How a MacBook Air baffled airport security

I am a former TSA screener and author of: "I Might As Well Be Naked: How to Survive Airport Screening With Your Clothes On." http://www.airportbook.com.

I completely understand the frustration passengers are experiencing with the MacBook Air. TSA is used to seeing a drive in computers and since terrorist LOVE using computers for bombs, this causes a big to-do with them.

The problem is the Macbook Air is coming across as organic material that looks like C4 exposives when being x-rayed; however, TSA should have been briefed on this new technology. So, really there's no excuse.

I remember being briefed on kid’s shoes that had electronics and that lit up when they walked. Remember those?

OK, TSA are some of the most hated people in US, next to the IRS. We are not all mean and crazy. I've seen these laptops go through the x-ray. They are easier to examine than a normal laptop. I have doubts about this person's allegations. They don't look suspicious at all. It would be easier for us if they all looked like the MacBook Air. Also, our x-rays don't have print-outs. We have had some of the most strangest things come through, much more than a silly laptop. After running a couple of quick tests and clear them, we let them go. I have not seen anyone held up and miss their flights due to a questionable item. Only those that were confirmed a threat. At least not at my airport. Look, we are their for YOU. We are trying to keep YOU safe. The rules change all the time for a reason. If you want to make your flight easier please read the website before your flight so that your trip will be much smoother: http://www.tsa.gov/ . I will agree, some of the TSA agents can be a little harsh, but they have been working there for a long time trying, to keep you safe are are not being appreciated, but only being hated on a daily basis. I know I won't be working there much longer. I don't like being hollered at for just doing my job. The turn-over is crazy. They are desperate for people. If you would like to try it, go to http://www.usajobs.gov/ .

i went through security w/ my badge from the fire dept i am on cuz i had forgotten to take it off my belt b4 we left on the bus down to O'Hare and i made it a point to show it to the security guy at X-ray check point b4 it went thru so he would know i was just a firefighter not a cop and after i went thru they stopped me and had me sit for 15 min while they looked thru my luggage to make sure i hadn't packed a weapon

SO TSA at detroit thought the charging base to the IPHONe was a dangerous device. Wow what diference a 15 min training session would make............

This whole story sounds like bull***t to me. Yeah TSA sucks, but they're not ignorant.

I can believe it and sympathize. I worked customer care for a cell phone company and found a fair portion of the population to have no interest in keeping current with modern technology and 'how things work', so are hidebound in their perceptions of what exists and shouldn't exist based on nebulous belief rather than fact. Higher ranked people are not exceptions either.

I travel every week. I have carried protoype electronics, including industrial controllers in prototype stage (rough). Along with bluetooth GPS receivers, various cameras, handheld computers, and other devices that are not common. I have NEVER had a problem. I think Nygard is just telling a story. I don't believe any of his tale or those in this forum. Yes, we could use more intelligent TSA agents, but they are not as stupid and the idiots in this forum.

Here's my trick. I stand my AirBook VERTICALLY along the edge of my rolling case. To the X-ray machine it just looks like the side of the bag :-)

ohmygod... I felt like puking when I read this...

"No drives, or ports in the back..."

Spoken like a true ignorant...

given the fact that the TSA have a picture of a mid 90s laptop and cell phone on their site http://www.tsa.gov/
I fully expect them to be up to speed on the MacBook Air sometime in 2018!!