Why are laptops removed from hand baggage at airports? Know the real reasons

The security checks at the airport are often time-consuming, as they are conducted to ensure passenger safety. Passengers are advised to remove their laptops from their hand baggage, even though these bags undergo security scans. There is a reason why passengers are required to remove laptops from their cabin baggage. 

The laptop, inside the bag, may appear to be a vast wall blocking the view of other items in the bag. The metal casing, battery and the chargers act as a shadow that restricts the clear view of different items. These shadows may appear suspicious to the security officers during check-in. Removing the laptop from the bag allows for a clear view of the items inside, preventing the officers from taking out everything else in it. Here are some of the other reasons:

Lithium–iron batteries
The unique battery is what makes a laptop different from other electronic gadgets. The lithium-iron batteries in laptops are stronger and more sensitive. Damaged or old batteries can overheat while flying and even cause a fire inside the aircraft. The officers can detect such problems while thoroughly checking the laptop. 

Smuggling in laptop
A laptop is a common item used by smugglers to smuggle in contraband. The empty laptop casings may be used for smuggling drugs and other illegal items. Although rare, such incidents have prompted countries to make laptop security checks stricter and mandatory. At the airport, passengers are asked to place their laptops in a separate tray. Scanning it separately allows the security personnel to see its internal components clearly. 

Faster queue
Security checks can become complex and time-consuming if laptops are kept inside bags. However, the scanner can display clear images when the computer is removed from the hand baggage and placed on a separate tray. 
Global aviation laws
The global aviation laws have been comprehensively developed in response to numerous incidents that threaten aviation safety. In 2022, a double-bladed knife was found concealed inside a laptop casing during security screening in Richmond Airport. Aviation agencies worldwide made the separate screening of laptops mandatory following this incident. The security checks have similar guidelines and laws at all airports, as the primary focus is on passenger safety. 

3D scanners
3D scanners that can inspect the components of a bag without requiring the removal of electronic devices have been installed in a few airports. However, these scanners haven’t been approved globally. Most airports follow the current method, which requires passengers to remove laptops from their hand baggage. Therefore, passengers must follow this rule until 3D scanners become widely popular globally. 

Safe journey
Checking the laptop separately may cause anxiety among passengers. But this simple step could enhance aviation safety. The laptops are checked in front of the passengers, so they can see that such security checks are transparent and foolproof. This fosters a sense of safety among passengers, allowing them to board the flight with confidence. Therefore, passengers shouldn’t get impatient when asked to remove their laptops from hand baggage, as it is intended to ensure passenger and airline safety.