Why Laptops Should Not Be Placed in Checked Luggage

Despite airline reminders that laptops should not be placed in checked luggage, some passengers, either out of ignorance or disregard, continue to do so. They often end up blaming the airline for any damage to their devices. A notable example is a netizen in the Philippines who placed blame on the airline after his laptop, which he had packed in checked luggage, was damaged. Although the airline clearly stated that all portable devices should be carried in hand luggage, he chose to ignore this guideline.

As a result, he received significant backlash, especially from the aviation community. It is clear that all portable electronic devices must be placed in hand-carry luggage. You may be wondering why this rule exists.

Before I explain further, let’s first outline the guidelines provided by airlines and aviation authorities like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These regulations are in place to ensure the safety of all passengers and the aircraft.

• Carry-On Preferred: Devices containing lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries, such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and cameras, should be carried in carry-on baggage.  
• Protect Your Devices: Protect battery terminals from short circuits by using the manufacturer’s packaging or by covering them with tape and placing them in a separate bag.  
• Spare Batteries: Spare lithium-ion batteries, including power banks, are always prohibited in checked baggage and must be placed in carry-on baggage.  
• Quantity Limits: Larger lithium-ion batteries (101-160 Wh) and spare non-spillable wet batteries are limited to two per person.  
• Size Restrictions: Each lithium-ion battery must not exceed a Watt-hour (Wh) rating of 100 Wh; or for lithium metal batteries, a lithium content of 2 grams.  
• Damaged or Recalled Batteries: Damaged, defective, or recalled lithium batteries must not be carried aboard an aircraft unless the damaged or recalled battery has been removed or otherwise made safe.  
• Devices with Extreme Heat: In electronic devices capable of generating extreme heat, the heating elements must be mitigated by removing the heating element, battery, or other components.  
• Transport Permit: For photo and video equipment with a battery capacity greater than 100 Wh up to a maximum of 160 Wh, a transport permit from the airline is required.  
• Transmission Functions: Approved transmission functions in electronic devices include low energy transmission functions such as Wi-Fi, UWB, Bluetooth, or RFID.  
• Checked at Gate/Planeside: When a carry-on bag is checked at the gate or planeside, any spare lithium batteries must be removed from the bag and kept with the passenger in the aircraft cabin.  
• Airline Confirmation: It’s essential to contact your airline to check the specific restrictions on batteries in hand luggage, as requirements may vary.  

Why electronic devices like laptops should not be checked in

The primary reason for these regulations is the potential fire hazard posed by lithium-ion batteries, which power most of our portable electronic devices. While these batteries are incredibly efficient, they can overheat and ignite if damaged, crushed, or exposed to extreme temperatures.  

Imagine a lithium-ion battery igniting in the cargo hold of an airplane. This area is typically inaccessible during flight, and a fire could quickly spread among the luggage, posing a severe risk to the aircraft and everyone on board. This concern is not unfounded. In 2010, a lithium battery fire caused the crash of UPS Flight 6, a Boeing 747 carrying a large cargo load that included several pallets of batteries. Furthermore, the FAA has reported a 388% increase in lithium battery fire incidents in-flight from 2015 to 2023, highlighting the growing concern.  

Carrying electronic devices in the aircraft cabin allows for immediate detection and response in case of a fire. Flight crews are trained to handle such situations and can quickly extinguish a fire before it escalates.  

More Than Just Fire Hazards

Beyond the primary concern of fire hazards, there are other compelling reasons to keep your electronics in your carry-on luggage:

• Damage Prevention: Checked baggage is often subject to rough handling during loading and unloading. Bags are tossed, stacked, and moved around, which can damage fragile electronic devices. Keeping them in your carry-on allows you to protect them better and minimize the risk of damage from impact or pressure changes.  
• Theft and Tampering: Checked baggage is more vulnerable to theft or tampering than carry-on luggage. Valuable electronics, such as laptops, tablets, and cameras, are safer in your possession throughout the journey.  
• Device Accessibility: Having your electronics in your carry-on allows you to use them during the flight for work, entertainment, or staying connected. You can access important documents, enjoy movies or music, or communicate with family and friends.  

Regulations surrounding portable electronic devices on airplanes are in place to ensure the safety of all passengers and the aircraft. The potential for lithium-ion batteries to ignite in the inaccessible cargo hold poses a significant fire hazard, as demonstrated by past incidents and the increasing number of in-flight battery fires. By carrying your electronics in your carry-on luggage, you contribute to a safer travel environment.

Furthermore, keeping your electronics with you protects them from potential damage during baggage handling and reduces the risk of theft. Remember to follow the guidelines provided by airlines and aviation authorities as not following these may have consequences that may jeopardize the safety of the flight.

So please remember that portable electronic devices like laptops, mobile phones, tablets, and cameras, must be placed in your carry-on bags, and not in your checked-in luggage. You might always want to read your airline’s conditions of carriage also.