Electronics in sealed box as carry-on luggage: issues at security?
We are going to a conference and we are taking a new ipad with us to give away but we don't want to box to be opened. Will they just run it through the scanner or do they have to open it?
Best Answer
As long as its x-rayable it should be fine. Not guaranteed, but in the same way your bag remains closed, they can still scan it.
However, since these days they quite often request that you remove laptops etc for separate scanning, they may require that of you. But that's just to separate it from the rest of your luggage - as long as the box it's in is scannable, you should be completely fine. There's no reason for them to want to or need to open it unless it has something dodgy inside, and I guarantee they've scanned enough iPads to just be 'ugh, another iPad'.
One additional step is if this conference is in another country, customs at the destination country may require you to declare it, especially as it's not for you. But again, they will have no reason to open and search it, it's merely for tax purposes in this case, and just one shouldn't be a cause for concern.
(usual disclaimer, IANAL = I am not a lawyer)
Pictures about "Electronics in sealed box as carry-on luggage: issues at security?"
Can I bring any electronics on carry-on?
Most consumer personal electronic devices containing batteries are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage, including but not limited to cell phones, smart phones, data loggers, PDAs , electronic games, tablets, laptop computers, cameras, camcorders, watches, calculators, etc.How do I pack electronics at the airport?
Pack large electronics on top layer of carry-on for screening accessibility. Place your 3-1-1 bag with liquids, gels and aerosols in the front pocket of your carry-on for accessibility.Do iPads need to be removed at airport security?
TSA Security and iPads Currently, all passengers must move any electronic device larger than a cellphone from luggage and place it in the bins for the X-ray screening. That includes iPads of all sizes.Can electrical items go in checked baggage?
Hairdryers, straighteners, travel irons and electric shavers can be carried in your hand or hold luggage. As a rule, you should put all phones, laptops, tablets and e-readers in your checked baggage if they're larger that the following measurements:16cm in length, 9.3cm in width, 1.5cm in depth (thickness).The Science of Airport Security
More answers regarding electronics in sealed box as carry-on luggage: issues at security?
Answer 2
If they can scan it clearly, it should be OK. My experience in the US for the past 6 months is that I am not being asked to take an iPad out of a backpack or shoulder bag when I go through the checkpoint.
If you just pass the box through by itself, you will increase your chances that it will not be opened.
However, in the US and any other country where I have flown, the security agents can ALWAYS ask to see inside a bag that is being screened.
If you check it, the TSA can always open anything they deem necessary, unfortunately. I don't recommend checking an unopened iPad. It might not arrive at all.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Thorn Yang, K Zoltan, Michael Steinberg, Ketut Subiyanto