Can Laptops Go in Checked Luggage?

There’s a moment of trepidation every traveler knows well – the dreaded check-in. Your heart races faster than a jackrabbit, your mind fills with nightmarish visions of airport security.

And there, nestled snugly amidst all your worries, lies the crux of the problem: your trusty laptop. 

Do you entrust your precious tech baby to the chaotic world of checked luggage, or do you play helicopter parent and keep it close in your carry-on baggage?

If this scenario sounds familiar, buckle up because we’re about to embark on a turbulence-free journey to answer all your burning questions. As a seasoned traveler who’s flown more miles than I can count, I’ve navigated this conundrum many times. Every journey, every flight, my laptop is my constant companion. 

And now, I’m about to spill the beans on the best practices and TSA-approved strategies to keep your laptop safe, secure, and ready for action – whether you’re heading to the United States, South America, or the Middle East. 

Ready for takeoff?

Can I put my laptop in my checked bag?

In the wild west of air travel, many folks often find themselves pondering, “Can laptops go in checked baggage?”

The answer is yes, my flying friends. But do you really want to?

Sure, you can stow your new 17-inch laptop in your checked luggage and pray to the baggage handling gods for safe passage. But just like ice cream in the desert sun, it’s not the best idea. The risk of damage is high.

Not to mention the extreme heat in the cargo hold, which is not your laptop’s best friend.

Plus, you’re at the mercy of the TSA’s screening process. If you’ve ever seen a middle schooler rifle through a bag of chips, you’ll know that the hands of the airline baggage handlers are not the best place for your tech.

So, while your laptop can technically catch a ride in your checked bag, it’s better off with you in the cabin. 

How many laptops can I put in checked luggage?

How many times can you stack pancakes before they topple? Likewise, there’s no specific rule stating how many laptops you can stow in your checked baggage.

However, airlines and the International Civil Aviation Organization have specific rules about lithium-ion batteries, the heart and soul of your beloved laptops.

If you’re an eligible customer and have enough laptops for a LAN party, the FAA allows a reasonable quantity of spare laptop batteries in your carry-on. But a “reasonable quantity” isn’t defined as “as many as can fit in your suitcase,” folks. 

Is it safe to put electronics in checked luggage?

“Houston, we have a problem.” What’s that, you ask? Well, it’s about stowing electronics in checked luggage. Sure, they can go in there, but is it safe? Short answer: Not really.

Picture this: You’ve got a shiny new electronic game in your checked luggage. It’s sandwiched between your favorite Hawaiian shirt and some exotic snacks for your next Twitch stream. But baggage handlers are in a rush – it’s the airport Olympics, after all! They toss your bag onto the conveyor belt. Wham! You’re one step closer to an unhappy unboxing. 

Every time you check electronics into your luggage, you’re essentially rolling the dice. Will your gadgets survive the game of airport “hot potato,” or will you be faced with a tragic tech casualty on arrival?

Remember, checked baggage goes through a lot – think stacking of bags, extreme temperatures, and the occasional rough handling. Your portable electronic devices are tougher than a marshmallow, but they’re not indestructible.

Let’s break it down with some examples. Here’s a table with four electronic items you might consider checking, and my take on whether they’re fair game or best avoided:

Electronic item	Carry-on or check-in?
Cell phones	Carry-on. These babies are not only valuable but also delicate. Better to keep them close.
Laptop computers	Carry-on. Aside from the risk of physical damage, the potential loss of important data makes checking them in a no-no.
Electric Shavers	Check-in. They’re generally robust enough to handle a bit of rough treatment.
Electronic Games	Carry-on. You wouldn’t want to risk missing out on your gaming time due to a lost or damaged console, would you?
Tablet devices	Carry-on. Much like laptops, tablets are valuable, sensitive, and data-rich. Keep these with you.
Cameras	Carry-on. Cameras, especially DSLRs, are delicate and pricey. Keep them safe in your carry-on.
Hair dryers	Check-in. Typically sturdy and not high-value, hair dryers can usually safely go in checked baggage.
Power banks	Carry-on. Due to safety reasons involving lithium batteries, power banks are usually only allowed in carry-on baggage.
eReaders	Carry-on. Protect your digital library by keeping e-readers in your hand luggage.

What electronics are not allowed in checked luggage?

You might be thinking, “Well, if I can’t pack my laptop, what else is off-limits in my checked bag?” Good question, my savvy traveler.

Electronic Item	Allowed on Plane?	Check-in or Carry-on?
Spare Lithium Batteries	Yes, but conditions apply	Carry-on. They must be individually protected to prevent short circuits.
Power banks	Yes, but conditions apply	Carry-on. Due to safety regulations regarding lithium batteries.
Electronic cigarettes	Yes	Carry-on. They’re not allowed in checked baggage for safety reasons.
Heating Elements (like travel irons)	Yes	Check-in. It’s best to put these in checked luggage to avoid issues at security screening.
Laptops	Yes	Carry-on. To prevent damage and potential data loss.
Portable speakers	Yes	Either, but carry-on is safer for higher-end models.
Hair straighteners/curlers	Yes	Either, but carry-on might be better for expensive ones.
Drone	Yes, but conditions apply	Either. The drone itself can be in checked luggage, but spare batteries must be in carry-on.
Portable gaming consoles	Yes	Carry-on. To prevent damage and loss.
Camera equipment	Yes	Carry-on. To prevent damage to expensive and sensitive equipment.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rules have a naughty list of electronic items for checked baggage:

Spare lithium batteries, power banks, electronic cigarettes, and heating elements are a no-go in the land of checked luggage. I guess they don’t play nice with the cargo hold, eh?

Unless you want to spark a “fire risk” discussion at security, keep these fellas in your carry-on. 

What happens if you have a lithium battery in checked luggage?

Our friend, the lithium battery, is like a cat at a dog show in the checked luggage department. They can be a fire risk, especially in the unmonitored, often hot cargo hold.

Imagine a group of lithium batteries having a party in your checked bag. One starts to overheat, and before you know it, there’s a full-blown rave in your suitcase.

Let’s not turn your bag into the next Burning Man, okay? 

Can I put a laptop in my carry-on luggage?

If you’ve been biting your nails wondering if you can put your laptop in your carry-on luggage, allow me to put your mind at ease. The short answer is a resounding “Yes!” Even your shiny new laptop is welcome aboard in the cabin with you.

In fact, it’s the best way to keep your expensive laptop safe and secure. It beats having it jostling around with the luggage in the cargo hold, right? Now, imagine yourself breezing through the airport, your laptop snug as a bug in a padded laptop bag. Feels good, doesn’t it?

And hey, this gives you an excuse to binge-watch that new series on your short flight instead of staring at the seat back! 

Do airlines check laptop bag weight?

Ever wondered if airlines check your laptop bag weight? Well, let me tell you, some are pickier than a cat with a gourmet food bowl. Most airlines consider your laptop bag as a personal item, and as long as it fits under the seat in front, you’re golden.

But remember, even though it’s a “personal item,” it’s not your “personal gym.” Avoid overpacking it like a Thanksgiving turkey. You might have to do some weightlifting at the security checkpoint if it’s too heavy.

So, before you try to squeeze in that external hard drive or your collection of laptop chargers, double-check those weight limits.

Can I take a laptop in addition to cabin luggage?

Some travelers carry more electronics than a Best Buy. If you’re one of them, you might wonder, “Can I bring my laptop in addition to my cabin luggage?”

The good news is, yes, you can.

Your laptop is considered a personal electronic device, and most airlines are perfectly fine with you bringing it along in addition to your cabin baggage.

But remember, airlines have different rules, so it’s always a good idea to double-check before you board. Otherwise, you might be playing a game of 3D Tetris to make everything fit. 

Can you bring a laptop charger on a plane?

Picture this: You’re halfway through your international flight, and your laptop dies right at the cliffhanger in your favorite show. Tragic, right? That’s why bringing your laptop charger is not just a good idea, it’s a sanity saver.

So yes, you can absolutely bring your laptop charger on the plane. But remember, this isn’t spaghetti; don’t get it tangled up with other passenger’s cords. Keep it neat in your bag, and you can juice up your laptop at any point during your flight. No more cliffhangers! 

Why do I have to take my laptop out of the bag at the airport?

Ever felt like a magician pulling out a never-ending chain of scarves when removing your laptop at security? Well, there’s a reason for that.

Airport security X-ray screening needs to see your laptop clearly, and separating it from the other items in your bag helps the security agents get a better look. It’s a bit like trying to find Waldo when he’s in a crowd. By taking him out of the crowd, voila, he’s easier to spot!

So, the next time you’re at a security checkpoint, just remember: Your laptop needs its spotlight. Give it a chance to shine, and you’ll breeze through security in no time. 

Thanks for reading!

Next time you fly, remember, these rules aren’t there to be a pain in your jet-lagged backside. They’re for everyone’s safety. Happy flying, folks!