Airplanes, Laptops, Gameboys, and Digital Cameras

Sharon Kay

Sharon Kay

New member
Ok this will be the first time I have flown with my electronic toys...will the "scanners" at the airports damage any of the following:

Laptops (and their hard drives)
Flash drives, memory sticks, Compact Flash cards
Rebel XTi camera and lens
My cell phone and it's memory card
DVD player
Gameboys
Gameboy games

...anything I need to be AWARE of flying with that could be damaged by the scanners?
 
Yup, you're good to go. Nothing will get damaged by the scanners. I'm assuing that you're carrying on all of that stuff, right? Cuz it'd be crazy to trust its safety in your luggage.

I'm just sayin... lol
 
The scanners will be fine. They may ask you to open and power up your laptop or whatever, but the scanners won't hurt them. Beware though that when we flew we weren't allowed to have electronics on (including cell phones) during ascent and descent. So that basically left us with like 30 minutes to use them (we'd bought the kids Nintendo DS's for the trip to keep them occupied in the plane).
 
You should be fine. Just make sure your laptop is easily accessible because if you're carrying it on, you will have to run it through security separately, out of whatever bag it is in. Your camera can be packed away though.
 
I always look like a crazy person at the airport with a backpack full of cameras, EHDs, chargers and my laptop. :) Other than weird looks, you should be good but I agree with Jenny- carry on!
 
Now, by scanners are you all meaning the xay type scanners, or the metal detectors? Cuz I've heard you can't bring some of that stuff thru the metal detectors....
 
rachaelsscraps said:
Now, by scanners are you all meaning the xay type scanners, or the metal detectors? Cuz I've heard you can't bring some of that stuff thru the metal detectors....
Click to expand...
You shouldn't have to take anything through a metal detector...they make you take off your shoes, jacket etc, everything goes on the conveyer belt and gets scanned, you pick it up on the other side...
 
I have flown once in the last 18 years...and it was a 45 minute trip to Tulsa...I didn't carry anything with me except a cell phone (and it didn't have a memory card back then)...wow and I think that was like in 2004. Jeesh I need to get out more! lol

...but dh doesn't want to pay airfare for 5 people...UNTIL...we got these tickets to Orlando and they were $59 each way! He couldn't argue with that price!
 
rachaelsscraps said:
Now, by scanners are you all meaning the xay type scanners, or the metal detectors? Cuz I've heard you can't bring some of that stuff thru the metal detectors....
Click to expand...

It's been so long since I've flown that I didn't know what they were called. lol

Whatever my gadgets might be subjected to...just wanted to make sure it didn't harm any of them.
 
wow only a little over two weeks til you get to Florida?? I bet you are excited. The weather is BEAUTIFUL here lately!! Perfect time of year to come too :-)
 
ditzyscrap said:
The scanners will be fine. They may ask you to open and power up your laptop or whatever, but the scanners won't hurt them. Beware though that when we flew we weren't allowed to have electronics on (including cell phones) during ascent and descent. So that basically left us with like 30 minutes to use them (we'd bought the kids Nintendo DS's for the trip to keep them occupied in the plane).
Click to expand...

Hmmm we're flying from Kansas City to Orlando...can't remember the amount of time...but seems like enough to watch a movie. Got a kiddo that is very nervous about flying and the doctor's office thinks that the movie might distract him enough to get his mind off of it (wish us a smooth flight)...they also prescribed an anti-anxiety med for him since he is so worked up about getting in a plane. He does have a DS so that is there to use as well.

Found a neat little bag (supposed to hang on the back of a car seat if I can figure it out with all these little metal rings lol) at a garage sale today for $3...holds the dvd player and some DVDs. Cool deal.

Oh most definitely all those things are going to be carry-ons...I've never heard anyone say "oh the baggage handlers are so gentle with your electronics...do check them as baggage" GMBO :p

Thanks ladies!!
 
I just did 2 2.5 hour flights. It all goes through the scanners fine. If you have a flat laptop bag, no extra pockets & things, you can leave your laptop in it. I stuffed all my cables & things into my check on bag seperately from the laptop. The boys were able to watch a 90 minute movie and about 20 minutes of something else on our DVD player.

it isn't the electronics that cause people problems, they check fine, it's the toiletries. Only 3ozs of liquid or gels (including toothpaste, lip gloss etc) they all have to fit into one quart aized zip top bag & it has to go through the scanner on it's own, not in your bags. No drink allowed except for small kids (and that is a judgement call, no age given by TSA). A 20oz bottle of apple juice was $2.89 on the other side of security! It's $1.50 in Sheetz.
And they gave me grief about the PB&J sandwiches because jelly is a 'gel like' substance & I should have put it in a 3oz container & then spread it on the bread after I went through security.
But my laptop, DVD player, EHD, 2 mp3 players, Nikon, Olympus and the Leapsters all passed through without a blink or any harm.
 
I think the liquid stuff totally depends on the airport and the security in said airport too Stacey. I never check my liquids, I rarely have them in quart size bag, and I've never taken them out of my bag. And I've flown in and out of 4 airports in the last 2 years.

I'm flying out to Dallas this afternoon for the weekend, so we'll see how it goes. :P
I had a heck of a time packing last night. 3 gift bags, clothes, shoes, camera with 50mm and 28-75, assorted cords for devices, ipod. I ended up having to use my camera bag as my second carryon (I never check baggage when I fly by myself) and stuffed a purse in my luggage, lol. I coudn't bring the laptop, but I could use a weekend away from the technology.

The xay scanners won't damage anything. Everything goes into the bins to get scanned, including your shoes. If your laptop is in a bag wtih a bunch of other stuff, you have to put it in a bin of its own. Other than that, you're good to go.
 
jessica31876 said:
wow only a little over two weeks til you get to Florida?? I bet you are excited. The weather is BEAUTIFUL here lately!! Perfect time of year to come too :-)
Click to expand...

I'm a little over the excited part! I am having to make myself lists for each day what I need to get accomplished so I don't get overwhelmed the last couple of days.

I want to get those hybrid notebook kits like Jen made from Libby's Disney inspired kit done...need to get a menu list done (which restaurants the boys will like food at...at the different parks)...my hair lightened...get boys' jeans cut off into shorts...yada yada yada lol

I'm guessing we will be taking a quick plunge into summer there...haven't worn shorts since last September. :)

My friend, Kari (Relocated Dixie Chick) called me from Animal Kingdom yesterday...she got me a couple of good pictures of Jiminy Cricket!! Ok so now my biggest and only challenge at WDW is completed...I can go and enjoy the fun. hee hee YES YES I am excited!
 
Stacey42 said:
I just did 2 2.5 hour flights. It all goes through the scanners fine. If you have a flat laptop bag, no extra pockets & things, you can leave your laptop in it. I stuffed all my cables & things into my check on bag seperately from the laptop. The boys were able to watch a 90 minute movie and about 20 minutes of something else on our DVD player.

it isn't the electronics that cause people problems, they check fine, it's the toiletries. Only 3ozs of liquid or gels (including toothpaste, lip gloss etc) they all have to fit into one quart aized zip top bag & it has to go through the scanner on it's own, not in your bags. No drink allowed except for small kids (and that is a judgement call, no age given by TSA). A 20oz bottle of apple juice was $2.89 on the other side of security! It's $1.50 in Sheetz.
And they gave me grief about the PB&J sandwiches because jelly is a 'gel like' substance & I should have put it in a 3oz container & then spread it on the bread after I went through security.
But my laptop, DVD player, EHD, 2 mp3 players, Nikon, Olympus and the Leapsters all passed through without a blink or any harm.
Click to expand...

That is so good to know!

Ok that is something that seemed fuzzy to me...each container can be no larger than 3 oz. right? Is there any limit of how many of 3 oz containers you can bring?

...or is there no limit on the size in your checked baggage? I'm thinking of just bringing a family sized shampoo...but putting it in the checked baggage along with all the toothpaste...does that sound right? I'm thinking of double ziploc bagging it to make sure it doesn't break all over our clothes...or maybe inside a tupperware container in there.

I'm thinking of bringing Star Burst candies or hard mints we can suck on if we get a bit thirsty waiting...in hopes we don't need to buy a drink!
 
Sharon...yes, you can check liquids but just can't bring them in your carry-on. Make sure though, that your liquids are still in baggies - not for security reasons but because they're SO not careful with your stuff and something will inevitably pop open and pour all over everything (Natalie's detangler opened and dumped all over everything in our bathroom bag - toothbrushes, hair accessories, EVERYTHING...what a mess).
 
There is a weight limit for checked luggage. 50 pounds, I believe. With the new fees for checked bags, I'm not sure how that works. In the past, it was 2 checked bags per person. The 3oz. limit is only if you are bringing the liquids/gels in your carryon luggage. Also, the limit is supposed to be 1 Quart size ziptop bag per person.
 
I forgot to add that if you are checking luggage, then just put your liquids there. It's more of a hassle to bring that stuff through security. Also included in the "liquid/gel" category is lip gloss/chapstick. Make sure you also check your purse for things like metal nail files (my mother always forgets about this and has lost a couple nail files this way!), nail clippers, tiny scissors, pocket knife, etc. Those things are all no-nos!
 
BrodoNY0123 said:
I think the liquid stuff totally depends on the airport and the security in said airport too Stacey. I never check my liquids, I rarely have them in quart size bag, and I've never taken them out of my bag. And I've flown in and out of 4 airports in the last 2 years.

I'm flying out to Dallas this afternoon for the weekend, so we'll see how it goes. :P
I had a heck of a time packing last night. 3 gift bags, clothes, shoes, camera with 50mm and 28-75, assorted cords for devices, ipod. I ended up having to use my camera bag as my second carryon (I never check baggage when I fly by myself) and stuffed a purse in my luggage, lol. I coudn't bring the laptop, but I could use a weekend away from the technology.

The xay scanners won't damage anything. Everything goes into the bins to get scanned, including your shoes. If your laptop is in a bag wtih a bunch of other stuff, you have to put it in a bin of its own. Other than that, you're good to go.
Click to expand...

Well have fun in Dallas!

I'm not quite awake yet...I was reading your post and thought you said "75 assorted cords for devices"...I did a quick double-take on that. :p

In my laptop bag I generally have:
1) laptop
2) power cord
3) extra laptop battery
4) memory card reader
5) flash drive
6) lap desk (foldable plastic work surface)
7) mouse
8) extra batteries for mouse

In the camera bag I am planning on having:
1) Camera with one lens attached
2) 2 extra lens with filters
3) Cleaning cloth
4) my wallet
5) kleenex
6) my notebook & pen
7) our tickets to the parks & such
8) brush
9) Memory cards

Thinking I have so much for them to scan in that camera bag that I will let dh carry on all the medicines. We have a bunch of them. Which reminds me I need to go back to the pharmacies and see if they will give me SMALLER bottles for some of these...the bottles are huge! I figure they prob need to be in their original labeled containers...right?
 
And be thankful you're not flying through England/Scotland right now. The rule is ONE carryon per person. This includes a lady's handbag. You can only imagine how fun it is to go through Gatwick Airport and shove a large purse inside a computer bag (after taking out the laptop, because those cannot be inside their case)! Oy!
 
ditzyscrap said:
Sharon...yes, you can check liquids but just can't bring them in your carry-on. Make sure though, that your liquids are still in baggies - not for security reasons but because they're SO not careful with your stuff and something will inevitably pop open and pour all over everything (Natalie's detangler opened and dumped all over everything in our bathroom bag - toothbrushes, hair accessories, EVERYTHING...what a mess).
Click to expand...

oh yikes on that! Ok I will either put in ziplocs or maybe the "lock and lock" plastic containers (which would help organize it in the bathroom at the hotel too). Thanks for the tip.
 
MelissaL88 said:
I forgot to add that if you are checking luggage, then just put your liquids there. It's more of a hassle to bring that stuff through security. Also included in the "liquid/gel" category is lip gloss/chapstick. Make sure you also check your purse for things like metal nail files (my mother always forgets about this and has lost a couple nail files this way!), nail clippers, tiny scissors, pocket knife, etc. Those things are all no-nos!
Click to expand...

I really appreciate you all giving me heads up on things I might not think of... the last time I traveled (other than that short 45 minute trip to Tulsa) was probably in 1990/1991 and it was without kids...now I will have 2 teens with me that have never flown...and I know dh will be absolutely no help in the packing, figuring out what is ok or not, and etc.

Ok so my scissors are going to have to go in my check on...got it! I like to have a tiny pair of scissors with my instant drink things (like the Splenda coffee sticks or the diet Hawaiian punch mini packets for water bottles) because they never tear open like they are supposed to. lol
 
Sharon, check out this site, it gives you everything you need to know: http://www.tsa.gov/

Liquids are 3oz bottles, as many as you can fit in 1 quart size bag, 1 quart size bag per person. Checked luggage has no limit on liquids, so I would put your shampoo and conditioner for the trip in there. I usually double gallon size ziploc my liquids in checked luggage. A plastic food container is gonna be a PITA to pack.

Also, the small scissors and nail clippers are OK for carryons now.
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm
 
We flew to Russia (a loonnnggg 13 hr flight which technically took us twice as long because of the time zone differences!) in 2002, I think it was. Back then I had my SLR 35mm camera and they didn't give me any trouble with not putting it thru the metal detectors- they did have me put it on the conveyer belt to be xayed. They didn't mind when I requested to take my film out of the bag and hand it over to the lady on the other side (it was a really high ISO so it was more sensitive to the xays or whatever) I'm really surprised they didn't give me a hard time with doing that, though!
 
Think about how you pack stuff for carry ons. If your flight is fully booked or overbooked, the airline reserves the right to check your carry on bag (especially if it is the rolly type & you have a backpack or large purse with you as your personal item as well) at the gate due to space issues. I wrap my D40 in fleece and cram it in my purse with my laptop, meds and wallet and leave all the cables, memory cards, etc in the rolly case in case I get told to check at the gate.

I board early, due to small children, & there is still plenty of room available, but on both my flights last week about a half dozen later baording people had to check their carry ons.
 
Stacey42 said:
Think about how you pack stuff for carry ons. If your flight is fully booked or overbooked, the airline reserves the right to check your carry on bag (especially if it is the rolly type & you have a backpack or large purse with you as your personal item as well) at the gate due to space issues. I wrap my D40 in fleece and cram it in my purse with my laptop, meds and wallet and leave all the cables, memory cards, etc in the rolly case in case I get told to check at the gate.

I board early, due to small children, & there is still plenty of room available, but on both my flights last week about a half dozen later baording people had to check their carry ons.
Click to expand...

Yikes! That would be bad for me since one carry-on is my laptop and the other carry-on is my camera (with all my essentials inside that bag)!! I would so NOT trust them to be careful with either.

Guess I could hand the laptop to dh and check on the "emergency clothes" with meds he would be carrying. Although I wouldn't trust the meds for a check on either...too hard to replace out of town. One boy will be carrying their dvd player with dvds and his DS gameboy with games....the other prob just his DS gameboy with games.

I wonder if they made those people PAY for their checked baggage? Air Trans charges you for the first bag.

We are flying out of Kansas City International...I'm thinking we should be there at least 1 1/2 hours early...do you think earlier if I am going to request an early board with one of my children? The doctor gave me a note for one child but not the other one.
 
ditzyscrap said:
Sharon...yes, you can check liquids but just can't bring them in your carry-on. Make sure though, that your liquids are still in baggies - not for security reasons but because they're SO not careful with your stuff and something will inevitably pop open and pour all over everything (Natalie's detangler opened and dumped all over everything in our bathroom bag - toothbrushes, hair accessories, EVERYTHING...what a mess).
Click to expand...


I put EVERYTHING in baggies! I've had shampoo and hairspray bust open all over my clothes before. YUCK! I also use these to separate toiletries from the rest of the contents. They're thick plastic so if something happens to leak out of the baggie, I have added protection. Plus, the small ones are perfect for socks and panties (which are forever lost in the suitcase without them).

Also, some airports are a real PIA and even weigh your carry ons... so, be careful not to pack them too heavy. Check the airport and airline's website for weight limits. Last week I flew home from Detroit and they gave me ahrd time about my carry on... I had 2 books, 2 small DVD players and my Rebel & they said it weighed too much. I had to move one of the DVD players to my girls' bag.

Also, with the kids, you might want to concider a small dose of dramamin to nip any motion sickness in the bud. It makes them a little drowsy, so that might help with the nerves too. My Riley gets HORRIBLE motion sickness (we're talking sick for days after the flight) without it... it works wonders.
 
Last edited:
Laura_A said:
I put EVERYTHING in baggies! I've had shampoo and hairspray bust open all over my clothes before. YUCK! I also use these to separate toiletries from the rest of the contents. They're thick plastic so if something happens to leak out of the baggie, I have added protection. Plus, the small ones are perfect for socks and panties (which are forever lost in the suitcase without them).

Also, some airports are a real PIA and even weigh your carry ons... so, be careful not to pack them too heavy. Check the airport and airline's website for weight limits. Last week I flew home from Detroit and they gave me ahrd time about my carry on... I had 2 books, 2 small DVD players and my Rebel & they said it weighed too much. I had to move one of the DVD players to my girls' bag.

Also, with the kids, you might want to concider a small dose of dramamin to nip any motion sickness in the bud. It makes them a little drowsy, so that might help with the nerves too. My Riley gets HORRIBLE motion sickness (we're talking sick for days after the flight) without it... it works wonders.
Click to expand...

I was telling dh about the baggies and he said that was overkill...I told him no that several ladies were speaking from experience! I'll let him pack his own bag...and I'll pack mine and the kids...we'll see who stays behind a day to wash their clothes.

I guess I better weigh the carry ons...my laptop bag itself is pretty heavy with a 17" monitor and an extra battery...although I won't be carrying that external hard drive that I was carrying for awhile until I got the extra internal drive...that sure made things heavy.

Can you get dramamin over the counter? They do well on the rides and such so I think they will be ok...doctor prescribed a stronger anxiety med to take before leaving home for the airplane ride...said that might take the edge off a bit. ...but after hearing about my sister's airplane ride to Las Vegas last weekend...she said half the passengers were getting sick because of the motion...wish she had left out that tidbit of info before I get on a flight!

Thanks for all the tips!
 
Sharon Kay said:
Can you get dramamin over the counter? They do well on the rides and such so I think they will be ok...
Click to expand...
yep, it's OTC and you should be able to find a generic version (that's what i always use). i do fine on long car rides, boat rides, roller coasters... um, pretty much anything except planes. :p so dramamine is a necessity for me -- just wish i had known that before my first flight. not fun!
 
Linz said:
yep, it's OTC and you should be able to find a generic version (that's what i always use). i do fine on long car rides, boat rides, roller coasters... um, pretty much anything except planes. :p so dramamine is a necessity for me -- just wish i had known that before my first flight. not fun!
Click to expand...

I really want his first flight to be an easy one...otherwise we might have a heck of a time getting him back on it to come home! Ok will check with dr to see if he can take that along with the other meds he takes. Thanks!
 
I usually leave and get there 2 hours before hand just becuase its easier not to have to rush to do everything...also depends on the airport your going to....and if your bags are over-weight etc...then you have time to rearrange things to make sure you don't get charged they're fees for being over. Usually its anywhere from 15-20 extra at least that's what we've always paid (my dad is military and we always weighed over when flying)---so my parnets usually paid 15-20 extra per bag because it apparently takes alot of weight to move a whole family of 8. lol. Also the dramamine is always a good thing!!!---those flights to the middle-east and Europe were always the long ones that were great to have the dramamine for! Turbulance can always been killer on stomachs--especially nervous..ones.
 
US Airlines, which is what I flew on, does not charge for the carryons they make you check at the gate. They also give them back to you as you get off the plane, like with strollers.

My laptop doesn't fit in my purse really. I turn it sideways and squeeze the bottom 5 inches of it in the purse. You might want to see if you cna get a folding reuseable grocery bag & tuck it in the laptop case. Then if they start announcing checking carry ons you can put the laptop & camera & that and only have the 1 carry on. They tend to go for actual luggage bags though, not electronics so you probably don't have to worry.
 
Stacey42 said:
US Airlines, which is what I flew on, does not charge for the carryons they make you check at the gate. They also give them back to you as you get off the plane, like with strollers.

My laptop doesn't fit in my purse really. I turn it sideways and squeeze the bottom 5 inches of it in the purse. You might want to see if you cna get a folding reuseable grocery bag & tuck it in the laptop case. Then if they start announcing checking carry ons you can put the laptop & camera & that and only have the 1 carry on. They tend to go for actual luggage bags though, not electronics so you probably don't have to worry.
Click to expand...

I can't do without my electronics! I need my camera to take pics of the boys' first flight...and I need my laptop to keep me busy during the flight (and my mind off the flight..plus I would be worried about the laptop the whole time...would it get lost or damaged). Guess I could hand the laptop to one of the boys and take their game boy and put it inside my laptop case. lol At least I think that would work.

I'm bringing my Sprint Air Card with me...so I don't miss out on anything at SSD while I am gone for 10 days!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Community platform by XenForo® © 2010-2026 XenForo Ltd.
Back
Top