Traveling with Laptops: Is It Safe to Check Them in Luggage?
In the contemporary digital era, laptops have become an essential part of our lives. In other way round, we need laptop the same way we need food we eat. Travelling for an important trip without laptop is like travelling without hand set. So, laptop is a companion. However, it is essential to know how to carry your companion smoothly during your air travel to enjoy your journey.
You can image how ones live will look like without hand set. Whether you’re traveling for business, leisure, or any other reason, chances are you’ll want to bring your laptop along. However, the question of whether it’s safe to check your laptop in your luggage arises frequently from the flyers.
Many travellers or flyers mostly get confused as to whether to put their laptop in checked luggage or carry-on luggage during flight trip. If by mistake, you are one of those that get confuse on how to pack your laptop while travelling. You don’t need to worry again, we got you covered in this article.
In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons related to laptop and checked luggage. The safest way to pack your laptop in checked luggage while travelling to avoid damaging. So, without wasting much time, let’s forge ahead.
Are you permitted to put laptops in checked bag?
Yes, is the simple answer to this question. So, you don’t need to get confused while travelling with your laptop in checked luggage. Many airlines allow laptops in checked luggage or bag. However, its essential to know that both laptop with an inbuilt and non-inbuilt battery are allowed in checked luggage but are not the safest option.
When packing your laptop in checked luggage, ensure that the laptop is switched off. This is because, if the laptop is on inside your checked luggage, the probability of it doing overheating is very high which can result to fire outbreak. Pad the laptop with case in both sides to avoid it getting a physical damage during the flight. Remember, spare laptop batteries are not allowed in airline flight except the battery inside your laptop.
For the sake of those travelling with their laptop for the first time, it is not difficult as you may think. Just properly pad the laptop with protector/case, ensure that your laptop is properly shutdown while packing in checked luggage, proceed with the security routine which is a normal thing.
Where is the best place to pack laptop while travelling in flight?
Laptops are best safe in carry-on bag. It is advisable to carry your laptop in a carry-on luggage or hand bag. It gives you access to use your laptop throughout the flight journey, to keep yourself busy and get some wok done. This is because, the luggage handlers or officers are not saints while conveying your baggage between tarmac and airport. Moreover, its dangerous not to have your electronic gadgets like mobile phone and laptop in your hand while travelling. It leads to lost, hacking and other security risks. Ensure you keep your laptop in your possession or carry-on luggage while travelling on a flight.
Risks Associated with Checking Laptops in Luggage
That you are allowed to pack your laptop in checked luggage does not mean is the best. A lot of risk is attached to it. This risk is one of the reasons while packing laptop in checked luggage is not the best decision. While it may be tempting to stow your laptop in your checked luggage, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks that is involved.
Luggage can be subjected to rough handling and extreme temperature fluctuations due to excessive stacking of bags over one another in airlines flight. This may not be ideal for delicate electronic devices like laptop.
The probability of your laptop disappearing from your checked luggage is very high. This is because there are different calibres of people involved in handling the luggage including the thieves. Sometimes your luggage is exchange for another. Passengers mistakenly carry your luggage thinking is theirs, some persons intentionally carry other people’s luggage just to frustrate the owner and thieve the persons belongs.
You can image you losing your luggage that contains your valuable documents including your laptop. In all, it is advised that you pack your laptop in your carry-on bag to caution the negative effects attached in packing laptop in checked luggage.
Factors To Consider Before Packing your Laptop In Checked Luggage.
Remember, it is usually not advisable to pack your laptop in check luggage because of the risks associated with it. This risk includes the following: missing of luggage, physical damages laptop, loss of essential information. But if the only option you have at that particular time Is to pack the laptop inside the checked luggage. Ensure you follow this tip carefully.
Back Up Your Data Always
Data backup is crucial even if you are not travelling. Have a backup for all your information in case if your hard drive fails or crashes. That will give you an edge to have something to fall back on if your hard drive got bad.
Perhaps the simplest method of preventing data loss or someone accessing into your crucial information at the airport is by saving them in external hard drive in your carry-on luggage. Remove that vital information totally from your laptop in your check luggage. Moreover, you might not be there to protect your data from prying eyes during security checks. External hard drive is the safest place to backup data especially solid-state drive (SSD).
Ensure Your Laptop Is Safe from Any Damage
Make sure to securely stow your laptop within your luggage. You’ve probably noticed that baggage handlers often handle suitcases quite roughly during their journey.
If you’re wondering how to safely place a laptop in your suitcase, we can provide some guidance. Using a top-notch laptop sleeve or cover is a great way to protect your laptop. Additionally, consider wrapping it in a soft material to provide an extra layer of cushioning. Placing it amidst your clothes and positioning it in the center of your luggage can help keep it safe during transit. While it’s important to keep your data secure, don’t forget to shield your laptop from any rough handling and potential contact with items like sunscreen bottles.
Remove All Your Sensitive Information from Your Laptop.
If your laptop can not be totally formatted before packing it in checked luggage. Just ensure that you removed every sensitive or important information in the laptop to avoid it be accessed by others. Close every website in the laptop that is open. Close all the minimized program or tabs before packing your laptop in checked luggage. That will help to protect your information or data from been accessed by others. It will help to keep your secret secret.
The Laptop Should Be Passworded
Password restrict unverified users from accessing your laptop. Protecting your laptop with password makes it more difficult to be accessed by anyone. Make sure that you write the password down and keep it safe in a secured place because, if by mistake you forget the password, you won’t be able to access the laptop again with the information in it. Configure your laptop to automatically lock when the laptop is inactive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision to check your laptop in your luggage comes with risks, including physical damage, potential data loss, and security concerns. It’s advisable to carry your laptop in your carry-on bag or explore alternative options. By taking precautions and staying informed about TSA guidelines, you can enjoy a stress-free journey with your laptop.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it safe to check my laptop in my luggage?
It’s not recommended due to potential physical damage, data loss, and security concerns.
2. What are TSA guidelines for laptops?
The TSA allows laptops in both carry-on and checked luggage, but it’s safer to keep them in your carry-on.
3. How can I protect my laptop during travel?
Invest in a quality laptop sleeve or case and consider laptop insurance.
4. Should I back up my laptop data before traveling?
Yes, regular data backups are essential to protect your valuable information.
5. What are the alternatives to checking laptops in luggage?
Carry your laptop in your carry-on or ship it to your destination in advance to ensure its safety.
In this age of constant connectivity, your laptop is a vital tool. While you want to have it with you when you travel, always consider the best way to keep it safe and secure during your journey.