How to travel with a laptop by plane

Traveling by plane can be an exhilarating experience, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges, especially when it comes to protecting your electronic devices. Among these, your laptop is likely one of the most valuable and sensitive devices you'll carry on board. To ensure it arrives at your destination in one piece, here's how to travel with your laptop safely on domestic and international flights.

How to pack a laptop for travel

Power down and disconnect everything

Before packing your laptop, turn it off and detach all peripherals or accessories, such as your mouse, charger, headphones, USB drives, or external hard disks. Make sure there's nothing on the keyboard before closing the lid to avoid scratches on the screen and damage to the keyboard.

Choose the right bag for your laptop

Although the TSA allows laptops in carry-on and checked bags on domestic and international flights, it's generally safer to carry your laptop with you on the plane rather than checking it, even if you don't intend to use it on the plane. Checked baggage may undergo rough handling and expose your device to potential risks such as temperature and pressure changes in the cargo hold. The best way to safeguard a laptop during air travel is to put it in a well-padded bag or backpack with a dedicated laptop compartment or to pack it strategically in your carry-on.

Organize your bag

If you choose a laptop bag, place your accessories, like chargers and cables, in a separate compartment to prevent them from pressing against your device and damaging it during travel. If you opt for a carry-on that doesn't have a dedicated laptop compartment, put your laptop in a protective sleeve first and avoid putting heavy items on top of it. Ensure it is away from the edges of the bag and surrounded by soft items like clothing to provide additional cushioning.

How to take a laptop through airport security

Be ready to remove your laptop from your bag

When you reach the airport security checkpoint, you'll need to take your laptop out of your bag for X-ray screening, so be sure it's readily accessible. Be careful not to drop it when taking it out of your bag, and place it in a separate bin so that security personnel have a clear view.

Make sure your laptop is charged

At some security checkpoints, you may be asked to turn on your laptop to demonstrate that it's nothing more than a functional electronic device. To breeze through this process, remember to charge it before heading to the airport or the security checkpoint if you're between flights.

Double-check before leaving the security checkpoint

After passing through security, don't rush to your gate immediately. Take the time to look around and ensure you have retrieved your laptop and placed it securely back in your bag. It's common to leave items behind at checkpoints in the hustle and bustle of the screening process.

How to use a laptop on a plane safely

Place your laptop under the seat in front of you

Although the overhead bins are typically secure, they fill up quickly with heavy items, which can shift and even fall off during severe turbulence or when someone else opens them during the flight. It's best to put the bag with your laptop under the seat in front of you to minimize the risk of damage. In this way, you can keep an eye on your device and have easy access to it if you need to use it on the plane without repeatedly opening the overhead bin.

Follow the airline's rules for using electronic devices

Keep your laptop securely stowed during takeoff and landing. When the cabin crew gives the green light, feel free to use your device.

Be mindful of accidental drops and spills

When using your laptop on the plane, ensure it's on a stable surface, such as the tray table or your lap. Avoid balancing it on the armrest or other objects that may be unstable during turbulence or sudden movements, leading to accidental drops. Also, be careful where you put your drinks, and ensure you have a lid on your cups or bottles to avoid spills and liquid damage to your device.

How to keep a laptop safe during layovers

Never leave your laptop out of sight in airport waiting areas

While waiting for your connecting flight, keep your laptop close at all times to minimize the risk of theft. If you're traveling alone and need to grab a bite, check flight information, or use the restroom, take your bag with you. Learn about what to do if your laptop is stolen.

Maintain a tidy bag

During layovers, tidy up your bag by removing things you've put in it but no longer need, like empty water bottles, and rearranging items that may have shifted during your travel. This ensures your laptop remains protected from potential scratches, dents, or other damages during the rest of your trip.

Check that your laptop is still with you before boarding your next flight

It's easy to forget items where you were sitting in the waiting area when you're tired from a long trip or in a hurry to catch your flight. A quick check can save you from the headache of a lost device. After boarding the plane, getting off and grabbing forgotten items at the airport is practically impossible.

If you're concerned about the safety of your laptop during your travel, consider getting laptop insurance covering accidental damage and theft. Laptop insurance covers common mishaps that can happen anytime and anywhere, from a sudden coffee spill over the keyboard during a turbulent flight to an accidental drop at a bustling airport to the unfortunate scenario of someone stealing your device from your bag in an unfamiliar city. Having this coverage can provide financial security in case the unexpected happens, giving you peace of mind while traveling with your laptop.