Can I Fly With This?
Can I bring laptop on a plane?
Quick rules for flying with laptop in carry-on and checked baggage. Verdicts and conditions across the major aviation regions below.
🇺🇸 United States (TSA)
Strongly recommended in carry-on. Must be removed from bag at security (unless TSA PreCheck). Lithium batteries inside laptops are allowed in checked bags but discouraged.
🇪🇺 European Union (EASA)
Allowed in both — carry-on strongly recommended. EU airports: removed from bag at security unless the airport has rolled out CT scanners (Amsterdam Schiphol, Frankfurt, Paris CDG mostly converted; smaller airports still require removal).
🇬🇧 United Kingdom (CAA)
Allowed in both; carry-on recommended. UK airports transitioning to CT scanners — Heathrow T2/T5, Gatwick, Manchester progressively allowing laptops to stay in the bag (verify on day of travel). Otherwise removed at security.
🌎 Latin America
Allowed in both; carry-on recommended. Removed from bag at security on most LATAM domestic + international flights. High-value laptops over USD $1,000 may need a temporary import declaration to avoid customs duty on return to home country (Brazil, Argentina, Mexico).
🌏 Asia (ICAO / IATA baseline)
Allowed in both — carry-on strongly recommended. Lithium battery inside follows ICAO rules. China CAAC requires laptops to be removed at security on most domestic flights; Japan, Korea and Singapore mirror US-style screening. India: separate tray + power-on demonstration sometimes requested.
🇦🇺 Australia & Pacific (CASA)
Allowed in both bags; carry-on strongly recommended. Australia + NZ: must be removed from bag at security screening. Power-on demonstration may be requested on US-bound flights from Sydney / Auckland.