Can You Put A Laptop In Checked Baggage? (Expat Advice)

When it’s time to pack your bags before traveling, you will want to make sure all of the TSA rules are being followed.

We have made mistakes in the past.

It’s important to be aware of the rules and we have touched on this with the TSA scissors rule. In this case, we are going to look at whether or not laptops are allowed in checked bags.

Is it possible to take your laptop through the checked baggage?

We have done this in the past and can shed some light on the process including what the TSA rules are.

Laptops In Checked Luggage

The first detail to consider is a simple yes or no for laptops in checked luggage.

Yes, you are permitted to have a laptop in checked baggage.

It is important to make sure the laptop is wrapped properly as it is going to move a lot within the luggage itself. The only thing the association is going to limit will be the presence of a spare battery in the luggage. You are not allowed to have a spare laptop battery in checked luggage.

Some people like bringing a spare laptop battery but it is not a good idea. It is a hazard.

In most cases, the average laptop is going to be within the listed limit.

This means you will be allowed to take it through the checked luggage as it is based on power. It is just like any other electronic that’s being brought through the luggage.

Things To Consider When Packing Laptop In Checked Luggage

Damage During Flight

The first issue has to do with potential damage during the flight or when it’s being handled.

A lot of travelers don’t realize the way bags are tossed by the officials at the airport. They are not going to be taking the time to act as if there is a fragile item inside the luggage.

They want to get the job done within a set timeframe. They are going to be focused on getting the checked luggage from point A to point B.

As a result, we do tell people to pack their laptops carefully. This includes wrapping it properly inside the luggage and not just letting it sit near the top.

Weight can be put on top of the luggage, which is going to press down on the items inside the bag. This is why it’s essential to prepare the laptop for this.

Back-Up Your Files

Now, this is a great option for those who have important documents on their laptop.

Since we have mentioned the laptop can get damaged or stolen, it is not ideal to have all of your important documents solely on the laptop’s hard drive. This is going to expose you to additional worry when you are unable to get the files back.

Don’t let this happen.

Portable hard drives are easy to find and you will be good to go when it comes to backing up your files.

This is going to save you time and you are going to have peace of mind. The last thing you are going to want to be thinking about is the potential loss of data due to a damaged laptop on the flight.

Lost Baggage

This is a legitimate concern for those who are going to be putting a laptop in a checked bag at the airport.

You are increasing the risk of losing the bag itself.

With such an expensive item inside the baggage, you are going to be apprehensive about losing it and that risk is not worth it in our eyes. We have seen people lose their bags often and it is just not worth the risk with a laptop inside.

You might assume this is not going to happen to you.

In essence, airports are quite meticulous when it comes to protecting the luggage. It’s not easy to steal items out of the luggage but it is still possible. Don’t assume you are going to be the lucky one as that might not be the case.

A person that wishes to steal is going to have ways to get it done. You don’t want an item such as that to be exposed in a checked bag.

Get A Laptop Bag

The one thing we would recommend a person to do is buy a laptop bag.

This is going to help nestle the laptop in a safe spot and make sure it is on your person. You are allowed to take the laptop onto the plane as long as it is within the specified limits. This is why you often see people taking their laptops with them to Business Class.

It’s best to make sure you have a laptop bag to make sure the laptop stays safe.

In most cases, the airline is going to take the time to see what is inside the bag. You will want to have it ready to demonstrate what is inside the bag as that is going to help push it through when you want to take it onto the flight.

Please note that that is common and it is something they are going to take the time to do.

Final Thoughts

These are the main details to consider when bringing a laptop through checked luggage.

It is possible to do so and it’s essential to do it the right way.

As long as you are doing that, the process is going to work as well as you want it to.

Feel free to also learn about race in traveling and dealing with ethnocentric behavior as a traveler.