Laptop Computer in Luggage

[JAS21]

I don't need my laptop during the flight (international) so want to reduce the amount of hand luggage. Normally when it's in hand luggage they make me take it out of its bag and put it through the m/c separately.

If the laptop is in my main luggage will they want to open my case and scan the laptop separately ... I obviously don't want my case opening.

Anyone actually know please. I was going to put it in the middle of my cloths in the middle of my case ... thanks

[craigt3365]

You'll be taking a huge risk. They scan bags with x-ray machines. Your laptop will pop right up there. If it's a typical suitcase with a plastic zipper, they are supper easy to open and re-close so you'd never know it was tampered with...a lock won't help. If you had a hard suitcase with no zippers and a good lock, then you'd probably be OK. Otherwise, take it (and all your valuables) on the plane as carry on. Sorry...

[Kanata]

Many airlines do not allow laptops or cameras in checked luggage, but I do it anyway knowing that the items may get damaged or lost. I will wrap my laptop with my clothes & place them inside a plastic container, which fits nicely in my checked luggage. To avoid risk of thieft, I also have the checked luggage wrapped with plastic, which is done at the airport. I have been doing this for years flying in & out of Thailand without problems, but there is always the risk.

[yermanee]

Just flown with my laptop in my checked luggage to travel as light as possible.

Had my suitcase shrink-wrapped at the airport (essential)

Had no problem at all or I wouldn't now be typing this post.

Yermanee

[ukrules]

Just flown with my laptop in my checked luggage to travel as light as possible.

Had my suitcase shrink-wrapped at the airport (essential)

Had no problem at all or I wouldn't now be typing this post.

Yermanee

I've never had my suitcase shrink wrapped. Would it really deter thieves at the departure and arrival airport ?

You should take all valuables / things you really need on your trip in your carry on luggage as checked baggage often goes missing for days or weeks at a time.

[Daffy D]

Slightly off topic.

Some friends who came from Europe recently had a couple of tablets in their checked luggage. These were for the kids not expensive so not a security issue but when unpacked just a few hours after arrival they were covered in condensation.

I guess luggage compartments of planes may be pressurized but seems they are not heated.

[samuijimmy]

Slightly off topic.

Some friends who came from Europe recently had a couple of tablets in their checked luggage. These were for the kids not expensive so not a security issue but when unpacked just a few hours after arrival they were covered in condensation.

I guess luggage compartments of planes may be pressurized but seems they are not heated.

No they are not heated..... that is a good point....so condensation could be an issue...

[yermanee]

Slightly off topic.

Some friends who came from Europe recently had a couple of tablets in their checked luggage. These were for the kids not expensive so not a security issue but when unpacked just a few hours after arrival they were covered in condensation.

I guess luggage compartments of planes may be pressurized but seems they are not heated.

No they are not heated..... that is a good point....so condensation could be an issue...

Airtight plastic bag solves that problem.

Yermanee

[Langsuan Man]

Forget about it if you are leaving the USA, all bags are X'rayed and opened by TSA so there is no guarantee that your laptop will be there upon arrival, and you cannot shrink wrap them

In fact if you lock your luggage with anything but an approved TSA lock your lock will be cut and your bag physically inspected before being loaded on to the plane

I would never put my laptop in my checked luggage even if they did not have these rules, too much theft from checked luggage and I sure don't want all my data to end up in the hands of a thief

If you want your laptop at your destination it is worth the small amount of trouble to hand carry it

[Carmine6]

Forget about it if you are leaving the USA, all bags are X'rayed and opened by TSA so there is no guarantee that your laptop will be there upon arrival, and you cannot shrink wrap them

In fact if you lock your luggage with anything but an approved TSA lock your lock will be cut and your bag physically inspected before being loaded on to the plane

I would never put my laptop in my checked luggage even if they did not have these rules, too much theft from checked luggage and I sure don't want all my data to end up in the hands of a thief

If you want your laptop at your destination it is worth the small amount of trouble to hand carry it

Regarding wrapping in the US. There was actually a recent arrangement worked out where at least some companies will re-wrap if TSA inspects a bag. I can't recall where I saw it. Either on a news report or maybe advertised at a wrapping place at the airport my last trip. But this company mentions it on their website.

https://www.securewrap.com/services.php?languageid=1

Note: Secure Wrap®’s USA operations offer complimentary re-wrapping of luggage if TSA removes plastic wrap for inspection.

[BillyBobThai]

Unless you have good insurance, no.

[Chivas]

Just flown with my laptop in my checked luggage to travel as light as possible.

Had my suitcase shrink-wrapped at the airport (essential)

Had no problem at all or I wouldn't now be typing this post.

Yermanee

I've never had my suitcase shrink wrapped. Would it really deter thieves at the departure and arrival airport ?

Nope likely if anything to Red Flag your bag to potential thieves.......... Shrink wrapping was originally to stop anyone adding "something" to your case and retrieving it at final destination you having walked through customs with it !

[yermanee]

Just flown with my laptop in my checked luggage to travel as light as possible.

Had my suitcase shrink-wrapped at the airport (essential)

Had no problem at all or I wouldn't now be typing this post.

Yermanee

I've never had my suitcase shrink wrapped. Would it really deter thieves at the departure and arrival airport ?

Nope likely if anything to Red Flag your bag to potential thieves.......... Shrink wrapping was originally to stop anyone adding "something" to your case and retrieving it at final destination you having walked through customs with it !

I use it mainly to protect my suitcase from potential damage and accidental opening.

As I said I never have had any problems since wrapping it and on top in Europe (Brussels-Frankfurt-Paris) the wrapping comes with an extra insurance.

Don't know about other airports.

Yermanee