Taking a tablet or i pad on plane
 

I think I'll be taking my i pad on my next trip. Do you need to take it out of a carry on when you go through security?

Yes.

I have never had to take my iPad out when going through security in the US over the past three years.
I have traveled from many different airports, east and west coast NY, LA, Boston, mid-west including Chicago.

No.

I have not had to in any of the past trip I have taken, domestic and international, in the past 18 months [about 10 trips - all over the place.

They always announce that laptops and tablets must be taken out. If you don't, good for you, you're getting away with something.

We have been specifically told by TSA that laptops must be taken out, tablets and iPads do not. We are not getting away with something.

I stand corrected, but they really did tell everyone in line at security three weeks ago that iPads have to come out, too, at my home airport and the one we returned from. That was either an outdated announcement, or a new policy.

S'ok. :)

[Look at the date on the blog....it's been like this a while.]

I have also been told by the TSA agents very clearly NOT to remove the iPads. If it were required, I would certainly do it. This has been over the past three years.
Flying within China, we were required to remove them and at some other airports in the world, I think within Europe.

I am a scofflaw anyway, because I never take off my jewelry. It never causes a problem, either; worst case, they ask to see my wrists, check my watch and bracelets, and I'm off.

I specifically ask the TSA agent each time I go through domestic security. Uniform response so far is the tablets don't need to come out.

Depends on airports. I think they are in a gray area and its up to the Agents as I have had to and others times not had to at the same airport.

Depends on the airport. I have found that almost always you do have to do so.

And no one has ever said to take off jewelry (seems nuts to me) - just large pieces of metal that will set off the detector - like a lot of coins, a huge belt buckle, etc.

I always wear (granted limited) jewelry through (ring, watch and sometimes a necklace) with no problem.

I have been told different things at different airports for my ipad. Same with my little velor hoodie I travel with. Sometimes I have to take the ipad out and put it in a bin by itself sometimes not. Same with the jacket and I've used it at the same airport same terminal. Now I just out up the iPad in a bin and jacket in another.

Depends on the airport and the workers. I've specifically HAD to remove my iPad, and been told I didn't have to. In one trip just a couple weeks ago, I had both!

I have no idea why some people are giving definitive yeses or nos based on their experiences as if they can speak for all airports, all the time.

Maybe because they think they're right until proven otherwise? Nah. Must be to annoy you, Neo.

Just returned from international trip and did not have to take iPad or iPhone out of backpack for security check. However, did have to go back in machine second time, then patted down and had some kind of liquid put on my palms. I don't have a clue about the problem.

Thanks for the answers, tho they were varied. I'll leave it in my backpack until they ask me to take it out. I know it has a locater if it is stolen, but I need to be in touch by e mail with a relative in the hospital and my cell phone is old school and only does voice.

No, Boston, CDG

Yes, Atlanta, Dublin, London

Laptops have to be removed from carry-on bags, but the TSA explicitly says on its web site that a tablet does not. But the TSA also likes to confuse people and have different requirements at different airports from time to time. But in the U.S. you don't have to take your ipad out of your carry-on unless you are asked to do so.

In the rest of the world you must always take your ipad out of your carry-on and follow the same rules as with a computer.

True, Doug. And more than once I've asked to ( or rather TOLD to). I suppose if you want to argue with TSA, the answer to the original question is no, but I certainly am not willing to fight or argue with TSA.

My husband had to take his iPad out while flying over Labor Day leaving Boston. But I think they must have been on high alert that day. Both of us had our carry-ons searched and everyone around us was being searched as well.

I have asked TSA and been told to leave the iPads in their bags. I believe the difference is that iPads do not have 'moving parts', as does a laptop with hard drive. Same reason we don't have to take out our cell phones.

But in some cases, I think security is heightened, and they might want iPads set out. Just ask, and/or observe.

Not in San Francisco or New York.

Just came thru O'Hare yesterday and it was very clear that laptops *only* had to be removed. We have one iPad and will get another one soon. SO MUCH easier than fumbling w/computers!! Not so great for business travelers but really nice for those of us who don't need to take the computer.

PS to Newb, at both Logan and O"Hare, in these last few days the TSA workers were specifically announcing that you did *not* have to take out tablets.

Yes, Tab, that is my understanding as well. A tablet cannot do what a computer can do....

Yes, sharona, that was during the high alert time.....

Why laptops do and iPad's don't - from my link which is to a TSA blog:

"Basically, tablet computers, netbooks, and e-readers are less dense than your typical laptop, so it’s easier for our X-ray operator to inspect your bag. However, larger laptops and game consoles appear more dense and need to be removed in order for the X-ray operator to get a good look at your bag. With that said, there are still times that tablet computers, netbooks, and e-readers have to come out. If our Officer can’t get a good look at your bag or if they see something out of the ordinary, they’ll have to remove it.

The larger the laptop, the more stuff you can hide in it. Items have been found concealed in laptops in the past, so we have to be able to get a good look at them.. Our officers have about 3 seconds to make a call in order to keep lines moving, so the less clutter, the easier it is to clear your bag and get you on your way."

I always leave my tablet in my purse. However, it seems that every airport, and even every trip, things are different. I just try to do what I am told, keep my mouth shut and get through the line.