While you can technically put a laptop in checked baggage, it is strongly discouraged by airlines, safety experts, and security agencies for three primary reasons: damage, theft, and fire safety. Laptops are fragile electronic devices with delicate screens and internal components that can easily be damaged by the rough handling, crushing weight, and extreme temperature fluctuations found in the cargo hold. Furthermore, checked luggage is not immune to theft; a high-value item like a laptop is a prime target for pilferage once it leaves your sight. Most importantly, the lithium-ion batteries in laptops pose a significant fire risk. In the pressurized, monitored environment of the cabin, a battery fire (though rare) can be quickly detected and extinguished by the flight crew. In the unmonitored cargo hold, a "thermal runaway" event could burn undetected, leading to a catastrophic emergency. In 2026, the FAA and global carriers recommend keeping all devices with lithium batteries in your carry-on bag to ensure they stay safe and the flight remains secure.