It is significantly better to hand-carry your laptop adapter in your cabin bag rather than checking it in. First, having it with you ensures you can charge your device at the airport or onboard if your aircraft is equipped with power outlets, which is standard on most long-haul flights in 2026. Second, checked luggage carries a statistical risk of being lost, delayed, or damaged; if your adapter is in your suitcase and that suitcase goes missing, you are left with a "dead" laptop until you can find a specific replacement in a foreign city. From a safety perspective, while the adapter itself isn't a fire hazard like a lithium-ion battery, keeping all your "mission-critical" electronics and their power sources in your personal item is a "pro" travel rule. This also helps during security screenings, as some international airports may ask you to demonstrate that your laptop can actually power on to prove it is a legitimate electronic device and not a security threat.