As air travel continues to evolve with advanced security and luggage screening technologies, many travelers in 2025 still find themselves questioning what should and shouldn’t go into their checked baggage. One of the most common concerns revolves around the safety of placing a laptop in checked luggage. While carrying a laptop in your carry-on bag is usually the recommended practice, some situations may leave travelers considering checking their valuable device. Is it safe? Let’s explore the various considerations and risks associated with storing a laptop in checked luggage in today’s travel climate.
1. The TSA and International Aviation Guidelines
Travelers across the world must abide by security regulations set by aviation authorities such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and equivalents in other countries. These organizations generally advise against placing laptops and other high-value electronics in checked baggage.
Why? The reasons are multifaceted. Laptops contain lithium-ion batteries, which pose potential fire risks. Additionally, due to security concerns, most airports want travelers to be able to power up electronic devices upon request during security screenings—something impossible once the item is checked in.
2. Physical Risks to Your Laptop
Checked baggage is not handled with precision or care. Suitcases are tossed, stacked, compressed, and transported through a gauntlet of conveyor belts and vehicles. This kind of handling presents a legitimate risk of both superficial and serious internal laptop damage.
- Pressure damage: Items placed in the middle or bottom of a cargo hold undergo thousands of pounds of pressure from stacking.
- Temperature variation: Cargo holds, although pressurized, are often subject to more extreme temperatures. This can affect sensitive electronic components.
- Impact shocks: Drops or rough handling during check-in, transfer, or unloading can lead to cracked screens or internal hardware issues.
3. Risk of Theft and Loss
One of the most pressing reasons not to store a laptop in your checked luggage is the risk of theft or loss. Despite improvements in luggage tracking technologies, lost baggage remains a reality. More notably, the checked luggage handling areas of many airports have been notorious for theft incidents.
According to a 2024 report from the Global Air Transport Association (GATA), approximately 6% of all luggage loss claims related to electronic devices involved theft from checked luggage. What’s more, a damaged or missing laptop not only represents a monetary loss but can also result in a breach of personal or corporate data security.
4. Insurance Coverage Limitations
If you’re traveling with baggage insurance or relying on credit card travel protection, be sure to read the fine print. Many insurers categorically exclude personal electronics like laptops from being covered if placed in checked luggage. Even if you have a comprehensive policy, proving the laptop’s value and the specifics of damage or theft during transit can be an uphill legal and bureaucratic battle.
Therefore, placing your laptop in checked luggage could leave you fully liable for any financial loss.
5. Data Security Concerns
Data stored on a laptop is often far more valuable than the device itself. If your checked laptop becomes lost or stolen, sensitive personal or work data could easily fall into the wrong hands. Unless your data is encrypted and the device is well secured both physically and digitally, you risk exposure of:
- Personal identification information
- Corporate or client files
- Emails and financial records
- Photographs and intellectual property
Even a strong password may not be sufficient. A determined hacker with physical access to your laptop can bypass many default security systems.
6. Lithium Battery Regulations in 2025
Airlines and regulators remain vigilant in 2025 about lithium-ion batteries, which are notorious for posing fire hazards. While the likelihood of a battery combusting is low, the environment within a cargo hold makes it less safe. In response, many airlines have either restricted or completely banned lithium-ion powered devices in checked luggage unless the battery can be removed and stored separately.
Most modern laptops do not have removable batteries, which places more reason to keep them in your cabin baggage. Major carriers now scan for such electronics and may flag or remove baggage that includes them during security inspection.
7. When You Might Have No Choice
There may be rare situations when you are required to check in a laptop—for example, during crowded flights where cabin space is restricted or when connecting flights have different security protocols. If this happens, there are measures you can take to minimize risk:
- Turn off the laptop completely (do not just put it to sleep).
- Use a padded, shockproof laptop sleeve and position it in the center of your suitcase, surrounded by soft items.
- Encrypt your hard drive and enable strong password protection.
- Remove any sensitive files or backup data to the cloud or an external secure location.
- Consider removing the battery if possible (and if allowed separately).
8. Alternatives and Recommendations
If you still need to check your electronics, consider alternatives:
- Use a rugged device: Some modern laptops like the Panasonic Toughbook or Dell Rugged series offer military-grade durability.
- Travel with a tablet: If you do not need advanced computing, a tablet with cloud features might suffice and is easier to carry.
- Use secure online access: For sensitive work, use cloud-based services and avoid carrying key data physically.
9. What Airlines Say in 2025
By 2025, many airline websites explicitly mention that high-value electronics including laptops must be carried into the cabin. For example, Delta Airlines’ baggage policy cites that “passengers are strongly advised not to place computers, cameras, or other valuables in checked baggage due to risk of damage or theft.”
Some international carriers may still allow it but include disclaimers regarding liability, effectively informing travelers that any loss or damage is at their own risk.
Conclusion
In 2025, placing a laptop in checked luggage remains a risky endeavor. Between security rules, the vulnerability to physical damage, and the meaningful loss of sensitive data, the cons outweigh the convenience. While technological and procedural advances in baggage handling have improved over the years, they do not yet guarantee the safety of fragile and high-value items in the cargo hold.
If you must bring a laptop during your travels, it is highly recommended to include it in your carry-on items whenever possible. If checking it in becomes unavoidable, take every precaution to insulate, encrypt, and protect your device both physically and digitally. Doing so may not entirely eliminate risk but could significantly reduce potential damages.
Ultimately, your laptop is not just a piece of hardware—it’s your data, your work, your memories. Treating it with the care it deserves will ensure your travels remain productive and stress-free.