During airport security checks, passengers are asked to place laptops and electronic devices in separate trays so that the X-Ray machine can capture a clear image of each item. This process helps security officials identify dangerous or prohibited items hidden in bags and ensures passenger safety.
Airport Security: A necessary procedure for passenger safety: Frequent flyers often observe security personnel asking passengers to separate laptops, tablets, or other electronic devices from their bags during security checks. This procedure is enforced for every flight passenger at airports in India and worldwide. Its objective is to identify any dangerous or prohibited items in bags using X-Ray machines and to protect passengers from potential accidents or threats. This step is considered crucial due to technical reasons and security standards.
The Science Behind X-Ray Machines and Bag Checking
At airports, X-Ray scanner machines are used for bag inspection. These machines generate images of items placed inside bags, enabling security officials to identify if there are any dangerous or prohibited items.
Due to the presence of metal, batteries, and circuits, laptops and other electronic devices appear very dense in X-Ray images. This obscures other items inside the bag, making them difficult to see clearly. If someone has concealed a dangerous item beneath or around a laptop, it can be challenging to detect.
Therefore, passengers are asked to place laptops in separate trays. This provides the X-Ray machine with a clear image of each item, allowing security officials to easily identify if any explosive or prohibited device is hidden inside any item.
Security and Technical Reasons
Laptops contain lithium-ion batteries, which can explode under pressure or heat. During security checks, bags are often placed close together, making it essential to separate electronic items to prevent accidents due to short circuits or temperature increases.
With advancements in technology, next-generation CT-Scan X-Ray machines are now being installed in some countries. These machines provide a 3D view of everything inside the bag. With the introduction of these machines, passengers no longer need to remove their laptops. However, this facility is not yet available at all airports in many countries, including India.
While the process of removing laptops from bags at the airport might seem cumbersome, it is essential for your safety and that of other passengers. This ensures that no dangerous or explosive device can bypass security checks.
