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8 Tips for Traveling and Flying With Your Laptop

Keep your laptop secure and avoid problems dealing with Security and/or Customs

By Catherine Roseberry Catherine Roseberry Writer Catherine Roseberry is a former writer for Lifewire who has experience in technology consulting focused on mobile productivity. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on September 22, 2022 Tweet Share Email quavondo/Getty Images Tweet Share Email Travel Tech Digital Cameras & Photography Laptop tips to help ensure you keep your laptop secure and avoid problems dealing with Security and/or Customs. You are the first line of defense for your laptop when traveling and it’s important to keep these laptop tips in mind to save time and prevent aggravation. 01 of 08

Carry Your Laptop or Pack It Away

Keep it with you at all times. It goes with you on the flight as carry-on baggage. Do not store it in the overhead storage area; it could get knocked around by someone else. Absolutely do not put your laptop in with your other baggage. Baggage handlers aren’t expecting expensive electronics to be in the stored baggage areas and you can’t expect it to be treated like a fragile object. 02 of 08

Visual Inspection Hand checking

You may be required to remove your laptop from its carrying case and turn it on to demonstrate to Security/Customs that the laptop is exactly that – a functioning computer. A good way to save time if you anticipate this happening is to turn on your laptop earlier and leave it in suspend mode. This is a good reason to ensure that your laptop battery is kept charged. When your laptop is examined in this manner it is often called “hand checking”. 03 of 08

Should You X-Ray Your Laptop

Letting your laptop go through the x-ray equipment will not harm your laptop. The magnetic field which is generated is not enough to cause harm to your hard drive or cause damage to your data. Metal detectors, on the other hand, can cause damage and request politely that Security/Customs do not use the metal detector but do a hand check instead. 04 of 08

Carry Proper Documents

It’s very important when returning to your country of origin, that you have the correct Customs documentation or original receipts. These show that the laptop and other mobile gear is what you left the country with. The onus is on you to prove that you already own the equipment and did not purchase it while traveling. You will have to pay duty and taxes on items purchased while traveling if you can’t provide proof of ownership. 05 of 08

Keep a Low Profile

Don’t draw attention to yourself while waiting for your flight or while in-flight. While waiting for your flight and using your laptop, pick an area where you will have some privacy and don’t have to worry about someone looking over your shoulder. If it’s too crowded, don’t use your laptop, and waiting for a time when it’s less crowded. If someone is curious about your laptop, be brief but polite and pack it in. They could be looking for a laptop to steal. 06 of 08

Don' t Let Your Laptop Out of Sight

If you let your laptop get out of sight even for a few minutes, it could be gone. If you have to use the facilities in an airport, take your laptop bag with you. The only exception is if you are traveling with someone you know and trust, but remind them to not leave your laptop unattended. While going through the Security/Customs screening keep a close view of your laptop if you are required to set it down for any reason. 07 of 08

Fact or Fiction - the Airport Laptop Scam

While there have been no recorded incidents of this type of theft it’s still wise to keep this scenario in mind. Two people will get in line ahead of you at the security area. You have placed your laptop on the conveyor belt and it has moved ahead. The first person goes through with no problems but the second has many difficulties. While you and Security/Customs are distracted, the first takes off with your laptop. Always wait until the last moment to put your laptop on the conveyor belt. 08 of 08

Keep Your Laptop Case Locked

In order to prevent someone from helping themselves to your other mobile gear and documents, keep your laptop bag locked. If you have it sitting on the floor by your feet it is possible for someone to get access to it unless it has been locked. Another reason for keeping your laptop case locked is so that someone is not able to put anything “extra” in your laptop case. An open case could be a tempting location for someone to drop an item into, then later take the case to get the item. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire The 7 Best Laptop Cases and Sleeves of 2022 The 8 Best Laptop Bags of 2022, Tested by Lifewire How to Close Your Laptop and Use an External Monitor The 6 Best Rolling Laptop Bags of 2022 How to Charge Your Phone or Laptop on a Plane How to Keep Your Phone or Laptop From Overheating How to Fix 'No Battery Is Detected' on Your Laptop How to Put a Key Back on a Laptop Keyboard How to Fix It When a Laptop Microphone is Not Working How to Use Google Flights How to Keep Your Phone and Laptop Cool Safely Using an iPhone in the Snow and Cold How to Physically Clean Your Laptop Tips for Flying With a Camera on Airplanes AmazonBasics Rolling Laptop Case Review: Basic and Budget-Friendly The Best Tech to Travel With in 2022 Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies