News

“Laptop in Checked Luggage: 2025 Rules & 5 Tips for Safety”

“Laptop in Checked Luggage: 2025 Rules & 5 Tips for Safety”

"Laptop in Checked Luggage: 2025 Rules & 5 Pro Tips to Keep It Safe (Plus the Mosiso Bag That Solves Everything)"

Last week at the airport, I heard a passenger ask staff: “My laptop is too heavy—can I check it instead of carrying it?” If you often travel with a laptop, you’ve probably felt the same: carrying it tires you out, but checking it feels risky. What if baggage handlers scratch it? Or do airlines even allow it?

Today, we’ll clear up the key question: Can you actually check a laptop in luggage? We’ll also share 5 practical tips to keep your laptop safe when checking it—including a tested trick with the Mosiso rolling laptop bag (I’ve tried it, and it works).

First: Is Checking a Laptop in Luggage Allowed?

Short answer: Most airlines allow checking a laptop, but follow these 3 rules. Otherwise, you might face security issues or even have your laptop confiscated:

  1. Battery limits: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) requires airline approval for laptops with batteries over 100Wh (but under 160Wh). If your laptop’s battery exceeds 160Wh (common in high-performance gaming laptops), airlines ban it from checked luggage—you must carry it on.
  2. Security checks: Agencies like the U.S. TSA or EU EASA may inspect electronics in checked bags. If you pack your laptop too tightly, they might open your luggage (delaying it) or damage the packaging.
  3. Budget airline exceptions: Airlines like Ryanair or EasyJet often have extra rules for electronics in checked bags. Some charge fees, others require specific packaging. Always check your airline’s website before you fly.

But “allowed” doesn’t mean “safe.” The biggest risk is rough handling by baggage handlers. We recommend carrying your laptop on if you can. But if you have to check it, use these tips to protect it.

5 Ways to Keep Your Laptop Safe in Checked Luggage

These steps are simple, affordable, and proven to prevent scratches, dents, or worse. The last one is my go-to trick for business trips with the Mosiso rolling laptop bag:

  1. Clear the area around your laptop: Remove chargers, mice, or USB drives from your laptop bag—these small items can scratch the screen or body during transit. Also, shut down your laptop (don’t just put it to sleep) to avoid accidental screen activation or battery drain.
  2. Wrap it in a soft buffer: If you don’t have a dedicated laptop case, use a thick sweater, scarf, or towel to wrap your laptop 2–3 times. Focus on the corners and screen edges—baggage handlers are most likely to damage these parts if they drop your bag.
  3. Pack it in the “safe zone” of your luggage: Place your laptop in the middle of your checked bag, on top of soft items like clothes or a toiletry bag. Avoid putting it near hard objects (like shampoo bottles or shoes)—these objects can crush your laptop if baggage handlers squeeze your bag.
  4. Add a “Fragile” sticker: Slap a “Fragile” label on both your checked bag and your laptop’s packaging. It won’t guarantee gentle handling, but it will make baggage handlers more cautious (especially if they see it clearly).
  5. Use the Mosiso Rolling Laptop Bag for max protection:

    The Mosiso bag has aviation-standard dimensions (16.54 x 9.45 x 14.96 inches) and a padded laptop compartment with hook-and-loop fasteners—perfect for MacBook/Notebook models (13–16 inches) against impacts.

    1

    On a recent trip, I checked my bag with this case inside—even though the luggage looked battered, my laptop was untouched.

    Plus, its main compartment has a coded lock to keep your device secure during transit—much more reliable than makeshift wrapping.

3 Mistakes to Avoid (They’ll Ruin Your Protection)

Even the best tips won’t work if you make these common errors. Watch out for these:

  1. Forgetting to back up data: Checked bags get lost or delayed every day. Always back up important files to the cloud or an external drive before you fly. You don’t want to lose work or photos if your laptop goes missing.
  2. Leaving metal items attached: Never leave a USB drive in your laptop’s port or use a laptop bag with metal hooks inside. These can trigger security alarms, leading to forced bag inspections that damage your laptop.
  3. Using the wrong luggage: A flimsy, oversized suitcase is a disaster for checked laptops.

    But with the Mosiso rolling laptop bag, you don’t need a separate suitcase—this bag is your all-in-one solution. It has dedicated compartments for your laptop, clothes, and essentials, plus a hard-shell design that protects against impacts. No need to pair it with another suitcase.

    1

Wrapping Up

Traveling with a laptop shouldn’t mean choosing between convenience and safety. With the right prep (and a Mosiso rolling laptop bag), you can check your laptop without stress. This rolling laptop bag isn’t just for checked luggage. Its design also makes it a great carry-on, fitting under airplane seats or in overhead bins.

1

Have you ever checked a laptop before? Did you run into issues, or did a trick work well for you? Share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear it!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *