I know this sounds like a silly question, but in all of my travels, this will be the first time I have had a laptop with me, and I have never paid attention to how other people do it. The laptop will be in my carryon. Can I just leave it there when I go through security, or do I need to remove it and put it through separately? Thanks for your help.

Yes, you must take it out of your backpack and place it in a plastic bin by itself.

I see everybody takes laptops out. We have a carry-on bag that looks a little like a laptop may be in - they always ask us if a laptop is inside.

You pull it out of the bag and place is separately in a plastic bin.

Actually, it depends on the country. In USA airports and many others you will be required to take it out of your bag and send it through in a separate bin. At other airports (Brazil, for example) you won't be required to. There are usually signs or you can just ask the security attendant when you walk up.

Be careful which one you pick up. I just had a friend pick up the wrong macbook pro and did not realize till he was sitting on the plane.

Sorry I was assuming travel within the USA. All the security stuff, there's signage (usually in pictures, not even words) about what you are supposed to do, when. Shoes off, jackets off, laptops out of bags, liquids in the 1-qt ziplock out or not, etc. etc. Just read the signs and watch what others are doing in front of you.

Many thanks, everyone, for the information. Going through security is always stressful enouigh without being confused about something. With your help, I'll be well prepared.

I sometimes see people put stickers or other identifying items on their laptops to avoid someone accidently picking up the wrong one. Mine has my company's name affixed to the bottom so I alway put it in the tray upside down so you can see the name.

I have a little Acer mini. I have to remove it from my bag, but it can stay in its slipcase. And yes, the rules vary around the world! Just watch those ahead of you, if in doubt.

If you travel a lot, look into a TSA "approved" laptop bag. I have one. It "unfolds" (for lack of a better word) and lays flat ont he scanner with JUST the laptop in one side. As long as I put nothing else in the "laptop" area it goes right through. Makes getting through secuity much easier and dramatically reduces the risk of lost/stolen. (And "fogot" is just as big an issue as stolen. I hear smaller airports paging "the passenger who left thier laptop at security checkpoint X" all the time. The big ones don't do that for you!)

Prizren,

A WORD OF CAUTION, DO NOT PUT YOUR ITEMS ON THE SECURITY BELT UNTIL YOU ARE NEXT TO GO THROUGH THE METAL DETECTOR.

Even in a secure area, laptops, iPhones and other valuables have disappeared. Keep an eye on your belongings as you pass through security.

Not to scare you but this is information that I think would be helpful to you and others. For more suggestions on how to have a pleasant airline experience, check out my blog "I was Never Meant To Fly Coach" at: www.dmbflyingcoach.blogspot.com