You can generally take electric and electronic items in your hand or checked baggage, but need to follow specific safety instructions: Airport security staff may ask you to turn on electronic or battery-powered devices, such as phones, tablets, e-books and laptops, to demonstrate they function.

Technically, you are allowed to put a laptop in your checked baggage with British Airways, but it is strongly discouraged by both the airline and security experts. If you must check a laptop, it must be completely powered off (not in sleep or hibernate mode) and protected from accidental activation. However, because laptops contain lithium-ion batteries, which pose a fire risk that is harder to manage in the cargo hold, most airlines—including BA—prefer that you keep them in your carry-on luggage. Furthermore, checked baggage is subject to significant movement and potential theft; a laptop is far more likely to be damaged or lost if it isn't with you in the cabin. British Airways has a generous hand baggage allowance (up to 23kg for a cabin bag plus a personal item), so it is almost always better to keep your expensive electronics under the seat in front of you or in the overhead locker.