Can you put your laptop in your carry-on bag?

Neither the TSA nor the airlines give much guidance on packing a computer. You can pack a laptop or even a desktop computer in your carry on or checked bags. As advocates for packing light, we cannot endorse traveling with a desktop computer.



People Also Ask

General airline regulations suggest that all portable electronic devices are put in your carry-on baggage. If you need to put them in a checked bag, you must ensure these devices are completely turned off and not in sleep or hibernate mode.

MORE DETAILS

TSA Laptop Rules If you're traveling with a computer in your carry on bag, the TSA asks you to “remove the computer from your carry-on bag and place it in a separate bin for X-ray screening.” If, however, you have TSA PreCheck, you do not need to remove your laptop during security screening.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, but we recommend against packing your computer in your checked luggage. Keep your computer nearby, in your carry on or personal item for safekeeping.

MORE DETAILS

TSA Guidelines for Checkpoint Friendly Bags
  • Your laptop bag has a designated laptop-only section that you can lay flat on the X-ray belt.
  • There are no metal snaps, zippers, or buckles inside, underneath, or on top of the laptop-only section.
  • There are no pockets on the inside or outside of the laptop-only section.


MORE DETAILS

As with the dimensions for carry-on luggage, the exact measurements for personal items vary. The item should be able to be stored under the seat in front of you, which generally means it should be no more than 6 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches, which is still large enough for a small travel laptop bag.

MORE DETAILS

Most airlines allow passengers to bring on both a carry-on and a personal item like a backpack, laptop bag, purse, briefcase, shopping bag, etc. The general rule of thumb is that your personal item is smaller in dimension than your carry-on bag and it can fit underneath the seat in front of you.

MORE DETAILS

TSA Laptop Rules
If you're traveling with a computer in your carry on bag, the TSA asks you to “remove the computer from your carry-on bag and place it in a separate bin for X-ray screening.” If, however, you have TSA PreCheck, you do not need to remove your laptop during security screening.

MORE DETAILS

Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.

MORE DETAILS

Please remove the laptops from your bag and place it in a separate bin for X-ray screening.

MORE DETAILS

Most airlines consider your laptop bag as a personal item, and as long as it fits under the seat in front, you're golden. But remember, even though it's a “personal item,” it's not your “personal gym.” Avoid overpacking it like a Thanksgiving turkey.

MORE DETAILS

Carry-on bags must weigh less than 35 pounds and must not exceed 10 inches deep, 16 inches wide and 24 inches high. Bags must fit in the overhead bins. Checked bags must be no longer than 62 linear inches (length + width + depth) and must weigh under 40 pounds.

MORE DETAILS

Please remove the laptops from your bag and place it in a separate bin for X-ray screening.

MORE DETAILS

You should use a good quality protective bag specifically ones that are designed to carry a laptop in it. You can get various designs whether you want it in a backpack style or simply like a carry bag. Bags specially designed for laptops carry special compartments where they are provided with the separate spaces.

MORE DETAILS

A proper laptop-friendly carry on should have a padded laptop sleeve that ends above the bottom of the bag. The latter is important so that your computer doesn't hit the ground every time you put your bag down. A good laptop backpack will also have pockets for your charger, cords, and other accessories.

MORE DETAILS

A backpack is our favorite way to carry and protect a laptop and other necessities on a commute. It's more ergonomic than a tote or messenger bag, it holds more than a briefcase, and it looks more stylish than a rolling bag.

MORE DETAILS

A: It depends on the airline you are flying with. Most airlines allow passengers to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag. However, some airlines, such as Southwest and Delta, permit passengers to bring a second carry-on bag that is smaller in size and can be stored in the overhead bin.

MORE DETAILS

If airport security subjects your computer to additional scrutiny, they may instruct you to turn it on and will ask questions about its use. If you do not adequately answer the questions, security retains the right to confiscate the item.

MORE DETAILS

It's generally recommended to carry laptop chargers in your carry-on luggage rather than checking them in. Lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in laptop batteries and chargers, can be a fire hazard if they are damaged or short-circuited.

MORE DETAILS