Can You Put a Laptop in Checked Luggage in 2025 – Comprehensive Guide
When traveling for business or pleasure, most people rely on their electronic devices, especially laptops, to stay connected or complete important work. Whether you’re heading to a neighboring country or halfway across the globe, it feels essential to keep your devices close at hand for those moments when tasks arise urgently.
That said, powerful laptops are often heavy, and many passengers prefer keeping their carry-on luggage light while navigating busy airports and crowded planes. Placing your laptop in checked baggage might seem to make sense, but this raises an important question: not just can you, but should you? Balancing convenience with safety often influences this decision, and understanding these factors is crucial for a smooth journey.
Can you put a laptop in checked baggage?
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) confirms that you can pack a laptop in your checked baggage, but it’s crucial to follow the regulations set by airlines and security organizations. When doing so, the device must be switched off to prevent it from overheating. Excessive heat in the cargo hold can lead to a fire, particularly from lithium-ion batteries, which are known to be volatile and difficult to extinguish. Ensuring the safety of your electronics is a shared priority for both travelers and carriers.
Most airlines allow laptops in checked baggage, but there are limitations. Only the original battery inside the device is permitted, so leaving any additional lithium-ion batteries at home is necessary. These are strictly prohibited in the baggage compartment because of the associated risk. When you travel, always check the specific policies of your airline to ensure compliance and avoid complications.
Additionally, the battery’s size may determine whether it is allowed. The table below outlines the permissible sizes for carrying in checked luggage:
| Sizes of Lithium-ion Batteries and IATA Limitations | ||||
| Wh or lithium content rating | Configuration | Carry-on baggage | Checked baggage | Operator approval |
| ≤ 100 Wh / 2g | In equipment (PED or PMED) | Yes (Max 15) | Yes | No |
| Spare batteries | Yes | No | No | |
| >100 to ≤160Wh | In equipment (PED or PMED) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Spare batteries | Yes (max two) | No | Yes | |
| >160Wh | Must be prepared and carried as cargo in accordance with the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations | |||
| > 2g ≤ 8g | In equipment (PED or PMED) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Spare batteries for PMED | Yes (max two) | No | Yes | |
Each individual is allowed up to 15 personal devices and 20 spare batteries, though this limit may be extended at the operator’s discretion.
Risks of traveling with a laptop in checked baggage
You can place your laptop in checked baggage, but is it a good idea? There are several reasons to reconsider storing your expensive electronic devices in checked luggage.
Damages
When you put your laptop in checked baggage, keep in mind that it might be handled roughly during the journey. Mishandled baggage has increased drastically, meaning your laptop is at risk of getting damaged during transit. To minimize the chances of this, it’s a good idea to place your laptop in a protective sleeve and wrap it securely between your clothes for maximum protection. This can help reduce the potential impact from rough handling along the way.
Security hassles
When traveling with a laptop in checked baggage, it’s important to ensure the device is charged and functional. Security agents have the right to check your computer to make sure it’s not malfunctioning or posing a threat to the safety of the aircraft. Laptops can be a bit more troublesome as they often block X-rays from passing through, making it hard for security to get a clear picture of the contents in your bag. This can result in them pulling you aside for additional checks, delaying your journey.
Lost/stolen
There has been an uptick in theft from checked baggage during transit, with expensive electronic items often being the primary target for thieves. Even if you lock your bag securely, all it takes is a pen to separate the zipper. To safeguard your laptop, it’s advisable to use a tracker on the laptop sleeve. However, the chances of recovering your device are minimal, and most airlines are not liable for items stolen from your checked baggage.
Protect your data
When traveling with a laptop in checked baggage, it’s crucial to delete or encrypt any sensitive data to prevent it from falling into the hands of malicious third parties. To be safe, always back up your important data to an external hard drive or the cloud. If your laptop gets damaged during transit, you could end up losing your valuable information, so protecting your data is essential.
Can laptops go in checked luggage?
In most cases, you can put your laptop in checked luggage, but many airlines have strict rules when it comes to carrying lithium batteries. Some airlines won’t allow laptops with lithium batteries in the hold, making it a bad idea to check your device. In my experience, having traveled to over 60 countries, I highly recommend keeping your laptop in your hand or cabin luggage or carry-on, rather than risking damage or theft in checked bags.
Why it’s not a good idea to pack your laptop in your checked luggage
Two main reasons.
Physical damage
When you send your laptop in checked luggage, you’re exposing it to potential physical damage. Luggage handlers at the airport aren’t always gentle with bags, often piling them up like a sandwich or a mega burger. These heavy piles can result in suitcases falling off the stack or even being run over by the truck. The contents inside your suitcase can get battered, especially if they are in the hold of the plane. Over the years of travel and flying, I’ve seen how quickly things can get damaged. To avoid this, it’s better to place breakable and valuable items, like your laptop, in hand luggage, as the risk of damage in checked baggage is just too high.
In my own experiences, I’ve never been thrown off a truck, but I’ve seen enough to know that the chances of your laptop surviving the journey unscathed are slim. So, for valuable electronics, always avoid the squish of the baggage handlers and make sure to keep them close in your carry-on to minimize the risk of damage.
Batteries
When traveling, it’s important to know that lithium and lithium-ion batteries can pose serious security risks. In 2016, there was an incident where a battery caught fire during a flight, highlighting the dangers of carrying batteries in the hold of the plane. As a result, new rules were introduced, requiring passengers to carry such batteries in their cabin luggage rather than check them in. Some countries, like Japan, enforce these rules ruthlessly, while others are more lax. I once accidentally placed my laptop with a lithium battery in the front sleeve of a suitcase, which ended up in the hold. Thankfully, the laptop was fine, but it made me realize the importance of following the right security procedures. Power banks, spare batteries, and chargers should always be kept in cabin luggage, whereas non-battery electronics, like hairdryers or travel alarm clocks, can safely go in the cargo hold. According to TSA advice, it’s A-OK to place your laptop in checked luggage, but remember to be aware of the varying rules in different places.
How to pack your laptop in your checked baggage
If you must put your laptop in main luggage, it’s important to pack it carefully. Start by placing your laptop in a protective case to shield it from any bumps. Surround it with thick, dry clothes to keep it safe, and make sure it is placed in the centre of your suitcase, far away from the edges. This will help minimize any potential damage. Be cautious of anything that might spill, like toiletries, wine, or olive oil souvenirs, and keep these away from your laptop.
When unpacking, remember where your laptop is. I once threw mine on the floor with a pile of dirty laundry and while it survived the ordeal, the outer hard sleeve did get some chips. So, always pack your laptop carefully to avoid any accidents, and keep it in one piece for your travels.
How to pack your laptop in your cabin luggage
If you’ve taken my advice and chosen to pack your laptop and any spare batteries in your carry-on baggage, you have several options.
Tote Bags
If you prefer a more relaxed approach, you can keep your laptop in a protective jacket inside a tote bag, especially if you have strong shoulders to carry it. However, be cautious of any sticky items or anything that might spill or leak as this could damage your laptop and leave you needing a new one. Also, keep in mind that in extreme heat, such as in the Middle East, it’s safer to consider other protection options to avoid any potential damage.
Specific Backpacks
If you’re looking for extra protection for your laptop in cabin luggage, consider specific backpacks designed for this purpose. These backpacks often come with dedicated laptop compartments that sit close to your back, offering comfort and security. With foam padding, they help protect your laptop from damage. Additionally, they feature separate sections for items like your charger, cell phones, and other portable electronic devices, making them an excellent choice for travelers who want everything organized and safe.
Hand Luggage Suitcases
If you prefer the convenience of wheelie suitcases, many of them come with a special zip section at the front for storing your laptop. While this option may not offer the best protection, it provides excellent ease of access during airport security queues. You’ll need to remove your computer from the bag and place it in a separate bin for screening. To keep everything organized, I often place my personal electronic devices in the main section of the suitcase, along with my toiletries on top for easy access.
For short trips or a civilised city break, this method is quick and practical. Once on the plane, I take the laptop out of the zip section and either place it beside me or keep it on the floor under the seat in front. After seeing other passengers jam their bags into the overhead compartment and slam the lid, I prefer to keep breakable things with me for peace of mind.
Can your laptop count as your personal item?
Yes, many airlines allow you to carry your laptop as a personal item instead of packing it in your carry-on luggage. This means you can hold it in one hand and slide it under the chair in front of you, just like a purse. To keep it safe, use a padded laptop bag with a handle to avoid dropping it during the boarding pass and passport shuffle at the gate. It’s a practical choice, and you can even find suitable bags on Amazon.
Do you need to take your laptop with you?
When travelling for work, laptops are often essential. But if you’re on a holiday or vacation, ask yourself if you really need to bring it. Laptops are fragile and don’t handle air travel well. They can be a faff at security checkpoints, and they also pose a fire risk, even if it’s a low one. Plus, they usually hold sensitive information that you don’t want to fall into the wrong hands.