Checked Baggage Screening and Computer Damage
 

Do the new airport screening devices (either in the U.S. or Europe) damage notebook computers placed in checked baggage? I have read several conflicting opinions on this issue, although most of the discussions have focused on the other risks of checking a computer e.g. theft, breakage, etc., but not on the possible damage caused by the screening equipment itself. Any thoughts you may have on this subject would be appreciated. Thanks.

What could be hurt?

Hi Gretchen,

I think rajaw is concerned about damage to his hard drive and IC circuits.

I have not heard of any problems, but I don't know the answer to his question.

Yes, damage to the hard drive is my concern. I understand that some of the new screening equipment uses magnetic imaging, which may cause damage to the drive.

Perhaps the "unlocked checked baggage" procedure might harm the computer even more?

You should NEVER put a laptop in the checked baggage. The rough handling it receives can cause more permanent damage than any effect from security screening, which is negligible.

rajaw,

17 years in IT and I wouldn't check it. Rigid storage media (hard drive) should be kept away from magnetic fields although they have much more shielding than a floppy. I doubt that the possibility screening equipment would be strong enough and close enough to wipe the drive, but it's possible.

What would concern me more is the time I looked out the window of the plane while waiting for departure and watched my bag being heaved 20 feet up to the top of the ramp by baggage . It dropped off the side of the ramp another 6 feet or so onto the pavement. Dell, Compaq and Gateway don't pack those laptops into 3 feet of styrofoam for nothing!

Jeez, Just realized that I'm still calling them laptops instead of notebooks. I'm a computing dinosaur. :)

why the heck would you put a computer in checked luggage. with the sensitivity of the machine and the price of the laptop you would have to be nuts. would you put a piece of waterford crystal or a diamond ring in your luggage?

carry it

Thank you, richardab, for your insightful but nonresponsive reply. As I stated in my initial post, I am aware of the other risks of placing a computer in checked baggage. I was inquiring specifically about the risks posed by the screening equipment, which would not harm (to use your examples) Waterford crystal or a diamond ring.

As I travel I see scores of people checking having their laptops go thru the screener, I am sure thousands a day. I have not heard of any issues.

rajaw: Since everyone (well almost everyone) knows placing a laptop in checked baggage is basically insane - it really doesn't make any difference if the screening might harm the hard drive.

One should NEVER put a notebook/laptop in a checked bag - Screening machines would be the LEAST of your problems.

Why are you even asking, since you seem to already know checking one is a bad idea????

Since the question is only about screening equipment, I should have been more brief, I think.

Yes, whoever is in possession of the remains of your PC at the end of your flight may have damaged data on the hard drive and could have to reformat.