DIY computer in hand luggage – what to expect on security checks?

11/23/2015 12:21:55 AM

I’ve travelled from the UK to many European computer/hacker festivals over the last 10 years or so, often taking strange devices similar to yours (homebrew machines, Raspberry Pi boards, 80s retro computers…) through airport and Eurostar security – and I’d say that about 80% of the time it attracts no attention at all – it just goes through the X-ray with no incident. The other 20% of the time they might give it a swab test, or ask what it is (in which case a basic answer like “a hand-held computer” is sufficient). I’ve never been asked to turn it on or show it working. Overall, my impression is that “strange electronics” by itself doesn’t attract suspicion from security staff.

(I should mention that most of the devices I’ve taken don’t have built-in batteries, though – I guess that might conceivably make a difference.)

11/22/2015 11:42:24 PM

Here’s my take (please take with a grain of salt, it’s based on general travel knowledge and not on any specific experiences like this):

People travel with unusual equipment all the time. There’s all kinds of scientific, industrial, professional audio, professional photography, etc. equipment, people do try and take all this expensive equipment in hand luggage, and security agents at airports can’t be expected to be familiar with all these items. I’ve never seen an airport or airline security rule that prohibits “unusual” equipment. Also, even though it’s a DIY computer, I’m guessing a lot of it is based on off-the-shelf components inside (you likely didn’t hand-design the circuit boards and every single microchip), so on an X-Ray it will look a lot like a standard computer. So in general I don’t think this is a problem. However:

  1. I think there’s a high chance this item will be swabbed (they take a cotton swab, swab the computer, and then put it into a device that tests for explosive residue). This is a quick process, no reason to worry, my normal off-the-shelf laptop gets swabbed occasionally.
  2. There’s a high chance you will be asked to turn it on and demonstrate its functionality (at the security checkpoint). Make sure the battery is charged to avoid delays.
  3. Using it in-flight may be more of a problem. I’d avoid turning it on in-flight if I were you, and if you absolutely must turn it on understand that allowing you to keep it on would be up to the discretion of the flight crew.
  4. Of course, as stated in the other answer, given the current security situation and especially in some airports (where security situation is more tense, where they don’t have modern swabbing equipment, etc), your mileage may vary. In that case be prepared to check in the item (and possibly pay associated fees). Strange equipment in checked-in luggage is definitely the norm.
11/22/2015 7:05:07 PM

I think you may face issues, especially considering the latest events. Whether justified or not, I don’t know. If you miss a flight as a result, you may be able to say “it’s their fault, not mine”, but that doesn’t really help you. I’d buy a cheap tablet instead of taking that risk.

Credit:stackoverflow.com‘

About me

Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

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