You may recall that MacBook Air user Michael Nygard was recently screened by the TSA (that's the Transportation Security Administration, to those who aren't in the US.) when he went through security with his MacBook Air. It would seem that the good folks manning the X-ray machine couldn't make heads or tail of what they saw on their screen. When Nygard explained that the MacBook Air was, in fact, a computer (and had that assertion backed up by a younger TSA worker) all was cleared up and he was sent on his merry way (though he did miss his flight).
The TSA is working hard to make sure you don't have to deal with this hassle. On the official TSA blog (yes, the TSA has a blog and it is pretty entertaining) Bob informs us now that he is working with Apple to get his hands on a MacBook Air (hey, Bob, just make sure you don't throw it out) for some testing. He wants to run it through one of their screening machines and see if it looks any different than normal laptops. If it does, in fact, look a little odd the image will be sent to all TSA workers in airports so that future travelers won't be bothered.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
3-11-2008 @ 7:46PM
Doug said...
It won't help. As I was recently told, while trying to board with a carbon fiber camera tripod weighing all of 2 pounds that has already logged probably 100,000 air miles, every TSA rule is subject to personal interpretation and "judgement."
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3-11-2008 @ 11:24PM
KR said...
Doug, can you tell me a bit more? My father is flying to Rome in May, and wants to carry on his Gitzo Carbon Fiber tripod (also about 2 lbs) if possible. He wants to check as few expensive items as possible.
He's looked for "official" answers, and the best he can seem to find is what you posted here. Did they ultimately allow you to bring it on board? Were you flying domestic or international?
Thanks!
3-11-2008 @ 8:08PM
a ham sandwich said...
for personal testing?! yeah right! he just wants one! "well, now. this does indeed seem to be a computer. guess i'll just keep it." tool.
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3-11-2008 @ 11:45PM
derekhardwick said...
"Dear Apple,
Thanks for providing the TSA with an Air for testing.
We're sorry, the Air did not pass our testing process. As a result, it has been confiscated.
Thank you for your cooperation,
TSA"
3-11-2008 @ 8:28PM
Jordan Meeter said...
Hahaha, I find it so peculiar and funny that the TSA has a blog...
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3-11-2008 @ 10:13PM
austin said...
with a slightly attractive design, no less
3-11-2008 @ 8:53PM
crypt0 said...
It's funny. I just experienced the delay w/ a MBA at the OAK airport. The xray lady checked it out for a few minutes and then examined it physically. It didn't delay me for hours but it took her a bit to get it through. She did smile and say "it's paper thin."
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3-11-2008 @ 9:46PM
Rubbinz said...
This actually happened to me with my iPhone, yes the iPhone, a few months ago also at Oakland. All the while, my sidearm, ammo, duty belt all breezed through in my checked bag. Didn't miss my flight, but gave me an additional 20 minutes while they were completely confused by the iPhone.
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3-11-2008 @ 9:49PM
WiLLGT09 said...
haha, anyone read the title of that TSA blog post? - "Apple MacBook Air’s are Cleared for Takeoff ". The popular assumption of dumb TSA people is illustrated in their own blog. Someone need to review English grammar.
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3-11-2008 @ 10:59PM
eldt said...
"Someone need to review English grammar."
3-12-2008 @ 1:30PM
DJCarbon43 said...
Indeed you do.
3-12-2008 @ 12:29AM
WiLLGT09 said...
haha, damn it.
3-11-2008 @ 11:18PM
Derek Jamison said...
I just passed through TSA in Puerto Rico with my Air. I was waiting for my stuff when I realized the Air was missing. I looked back and saw the entire staff (it was a small terminal) gawking at it. I opened it to audible 'oohs' before letting everyone pass it around. "Did you buy that in the states?" Yes. Yes I did. Now THAT is how you react to the Air for the first time.
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3-11-2008 @ 11:35PM
Happle said...
Isn't it interesting..... that as a society.......we put our dumbest people....... in our most crucial jobs.......
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5-17-2008 @ 12:56AM
Ciarin said...
Passengers are by far the dumbest of the dumb.
3-12-2008 @ 12:17AM
mark said...
Amen brother!
Gee, is the pay good at TSA? It doesn't seem like you need a brain or intelligence or even a vague awareness of society to work there. These people must all live in barren studio apartments without access to radio, tv or a newspaper.
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3-12-2008 @ 3:18AM
Think Adrian said...
In Europe we are made to put our laptops with the lid open in a separate box. I wonder who will have the most problems.
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3-12-2008 @ 3:55AM
Hoggie said...
I'm still waiting for the first Air user to depart Tel Aviv - where they (from memory) insist on you taking out the Battery........ ;)
3-12-2008 @ 8:48PM
FD said...
That must be fairly new.
I have flown dozens of times in Europe, international and I never even had to take my laptop out of my laptop bag. Let alone open it up, boot it, remove battery etc.
In stark contrast with the US where you can't even have a tiny protective sleeve around your $3 k laptop. Not even one that's mostly transparant, pure plastic & spandex.
Can't keep your laptop from getting scratched by those TSA bins that are smashing together at the end of the belt while you're help up because the person in front of you has key or pen in their pocket.
3-12-2008 @ 4:27AM
exNewt said...
TSA - always on top of their game...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/opusmark/2193927570/
photo of utility knife that I accidently breezed through security with...
Although truth be told the TSA was preoccupied as the old duffer in front of me had a 2" Swiss Army Knife on his keychain.
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