazards and hassles
of taking your laptop out for security screening is to use alternative
electronic devices. Unlike the situation with laptops, special screening
is not required for smaller electronic devices like notebook computers,
iPads, flash drives, PDAs, or for Internet enabled phones such as the
iPhone or Blackberry.
