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Dave Miller – Tech Enthusiast & Security Expert – January 7th, 2022
Are you bringing a laptop with you on your next flight? Can a laptop go in checked luggage at the airports? In this article I will dive into the specific rules and regulations about carrying your laptop in your travel bag or in checked luggage.
But to answer this question here, the answer is yes, your laptop CAN go in checked luggage at the airport, however, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) strongly advises against it in which I will explain further in this article.
In checked baggage, laptops and other electronic gadgets like tablets and gaming consoles are permitted. TSA and most airlines, on the other hand, strongly advise you to keep them in your carry-on luggage. In the event that you register your laptop in checked baggage, be aware that your personal items may be mishandled or manipulated.
The idea that you can’t pack a laptop in hold luggage is a misconception. There is no restriction on the number of computers that can be checked in. Laptops can be checked, notwithstanding the prohibition on lithium batteries in hold luggage. Battery banks and laptop chargers without an internal battery cannot be transported in checked baggage.
Any spare laptop batteries that you intend to bring on board must be stored in your carry-on luggage. And the TSA officers will always have the last say on whether or not your carry-on or checked luggage is allowed to contain prohibited items.
Should you still put your laptop in your checked luggage if it isn’t prohibited? No it is not. To begin with, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strongly advises against it, which is why laptops are currently prohibited from being checked in carry-on luggage for safety concerns. All electronic gadgets should be kept in hand luggage whenever possible, according to the FAA. The inherent fire hazard of lithium batteries means that they should be transported in a carry-on only.
See how quickly a laptop can catch fire in the video below. The rate of escalation is plain to perceive. In the cargo hold of an airplane, with no one nearby to put out the fire, envision the situation. A lot of damage might be done. Laptops have not yet been banned from carry-on luggage because of the low risk of fire. In order to avoid accidentally turning on your laptop, ensure sure it is completely shut off before checking it.
You don’t want to have to take your laptop out of the case.
The TSA Precheck program is an excellent option for frequent fliers who want to speed up the security process. There is no need to remove shoes, a 3-1-1 liquids bag or belts for participants of the Precheck program. A TSA background check, which takes 10 minutes and costs $85 every five years, is required once you apply online. After that, going through security with your laptop will be a breeze.
This is dependent on whether you plan to check your bag or bring it with you into the cabin. TSA restrictions prohibit checking an extra or spare battery in your luggage, but you can bring a typical lithium ion laptop computer battery (up to 100 watt hours) onboard a plane. In order to prevent the battery from shorting out if it comes into touch with metal things like keys or coins, it should be kept in a protective case.
The same x-ray machines used to check in your carry-on bags are used to scan your checked luggage as well. The contents of your bag may be opened by a security officer, police, or TSA officer via an X-ray. The x-ray scan will not harm your laptop’s hard disk. Another good reason to keep your laptop in your carry-on is that things in checked bags sometimes go missing for no apparent reason. Checked luggage is a prime target for laptop theft since it is easier for TSA agents, baggage handlers, and, yes, even thieves, to have access to your prized device.
Checked luggage can sometimes go missing. There is a chance that your checked bag and laptop will not be there for you when you reach at your destination. Don’t put your laptop in your checked bag if you don’t want to take the chance of losing it.
Before embarking on a trip, all travelers should be aware of the need of protecting their personal data and the security of their laptops.
It’s impossible to predict how your checked luggage will fare in the course of a typical flight. Flight turbulence, poor field personnel handling, delays and air traffic concerns can all compromise the safety of your aircraft and the equipment inside. Make sure your laptop is in the middle portion of your checked luggage, surrounded by soft materials, to avoid any possible harm to the device.
Also, keep in mind that if you have a laptop in your checked baggage, the airport authorities are likely to conduct a thorough security check. You should not be concerned; if this occurs, the airport staff will require your presence while your luggage is being inspected.
There is a small chance that your laptop will be hacked if you put it in your checked luggage. An intruder could steal your personal information in a matter of minutes by installing some software or hardware on their computer. That’s why, if you’re concerned about the safety of your laptop, a tamper-proof plastic bag is a great option. Additionally, this provides you with evidence that your laptop has been tampered with.
When it comes to protecting important information on your laptop, it’s a good idea to add additional layers of security. If your laptop or smartphone enables it, use security software to give additional keywords or two-step verification methods.
You are able to check a laptop in your checked luggage legally; however it is recommended that you do so. If you are concerned about your personal safety and your laptop’s security, you should not do this. In addition, for reasons of safety, airports and airlines all over the world advise against it.
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Dave Miller is an IT Consultant for Online Cloud Security and has over 7 years of experience in the Information Technology space. He also specializes in repairing laptops & computers. In his spare time, he loves to talk about new technologies and hosts monthly IT and Cyber Security meetings in the Houston area.
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Online Cloud Security is here to recommend you the most secure devices, from laptops to smartphones, we only want to provide you with products that we have tested and used ourselves for online security. Every product that we recommend is heavily inspected and tested for security against hackers, viruses, malware, and any other intruders that may want to steal your information.
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