"Can you put a laptop in checked luggage?"
Whether you’re gearing up for a short city break or planning a long haul flight half way across the world, knowing what you can and cannot take with you in checked vs carry-on luggage can be a common source of confusion for travellers.
From electronics and sports equipment to medications and sharp objects, we’re clearing up all you need to know about what and how to pack for your next trip.
Let’s start with the big question: can you put a laptop in checked luggage? The answer is yes, a laptop can go in either your checked or carry-on luggage. However, the smarter choice is to take it in carry-on due to the risk of potential loss or damage during checked baggage handling. As a rule of thumb, valuables such as laptops should be kept with you if possible.
If you absolutely must pack your laptop in checked luggage, the main thing to consider is ensuring it is completely switched off, not in sleep mode.
Additionally, remember to check the battery size of the laptop. For most airlines, up to 100Wh is permitted, up to 160Wh needs prior permission, and over 160Wh is prohibited.
Carry-on only
Spare lithium batteries.
Portable chargers and power banks.
Checked and carry-on
Electrical items including laptops, phones, cameras that are completely switched off and with battery sizes of up to 100Wh. Although you can pack these items in both checked and carry-on, it's better to keep these valuable items with you in carry-on wherever possible. Your laptop should be packed in a bag with a secure laptop compartment to prevent it from accidentally turning on during transit.
We advise using a high-quality laptop backpack or daypack for this purpose.
Prioritise:
- Padded laptop sleeve for laptop security
- Organised interior and smart compartments for streamlined travel
- Cushioned air-flow back panel with fully adjustable straps for comfort
- Water resistant materials to keep belongings safe
The majority of sporting equipment must go in checked luggage due to the weight and size of these items. The top line for transporting sports gear is to always check with your airline before flying, as rules and regulations can differ between them.
Carry-on
Small sporting items only, such as rackets, but there’s sometimes a limit to how many of these you can carry at once.
Checked
Most large items can be checked, including hockey sticks, surfboards, golf clubs, and fishing rods. If the item is larger or heavier than the standard, you can often pay an additional charge to take it onboard.
Are liquid medications part of the 100ml liquid rule? Do I need to keep medications in their original containers? These are questions asked time and time again by seasoned travellers. In summary, if your medications and baby formula are under 100ml and can fit in your toiletries bag, then great. But, if not, these items can be exempt from this rule if declared at security. If possible, keep medications in their original packaging so it's clear what you’re transporting.
Checked and carry-on
Non-essential medications such as paracetamol and hayfever tablets.
Carry-on only
It’s best to carry essential medications and baby formula with you for guaranteed accessibility and damage prevention. For liquid medications, if it’s under 100ml place it in your 1L liquids bag with your other toiletries. If it doesn’t fit, you can declare it at security for exemption from the 100ml rule. This goes the same for baby formulas and baby food. You should keep medications in their original containers, and labels attached for prescriptions.
Contrary to common assumptions, many sharp items can be packed in your checked luggage. If you’re ever in-doubt, opt for checked luggage as opposed to carry-on to be safe.
Checked and carry-on
Nail clippers, disposable razors, scissors with blades shorter than 6cm.
Checked only
Many sharp items are permitted in checked luggage. This includes knives (kitchen, utility, pocket), tools (screwdrivers, saws, corkscrews), personal items (all razors, larger scissors). However, you must ensure these objects are safely stored to avoid injury.
Despite some airports altering their liquid regulations to allow for an increased amount in what you can take for carry-on, this is not a universal policy. As a result, it’s still highly recommended to stick to the 100ml per item in a 1L bag limit to allow for uninterrupted travel.
Carry-on
All liquids that are up to 100ml and able to fit into one 1L clear sealed bag.
Checked
No restrictions but ensure these liquids are kept secure.
What is the best way to travel with a laptop?
You can pack your laptop in either carry-on or checked luggage, but we strongly advise keeping valuables such as this with you for carry-on to avoid damage or loss. If you must transport it via checked, ensure it is packed in a bag specifically made to carry a laptop securely.
Can I take two bags on board, my laptop bag and a carry-on?
Most airlines allow you to take a 'personal' item on board alongside your overhead carry-on luggage, as long as it fits under the seat in front of you. Check your airline's policies before boarding, as rules and baggage sizing can vary between them.
What are the guidelines around flying with sporting equipment?
The majority of large sports equipment, such as surfboards and golf clubs, count towards your checked luggage. Smaller items such as tennis rackets can be taken as carry-on, but refer to your airline's requirements beforehand, as there may be a cap on how many you can carry.
Is the 100ml liquid requirement still in place for flying?
Some airports are rolling out initiatives allowing passengers to carry an increased amount of liquids. But because this isn't a blanket ruling across all airports and countries, we advise you stick to the 100ml guideline to avoid interference at either end of your journey.
Do medications count as part of the 100ml rule?
You have two options here. If your liquid medication does fit inside your 1L bag of liquids, then place it in there for a smooth security experience. If not, you can still carry your medications, but they will need to be declared at security. Also, remember to keep all medications in their original packaging.
Can I pack sharp items in my checked luggage?
Many sharp items can be transported in checked luggage if wrapped securely, such as kitchen knives, corkscrews, and razors. Smaller items like nail clippers can be placed in a carry-on. If ever in doubt, opt for checked luggage.
