I have never seen the swabbing being used here but I can understand that and the testing of the environment directly around the laptop. Interesting. I thought it was all security-theatre but makes a bit more sense now.


>I think there are several reasons:
>
>- Can't obscure the laptop with other items in the bag, making it difficult to see it
>- Jim's answer ... easier to swap it if they want, but I can't remember ever having my laptop swabbed, but the bag has been.
>- Easier access if they want you to boot it up, which has happened a couple of times to me.
>
>>Anyone know why recently you must remove your laptop from its case before sending it through the x-ray machine at airport security? What difference can the laptop case make?