[elkabong]

That is a fair point, however, in that case, there would be a computer left over on the belt, that the author would've seen when he got out of the scanner.

On a side note: do people not keep their laptops in sleeves (even when in backpacks)?

[manojlds]

Are you not required to remove laptops from sleeves while sending through the scanner?

[orph4nus]

No you don't. As a nomad I fly a lot, and I always leave my laptop in its waterproof bag.

[avian]

As a settler that travels ocassionaly I am often required to open or even turn on my laptop at the security check.

[djrogers]

Where is this? I'ma frequent flyer, and have never once been sled to open my laptop nor have I ever seen anyone asked to do so (outside a short period after 9/11)

[avian]

Europe, mostly flying to/from Slovenia.

[toyg]

To/from UK I've been asked "back then" when the craze started; in the last 4 years, never once. Which is correct: they are not scanning the laptop but rather the bag which the laptop would obstruct. Once it's out it doesn't really matter how it's packaged.