Having your laptop with you can pass the time on your travels whether you have work to do or you want to enjoy watching movies. If you’ve never taken a laptop on a flight, don’t worry, it’s easier than you think.
But how many laptops can you bring on a plane?
Since there are no set rules on the specific number, you can bring more than two laptops on a plane. However, this is subject to local airport regulations and the country in question. Different countries have different rules and regulations for their airlines.
In this blog post, I’ve gathered all the information you need to know about how many laptops you can bring on a plane from different airlines. Make sure you check it out!
How Many Laptops Can I Bring on a Plane?
As I said earlier, different agencies have their own rules on carrying laptops on planes. Here are some of the most known airline agencies and their rules.
TSA
The US-based Transportation Security Administration (TSA) works with different airlines and countries around the world.
The TSA will allow you to carry multiple laptops with you, but you are not allowed to have batteries, power banks, and chargers.
If you carry a laptop, ensure you charge it fully to sustain you throughout the journey.
IATA
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is the largest airline agency comprising 290 airlines and covering more than 120 countries.
The agency allows passengers to carry multiple laptops on a plane, but you must pack them in hand luggage. If you pack them on checked baggage, ensure the laptops are off and not in sleep mode.
CASA
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is an agency that works with all flights within Australia.
They have no limitation on how many laptops you carry, but they demand that every computer must not exceed 160 watts.
The airline organization permits laptops with 100-160 watts, and you won’t need permission for those laptops with less than 100 watts.
Also, you will have to carry the computer in your carry-on.
CAAC
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) is an airline agency based in China and works with airlines and flights within China.
The agency allows passengers to carry up to 15 laptops and spare batteries. You can put the laptop on your carry-on or in checked luggage,
For laptops with 160 watts, you can only carry them in hand luggage.
What You Should Know If You Will Carry a Laptop on a Flight
If you are taking a laptop with you, be ready to remove it from your bag and place it in a separate bin for security checks.
The bin will run through the X-ray scanner, which will happen for any laptop you carry.
You should always charge your laptop before passing through security. The officers might ask you to switch on your laptop if they decide to conduct an additional search.
They have the right to seize your laptop if you are unable to switch it on or respond to basic questions regarding it.
Ensure you always bring fully charged electronics because this regulation applies to all electrical devices.
Where Should I Pack My laptop? In a Carry-on or Checked Luggage?
You can pack your laptop in your carry-on or checked luggage.
I recommend carrying laptops in your hand luggage for protection.
Here’s yet another compelling justification for keeping your laptop in a carry-on. Some customers may be asked to check their carry-ons for free when the planes are filled.
You won’t need to repack your entire bag at the gate if you’re one of those travelers.
If you do not use the laptop during the flight, you can decide to put it in checked luggage to conserve space on your carry-on.
That said, if you settle for checked baggage, ensure the machines are well-padded because the luggage handling systems can be rough on suitcases.
How to Prepare And Pack Your Laptop for Flights
Charge The Laptop
The first thing before you even think of packing your laptop is to get it fully charged.
Remember, the agent at the airport checkpoint might decide to switch it on for more searches, and if they find it is not switching on, they might suspect you are hiding something.
Get a Padded Sleeve
Purchase a soft laptop sleeve for each laptop to avoid damage while traveling.
A laptop sleeve is a case, usually made of plastic or nylon, that is meant to fit snugly over your laptop.
Sleeves can lessen the amount of dust or other particles on your laptop and offer some protection.
Get The Right Laptop Backpack
A crucial step in packing, possibly the most critical, is picking the correct backpack.
First, you must consider the bag’s space and whether it will fit all the computers you want to carry and their gadgets.
Never force your laptop in a backpack since it might damage the screen.
The best laptop carrier for a flight is made from durable and waterproof materials.
Safeguard Your Data
Protect the data on your computer before you leave by hiding it in a password-protected folder. Also, disable any security equipment, such as locks, alarms, etc., from your laptop.
Can You Use a Laptop on a Flight?
You can use laptops throughout the flight on the majority of airlines.
That said, you must put them away during takeoff and landing.
Put your laptop in flight mode too. You will still have Internet access since most airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi.
You might be able to power up your laptop throughout the flight, as several airlines now have charging ports. However, the power output sockets are not similar everywhere and might not be compatible with your laptop’s charger.
In that case, you can carry an extension where you can plug in the laptop’s charger comfortably.
Can You Carry The Laptop Power Banks or Spare Batteries on a Plane?
Since power banks run on lithium-ion batteries, you can pack one in your carry-on bag when flying.
Any gadget that utilizes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, such as your laptop, is subject to this restriction.
All batteries or power banks with more than 160 watts are not allowed on flights because the pressure inside the airplane may trigger explosions.
Conclusion
Carrying more than one laptop on a plane is allowed. However, there are different rules and regulations set by governing agencies and airlines themselves, so review the rules before you pack up your laptops!