Can You Put a Laptop In Checked Luggage?( Protect Your Laptop)

If you don’t have enough space inside your carry-on bag or you need to take more than one laptop, you might wonder if you can put a laptop in checked luggage.

In this case It is important to know what to expect at the airport and how to neatly protect your laptop. That’s why we’ve put together these “best practices” tips to help keep your laptop safe in checked luggage and what is the rules for taking laptops on planes.

This detailed post will also provide some of the best strategies on flying with laptops in checked luggage.

So let’s get started.

Can I Put a Laptop In Checked Baggage?

The First thing airlines are worried about when transporting a laptop is “lithium-ion batteries”, However airlines rules and policies about traveling with electronics may differ from one airline to another.

Here is what FAA displays on its website:

Devices containing lithium metal or lithium ion batteries (laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc.) should be placed in carry-on baggage when possible. When these electronics are transported in checked baggage, they must be completely turned off to prevent any unintentional activation or damage. Electronic devices are capable of generating extreme heat, so any heating elements must be packed separately.
FAA

Note that the prohibition on lithium-ion batteries in the hold extends to portable battery packs of any size.

Any damaged, defective, or recalled lithium-ion battery isn’t permitted to be carried at all, either in checked or carry-on bags.

Can You Put a Laptop In Your Suitcase?

When traveling with your laptop in checked baggage, the safest way to is fully turning your laptop off and separate the battery.

The FAA recommends switching off your laptop if you want to check it on a flight. Leaving your laptop on during the flight may cause overheating or damaging the hard drive.

Is It Safe To Put Laptop In Checked Luggage?

Somehow, your Laptop will be safe in your checked baggage, but you won’t be sure until you receive it in the luggage carousel.

However, losing luggage with airlines is rare, but it is always preferable to take your laptop with you onboard, unless it is a must to check in it.

if you choose to check in your laptop; make sure to go further and Enable remote data deletion or remove the cards and HDD and take them with you on board.

it could be your best bet if your checked luggage gets lost, or if your monitoring software tells you someone is making unauthorized alterations with your device.

Lithium metal and lithium-ion batteries are not allowed in checked baggage so they must be carried as your carry-on.

Traveling With a Laptop in checked luggage TSA?

According to the TSA you are allowed to take your Laptop in both checked and carry on baggage.

if you decided to take your laptop onboard; make sure to take out the laptops from your bag and place it in a separate bin for X-ray screening.

You can find more about traveling with Laptops on the TSA page here.

Where Should I Put My Laptop When Flying?

When flying, your personal laptop should be in your carry on bag all the time.

Placing your laptop in carry-on bag is the best idea, it will not only ease access when you need to check some emails, play a game or do some work.

But carry-on baggage is less likely to be tossed around, harmed or even stolen compared to checked baggage.

But if you choose to check in your laptop make sure you protectt your device neatly, so it could survive the flight without damage.

A tip to follow at the security checkpoint when traveling with your personal laptop. Always put your laptop at the last bin, if you put it at the first tray, it could go through the screening while you are still waiting to go through the scanner, making it easy for someone to take your laptop and vanish before even you clear the security.

Keep in mind that in some airports the security staff may ask you to turn on your laptop, so ensure that it is fully charged before you head to the airport.
Pro Tip

How Can I Protect My Laptop In Checked Baggage?

Packing Laptop In Checked Luggage

When checking in your laptop, there is more chance that the bag will not be handled carefully as most of the time airlines baggage handling staff are in rush, so they may throw bags and suitcase randomly so your laptop must take the hits.

Here are some tips tips to protect your laptop in checked baggage.

Ensure that your laptop is turned off.
Use a good laptop bag and place it the middle of your suitcase.
To go further wrap the center of your laptop with two to three layers of bubble wrap to form a protective layer above the laptop.
If you want you can also pad each of the laptop corners with a piece of foam and secure them with tape.
Use an electronics organizer for your laptop charger and cords, It will protect and keep everything clean all in one place.

Final Thoughts On Taking a Laptop In Checked Baggage.

Even when traveling with your laptop in a short flight, putting your laptop in checked baggage will need to be wisely protected and wrapped.

If you are not familiar with traveling with electronics, make sure to invest in a laptop bag that is solid and will protect your laptop all the time.

However, it is preferable to carry your laptop or electronics in general onboard the airplane with you if it is not necessary to transport them as checked baggage