safety of electronics in suitcase???

Spon Farmer

Hi,

Looking for people's opinion on this - is it safe to keep my laptop and camera in my suitcase rather than bring a carry on bag?

My sister is of the unchangeable opinion that they will be be stolen.

What are your experiences?

Also, will the presence of electronics in the suitcase cause it to be opened by airport security?

Thanks.

listermint

Do not do this, ever!.


Yes there is a high chance that it will be stolen, try as best to keep high expense items as close to your person as you can.

I would never recommend putting such items in a suitcase. We have had numerous items stolen from guys in the office both in US and european travel.

Spon Farmer

Thanks for responding so quickly.

Do such things happen randomly?

Baggage handlers having a quick look to see what they find - that kind of thing?

Spon Farmer

Theft aside - and I'm just curious about this- would the laptop and camera showing up on the X-ray cause them to to open the suitcase for a look inside?

Even something like a the chargers for electronics or hard drives?

Louche Lad

Don't know why it is, but airports have long been notorious for thieves.

Here's some general advice: http://www.budgettravel.com/blog/theft-from-luggage-at-airports-and-how-to-avoid-it,11930/ (revealing comment "Continental Airlines customer service employee in Newark told her that she shouldn't be putting jewelry in her bag in the first place.").

A recent case in NYC: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/31/nyregion/7-baggage-handlers-at-kennedy-airport-accused-of-pocketing-valuables.html?_r=0 (interesting to note it took months of complaints before anyyhing was done).

Spon Farmer

Louche Lad wrote: »

Don't know why it is, but airports have long been notorious for thieves.

Here's some general advice: http://www.budgettravel.com/blog/theft-from-luggage-at-airports-and-how-to-avoid-it,11930/ (revealing comment "Continental Airlines customer service employee in Newark told her that she shouldn't be putting jewelry in her bag in the first place.").

A recent case in NYC: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/31/nyregion/7-baggage-handlers-at-kennedy-airport-accused-of-pocketing-valuables.html?_r=0 (interesting to note it took months of complaints before anyyhing was done).

Thanks Louche Lad.
I see you are from Limerick - do you use Shannon Airport much?

Louche Lad

Spon Farmer wrote: »

Thanks Louche Lad.
I see you are from Limerick - do you use Shannon Airport much?

Not much, because the places I need to go to aren't served by Shannon.

Spon Farmer

Louche Lad wrote: »

Not much, because the places I need to go to aren't served by Shannon.

If we bring the laptop and camera as carry but they are wrapped in plastic bags (not transparent but you could see them) do you think the guys at Shannon would have us open them?

Louche Lad

Spon Farmer wrote: »

If we bring the laptop and camera as carry but they are wrapped in plastic bags (not transparent but you could see them) do you think the guys at Shannon would have us open them?

With laptops, you usually have to put them through the scanner on their own (not in any sort of bag). Don't think that's the case with cameras.

Miri5

I travel through Shannon once a month and each time I have to put my ipad in the tray along with belt, liquids etc. The same applies for laptop. Just have the camera and laptop in the top of your bag so it is easy to take out when you are going through security never had to put chargers in though, just kept them in my case.

Spon Farmer

Louche Lad wrote: »

With laptops, you usually have to put them through the scanner on their own (not in any sort of bag). Don't think that's the case with cameras.

So we maybe wouldn't need to take the camera out?

In regards to luggage going in the cargo hold would the laptop and camera showing up on the X-ray cause them to to open the suitcase for a look inside?

Spon Farmer

Miri5 wrote: »

I travel through Shannon once a month and each time I have to put my ipad in the tray along with belt, liquids etc. The same applies for laptop. Just have the camera and laptop in the top of your bag so it is easy to take out when you are going through security never had to put chargers in though, just kept them in my case.

If we bring the laptop and camera as carry but they are wrapped in plastic bags (not transparent but you could see them) do you think the guys at Shannon would have us open them?

munchkin_utd

have personal friends/ acquaintances who have lost laptops and cameras from checked in luggage in various airports from first world JFK (new york) to Nepal. Havent heard of anything in the past while thankfully as most are now copped on enough to bring things of value as hand luggage.

The simple rule is that you should presume anything you checkin may get stolen or lost, which is why you NEVER EVER check-in expensive items or irreplaceable things.

Spon Farmer

munchkin_utd wrote: »

have personal friends/ acquaintances who have lost laptops and cameras from checked in luggage in various airports from first world JFK (new york) to Nepal. Havent heard of anything in the past while thankfully as most are now copped on enough to bring things of value as hand luggage.

The simple rule is that you should presume anything you checkin may get stolen or lost, which is why you NEVER EVER check-in expensive items or irreplaceable things.

Thanks.

Louche Lad

Spon Farmer wrote: »

So we maybe wouldn't need to take the camera out?

In regards to luggage going in the cargo hold would the laptop and camera showing up on the X-ray cause them to to open the suitcase for a look inside?

Likely to, yes (at least for a laptop). This has happened to me when I've forgotten to take my laptop out of my bag.

Spon Farmer wrote: »

If we bring the laptop and camera as carry but they are wrapped in plastic bags (not transparent but you could see them) do you think the guys at Shannon would have us open them?

Out of curiosity, why would you want to keep them in plastic bags?

Spon Farmer

Louche Lad wrote: »

Likely to, yes (at least for a laptop). This has happened to me when I've forgotten to take my laptop out of my bag.


Out of curiosity, why would you want to keep them in plastic bags?

I know it is a weird question but there is an explanation.

My girlfriend suffers from OCD but is dealing with it.

That she is willing to go through Shannon Airport is a big deal (long story) but it will be stressful so I want to make it as easy as possible for her.

She would not like the laptop and camera being on the tray and she would rather risk the theft - however she also wouldn't like the idea that the laptop would make it likely that her suitcase would get opened.

It is crazy as she would say herself.

She doesn't know I'm on here asking but I'm just anticipating the problem.

Spon Farmer

I also have a question myself - is it okay to leave the laptop and camera power cables and smaller items (like a portable iPhone charger) in a suitcase?

Would those be flagged at security or should I carry those too?

Cheers

lc180

If you have a laptop or tablet/iPad in your hand luggage you will need to take it out and put it on a tray to be scanned.

No if's or maybes it about it, every airport is supposed to follow this security policy.

Spon Farmer

lc180 wrote: »

If you have a laptop or tablet/iPad in your hand luggage you will need to take it out and put it on a tray to be scanned.

No if's or maybes it about it, every airport is supposed to follow this security policy.

I know - but I recollect seeing people use transparent coverings on stuff.

munchkin_utd

Spon Farmer wrote: »

I also have a question myself - is it okay to leave the laptop and camera power cables and smaller items (like a portable iPhone charger) in a suitcase?

Would those be flagged at security or should I carry those too?

Cheers

yup, if I have checked in luggage the first thing to be thrown into it is all the clatter of chargers.
You just need to be sure that the laptop is charged so that it can be switched on if necessary.
Regarding plastic covers. For scanning you should be able to lay it in the tray with a cover.

lc180

Spon Farmer wrote: »

I know - but I recollect seeing people use transparent coverings on stuff.

I dont understand, Why the need for a transparent cover? Does your girlfriend not want anyone physically touching her laptop?

Spon Farmer

munchkin_utd wrote: »

yup, if I have checked in luggage the first thing to be thrown into it is all the clatter of chargers.

Sorry do you mean the chargers are okay in the checked luggage? They won't open suitcases to check those?

munchkin_utd wrote: »

Regarding plastic covers. For scanning you should be able to lay it in the tray with a cover.

Would something like a big, clear food bag do? One of those zip able ones?

Louche Lad

Spon Farmer wrote: »

I know it is a weird question but there is an explanation.

My girlfriend suffers from OCD but is dealing with it.

That she is willing to go through Shannon Airport is a big deal (long story) but it will be stressful so I want to make it as easy as possible for her.

She would not like the laptop and camera being on the tray and she would rather risk the theft - however she also wouldn't like the idea that the laptop would make it likely that her suitcase would get opened.

It is crazy as she would say herself.

She doesn't know I'm on here asking but I'm just anticipating the problem.

Obviously, I don't know the nature of her OCD but if she doesn't want it "contaminated" by a tray, could she put a sheet of paper in it first? And/or use a wet wipe after it's gone through?

Spon Farmer

lc180 wrote: »

I dont understand, Why the need for a transparent cover? Does your girlfriend not want anyone physically touching her laptop?

Yes, but also because so many people will have used they tray before.

Spon Farmer

Louche Lad wrote: »

Obviously, I don't know the nature of her OCD but if she doesn't want it "contaminated" by a tray, could she put a sheet of paper in it first? And/or use a wet wipe after it's gone through?

Sometimes that is sufficient but she is really stressed at the moment so "sealing" her camera and laptop is my the best course.

Everything she is doing is major leap forward but sometimes it's the little things that are worst.

Louche Lad

Spon Farmer wrote: »

Sorry do you mean the chargers are okay in the checked luggage? They won't open suitcases to check those?

Chargers are fine to leave in bags, of no more concern to the security people than books or shoes.

Actually, is the problem that she doesn't want anyone to touch any of her stuff? If that's the case, there's is always a chance they'll do a random check on suitcases anyway and hence will have to handle her things. Incidentally, I think the security people usually wear plastic gloves when searching in people's luggage.

lc180

Spon Farmer wrote: »

Yes, but also because so many people will have used they tray before.

Thats sounds like a rough form of OCD, must be quite difficult. I dont think you are ever gonna get a definite answer on here, no one can guarentee you that your checked luggage wont be opened and your carry on laptop wont be touched, in a cover or not.

Spon Farmer

Louche Lad wrote: »

Chargers are fine to leave in bags, of no more concern to the security people than books or shoes.

Actually, is the problem that she doesn't want anyone to touch any of her stuff? If that's the case, there's is always a chance they'll do a random check on suitcases anyway and hence will have to handle her things. Incidentally, I think the security people usually wear plastic gloves when searching in people's luggage.

Yes, but she doesn't seemed to have considered that (or at least hasn't voiced it) but I know that unless it is blatantly obvious that they've opened it that she can be okay - the thought process is very complex and I can't believe how much of it I can follow.

Spon Farmer

lc180 wrote: »

Thats sounds like a rough form of OCD, must be quite difficult. I dont think you are ever gonna get a definite answer on here, no one can guarentee you that your checked luggage wont be opened and your carry on laptop wont be touched, in a cover or not.

It was much worse but she has made leaps and bounds.

You guys have been a great help - I know now that putting the stuff in the checked luggage isn't an option (but because it could be flagged and the possibility of theft) so I can concentrate on the carry on part.

I've been through Shannon a couple of times and the people there are a sensible sort - they do do they're jobs but aren't over the top like other airports.

Spon Farmer

Miri5 wrote: »

I travel through Shannon once a month and each time I have to put my ipad in the tray along with belt, liquids etc. The same applies for laptop. Just have the camera and laptop in the top of your bag so it is easy to take out when you are going through security never had to put chargers in though, just kept them in my case.

One other question - would the the guys at Shannon make a person take of a hoodie with a zip?

coylemj

The airport security people often lift a laptop out of the tray to give it a once over before it goes through the scanner, hope your GF won't have a problem with this but I'm just warning you that it's possible that one of the staff will handle the laptop.

munchkin_utd

Spon Farmer wrote: »

One other question - would the the guys at Shannon make a person take of a hoodie with a zip?

I have never flown from Shannon but I would expect a continental airport to consider that a "jacket" so you'd be expected to always remove that.
With a fleece I always get told to remove it, but my O Neills hoodies are all zipless so are fine from what I remember.
It might be something to do with the large mass of metal in the zip setting off the body scanner or having the potential to do so, so it'd be more efficient to just take it off and remove one reason to have to search the passenger.

Fair play for doing your research in advance anyhow. Its stuff like this which is not on airline or airport websites that a community like boards can really help out on

coylemj

Spon Farmer wrote: »

One other question - would the the guys at Shannon make a person take of a hoodie with a zip?

If it's going to be a problem than you need to assume that she will be asked to remove it.

Spon Farmer

coylemj wrote: »

The airport security people often lift a laptop out of the tray to give it a once over before it goes through the scanner, hope your GF won't have a problem with this but I'm just warning you that it's possible that one of the staff will handle the laptop.

We are going through Heathrow so I know that is likely there especially if it is "conspicuously" wrapped - it is a long story and to be honest I wouldn't tell it - but the cause of the stress is related to Shannon.

The stress will ease in Heathrow and hopefully a clear bag will suffice.

Spon Farmer

munchkin_utd wrote: »

I have never flown from Shannon but I would expect a continental airport to consider that a "jacket" so you'd be expected to always remove that.
With a fleece I always get told to remove it, but my O Neills hoodies are all zipless so are fine from what I remember.
It might be something to do with the large mass of metal in the zip setting off the body scanner or having the potential to do so, so it'd be more efficient to just take it off and remove one reason to have to search the passenger.

Fair play for doing your research in advance anyhow. Its stuff like this which is not on airline or airport websites that a community like boards can really help out on

I does what I can.

Spon Farmer

coylemj wrote: »

If it's going to be a problem than you need to assume that she will be asked to remove it.

Yeah, I never dress clothes with zips or a lot of metal when traveling.

I find it easier.

coylemj

OP, one thing to bear in mind - airport scanners are set to randomly go off with a 'false positive' now and then i.e. even a 'clean' person can get a beep and they will be frisked. I'm a frequent traveller and at this stage I know what to remove to keep the scanner from gong off but the odd time the scanner will go off even when you're completely clean. On a couple of occasions the security people have seen the puzzled loook on my face and explained it to me. Apparently it's policy to ensure that nobody can be guaranteed to get a free pass through the scanners so they're progammed to randomly go off for a small % of scans which are negative i.e. even when nothing suspicious is detected.

Spon Farmer

coylemj wrote: »

OP, one thing to bear in mind - airport scanners are set to randomly go off with a 'false positive' now and then i.e. even a 'clean' person can get a beep and they will be frisked. I'm a frequent traveller and at this stage I know what to remove to keep the scanner from gong off but the odd time the scanner will go off even when you're completely clean. On a couple of occasions the security people have explained it to me, apparently it's policy to ensure that nobody can be guaranteed to get a free pass through the scanners so they're progammed to randomly go off for a small % of scans which are negative i.e. nothing suspicious detected.

I didn't know that.

Why though? It seems a bit silly - they already just randomly select people - that seems more sensible.

Why do they need to pretend the scanners found something?

Spon Farmer

coylemj wrote: »

OP, one thing to bear in mind - airport scanners are set to randomly go off with a 'false positive' now and then i.e. even a 'clean' person can get a beep and they will be frisked. I'm a frequent traveller and at this stage I know what to remove to keep the scanner from gong off but the odd time the scanner will go off even when you're completely clean. On a couple of occasions the security people have seen the puzzled loook on my face and explained it to me. Apparently it's policy to ensure that nobody can be guaranteed to get a free pass through the scanners so they're progammed to randomly go off for a small % of scans which are negative i.e. even when nothing suspicious is detected.

Thanks for the warning though

Ponster

Spon Farmer wrote: »

Why do they need to pretend the scanners found something?

It's just the way that the people are selected so the machine keeps track of how many people have been randomly selected for searching as opposed to having a human do it.

Spon Farmer

Ponster wrote: »

It's just the way that the people are selected so the machine keeps track of how many people have been randomly selected for searching as opposed to having a human do it.

Actually it does make sense.:)

Rew

Spon Farmer wrote: »

Hi,

Looking for people's opinion on this - is it safe to keep my laptop and camera in my suitcase rather than bring a carry on bag?

My sister is of the unchangeable opinion that they will be be stolen.

What are your experiences?

Also, will the presence of electronics in the suitcase cause it to be opened by airport security?

Thanks.

Mate of mine had a load of stuff taken from his bag late last year while traveling from the US.

I used to do a lot of travel for work and if I had a lot of electronics in my bag I found TSA would open and search it after it had been checked in (you get they generally leave a note to say this has happened).

Spon Farmer

Rew wrote: »

Mate of mine had a load of stuff taken from his bag late last year while traveling from the US.

I used to do a lot of travel for work and if I had a lot of electronics in my bag I found TSA would open and search it after it had been checked in (you get they generally leave a note to say this has happened).

I'd rather they didn't leave a note :rolleyes:

TheChizler

Could you go through security separately? You taking the electronics? Operate a don't ask don't tell policy regards them being touched?

Spon Farmer

TheChizler wrote: »

Could you go through security separately? You taking the electronics? Operate a don't ask don't tell policy regards them being touched?

I thought of that too but it wouldn't work - she can see right through any lie or secret I try.

coylemj

Ponster wrote: »

It's just the way that the people are selected so the machine keeps track of how many people have been randomly selected for searching as opposed to having a human do it.

It also means the staff can't be accused of racial profiling, let the machine select people at random and it's a true lottery with no bias for or against anyone.