Can You Take An iPad On a Plane? 2025

iPads are super handy and are better than a portable laptop when traveling, their big screens make them ideal for screaming video, playing games, and browsing websites, but can you take an iPad with is the rues on traveling with an iPad?

According to the TSA iPads and tablets are allowed on planes cary-on and checked baggage, however; you need to remove your tablet and any electronics larger than a cell phone at the security checkpoint, place them in a separate bin for additional screening, there are no restrictions on taking iPads and tablets in checked baggage.

I put together this detailed guide on traveling with tablets, to help you travel with your electronics in general in a seamless and safe way.

Let’s dive right in.

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Can you take an iPad through TSA?

Do I Need To Take iPad Out At Airport Security?

Yes.

The TSA officer will ask you to remove any electronics larger than a cell phone from your bag and place them in the separate bin, this includes Apple iPads and tablets.

Sometimes this may even include a manual inspection.

Even though the TSA didn’t mention it on its website.

Can we carry iPad in hand luggage?

As I mentioned above, iPads and tablets are allowed in carry-on baggage.

When traveling with your electronics it is preferable to place your electronics not too far down in your carry-on bag or backpack, because you will need to take them out from your bag at the security checkpoint or even to use them on board the airplane.

Once you are on board the airplane, you are free to use your iPad or tablet ( listen to music or read a book ) until the flight attendant announces the take off or landing.

Most airlines require that iPads, tablets or laptops are used in the airplane mode during the flight especially during take off and landing.

Yeny asked the TSA about traveling with an iPad pro with an Apple pen in carry-on baggage, and the answer as the TSA points out is that iPads, tablets and electronics are allowed in carry-on baggage.

Is it OK to put an iPad in checked luggage?

The TSA and most airlines allow traveling with iPads or other electronics in checked baggage without any problem.

However, it is preferable to not pack your expensive iPad in checked baggage.

If you do just make sure that your iPad or tablet are well packed and wrapped or covered in a soft cloth, you never know how they will handle your items during the transportation.

If you plan to take other electronics along with your iPad or tablet in checked baggage, remove any spare lithium batteries and place them in your carry-on bag. This includes the rechargeable batteries in other electronics like in laptops, in some digital cameras and also in portable power banks that you might use to recharge your electronics on the go.

Related: Can I Take Lithium Batteries On a Plane?

Mitzie asked about taking her laptop and tablet in checked baggage, and the TSA confirmed that laptops and tablets are allowed in checked baggage without restrictions.

The Right Way To Pack Your iPad In Checked Baggage

Even though, I don’t recommend placing electronics in checked baggage because of the risk of damage or theft.

If you have no other choice and decide to pack them anyways, here are some tips to help you protect and transport your electronics smoothly.

• Make sure your device is totally turned if before placing it in your checked baggage, Most airlines do not encourage you to leave your device in sleeping mode.
• Set up a hard to find password for your tablet, so your data won’t be stolen.
• If possible, use the original box of the electronic device for packing. If the original box is not available, use some bubble wrap or other protective materials to provide additional cushioning.
• Clearly write your name and return address on the box. Additionally, you may use adhesive shipping labels if you have them.

Best iPads and tablets for travel

Tablets or iPads will make your travel easy even when you are traveling with your laptop, you can use it for almost everything, communication, entertainment and searching.

And you don’t always need to spend a fortune to get an iPad or tablet while you are on your journey.

Even if you don’t want to get a new one, refurbished accessories still have value and like new, i remember my first MackBook air in 2019 for about 700$, it is refurbished and is still working till now.

but for tablets you don’t need to get a new one. If you don’t want to, you can still have a new iPad with a reasonable price.

This 2021 Apple iPad Mini is almost the best tablet for travel, speedy ,beautiful ,and the best portable big screen device to use on the go.

Here is few technical details for 2021 Apple iPad mini

Fire HD 10 tablet is also a great choice if you plan to watch a lot of movies during your flight or journey. The tablet comes in a bigger screen, higher resolution, and faster processor with a very reasonably priced.

Here is few technical details for Fire HD 10

Protect your Tablet when traveling

However, one case will not fit all the occasions for using tablets, but when traveling an iPad protective case is necessary, there is more chance that your tablet will get some hit during your journey.

I recommend, when you choose your case, be sure that you get a case that will protect both the front and the back of your iPad, to protect it from scratches.

In addition a Tablet Sleeve or a tablet bag is just perfect, it will protect your tablet and accessories from impacts, bumps and squeezing. If you don’t want to place your tablet inside your bag, the Tablet Sleeve is the right choice for you .

They come in almost all sizes so you can pick the size that will fit your tablet.

Conclusion: Can You Take An iPad On A Plane?

So you made it to the end, here is a recap for the regulations on traveling with your iPad or tablet.

There are no restrictions on traveling with iPads or tablets in either carry-on and checked baggage on most airlines, just make sure that you don’t go over the weight and size of the airline you are flying with.

At the airport you might be required to remove your tablet from your bag and place it in the bin for screening.

I hope this helps.

Happy travels

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Gargie, is writer, traveler & a digital marketing specialist passionate about traveling and exploring new cultures. She is a savvy traveler who likes to pack light, testing various luggage brands and seeking out budget-friendly airline options. Gargie enjoys creating unique recipes when she’s not on the go.