An ereader is more than a splurge for a traveler; having access to a library, a bookstore, and a basic web browser takes the sting out of luggage restrictions, delayed flights, and long layovers. Amazon cleverly put the Kindle in airport bookstores, and the ebook reader started appearing in bookstores on June 28, 2010. They are the perfect device for travelers, but frequent travelers have learned some lessons how to get through airport security without harming the device.
Kindle Sold in Airport Bookshops
Amazon had a lot of Kindle headlines in June 2010, and all of them showed the company's interest in competing against the other devices to read ebooks on. The big headline was the June 21 ereader price war, but the improved iPhone and iPad app functionality and the appearance of the Kindle Android app made more news than the Associated Press's June 28, 2010 mention in " Amazon's Kindle Reader Arrives in Airports " that the Kindle would appear in select states:
- California
- Florida
- Georgia
- Minnesota
- North Carolina
- Texas
- Utah
Discovering Kindle in airports was a pleasant surprise for interested travelers; instead of having to figure out how to create space in carry-on luggage bags, they have to figure out if the ereader fit their budgets. The price for the Kindle is the same at an airport as it is on Amazon, but the airport bookstores will charge sales tax.
Online vs Retail Stores: Amazon Kindle Price
The Kindle price is set by Amazon, and it is the same price whether it is bought online or purchased at the designated Simply Books airport bookstores. Amazon charges sales tax for Kindles sold in and shipped to the following states:
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- New York
- North Dakota
- Washington
Kindle digital books have different sales tax rules; the states with ebook sales taxation can be found on Amazon's Sales Tax Requirements page.
To get the best price on a Kindle, factor in sales tax, shipping (which is usually free, and Amazon usually has free expedited shipping promotions on some gifting holidays, such as Father's Day.
Kindles and Airport Security X-Ray Machines
Unlike laptop computers, the TSA does not require that passengers remove Kindles from carry-ons for inspection, but it might be a good idea to make sure that Kindles get gentle treatment. Travelers speculate that Kindles that are hibernating in sleep mode instead of being turned off may have x-ray related battery problems.
Kindle News and Reviews has several frequent traveler travel tips and travels stories that explore possible Kindle x-ray problems. Many travelers get through airport security without seeing adverse affects on Kindles; other travelers hint that how the Kindle is packed makes a difference. Wise safety precautions include:
- turn the Kindle off when going through airport security screening
- put the Kindle in its own bin as though it were a laptop
Mention to the TSA employee that an ereader is going through screening; they have the experience to know if certain electronics are more sensitive to their machines. Checking different Kindle forums for other users' experiences is a valuable tool.
An ebook reader can be a traveler's best friend; it is smaller than a netbook, has wireless access, can be quickly recharged and maintains a charge for several weeks, and it simplifies packing. Amazon's Kindle in airports is a new temptation, and users should protect the investment by packing it carefully and turning it off when going through airport security.
Alex Sharp - Alex Sharp is a teacher who has been keeping Suite101 readers up to date with the latest in audio- and e-book gadgetry since 2008.
