How do I prevent damage to electronic devices at airport security?
I have travelled with a laptop before with no problems (not recently), but for an upcoming trip I will, for the first time, be carrying a smartphone and a Kindle (not the Fire but the older e-ink type). I've seen complaints on the net that airport scanners have damaged Kindles, and I can't find anything conclusive about smartphones. I want to carry these items, not put them in checked baggage.
What should I do to ensure that all of my gadgets still work when I get through the checkpoint? If any of them should not go through the X-ray machine, how do I accomplish that? (Just ask them to hand-inspect?)
Best Answer
As @Doc said, X-ray do not damage electronic devices, however, metal detectors may. I had the personal experience of forgetting to take out my cellphone from my pocket when I went through a metal detector, and it passed way with a nasty smell of burned circuits...
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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.What to do with electronics when flying?
Once you're on the plane, you're free to use your portable electronics until the flight crew readies the plane for departure. At that point, most airlines require that laptops be stowed under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin.What electronics do I need to remove at TSA?
According to the TSA, only electronics larger than a cell phone must be removed from their carrying cases and X-rayed separately. This does include laptops and tablets, but it doesn't include phones, electric toothbrushes, or hair dryers. TSA PreCheck members don't have to remove electronics for separate screening.How can I protect my laptop at airport?
Place laptops in a bin by itself before you put it through the x-ray machine. Keep smaller electronics in a carry on bag if possible. Keep your laptop or other electronic devices in sight at all times. You may be delayed getting through the metal detector or you may be pulled aside for additional screening.The Science of Airport Security
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Answer 2
Odds are they'll require all devices to go through the scanners, because officially, they cause no damage.
From the TSA's Packing Tips page:
TSA will screen any "Carry-on" baggage that will fit through the x-ray machine;
However, looking at that, there are a few points that some stuff could get damaged:
Don't put film in your checked baggage, as the screening equipment will damage it.
And they have a way around inspection by x-ray for those sensitive items:
Put all undeveloped film and cameras with film in your carry-on baggage. If your bag will pass through the X-ray machine more than five (5) times ask for a hand inspection to prevent damage.
So hand inspections are indeed possible.
Finally, IF by some horrible luck, you get something damaged, they have a page on how to handle this (claims etc). I link to TSA, but assume most screening organisations around the world will be similar.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Anete Lusina, Klaus Nielsen, ready made, ready made