How Many Laptops Can You Bring On A Plane?

It’s not uncommon for people to travel with two (or more) laptops.

Some business travelers, for example, require multiple devices to do their jobs or choose to fly with both their personal and work computers. 

Neither the TSA nor the FAA restricts the number of laptops on domestic flights within the United States. However, some airlines may limit the number of electronic devices each passenger can bring on board. Additionally, international destinations have customs rules regarding laptops, and passengers must declare any computers they plan to leave in those countries. 

This article discusses the number of laptops you can bring on a plane and how to pack them for air travel.

How Many Laptops Can You Bring on a Domestic Flight?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) don’t restrict the number of laptops passengers can bring on domestic flights.

That said, some airlines limit the number of personal electronic devices (PEDs), such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones, you can have onboard and where you can pack them (i.e., carry-on vs. checked baggage).

Before traveling with any devices, contact the airline to see what’s allowed.

Additionally, you can bring exactly zero 15” MacBook Pros manufactured between 2015 and 2017.

Apple recalled these devices because their batteries are a fire hazard, and the FAA and multiple international agencies have banned them onboard aircraft.

To check if your MacBook is affected by the recall, visit the Apple website and input your serial number. 

Can You Bring More Than One Laptop on an International Flight?

Traveling internationally with multiple laptops is a bit more complicated.

You are permitted to bring more than one computer with you; however, they must be for personal use only and must leave the destination country when you do.

When entering another country with multiple laptops, ensure you have some way to prove all the devices are yours and that you will take them with you when you leave. 

If you plan to bring a laptop as a gift for someone abroad, it will likely be subject to duties and taxes and must be declared at customs when you land.

Additionally, some international airlines are deeply skeptical of 15” MacBooks because of the faulty batteries in the 2015 models. 

Before bringing your MacBook on a flight, confirm it’s ok with the airline and always pack it in your carry-on luggage.

Where Should I Pack My Laptop?

It’s always best to pack electronics in your carry-on bags.

Since laptops run on lithium-ion batteries, there is a slight chance they can start a fire if they overheat or are improperly stored.

If your laptop is in the cabin with you and decides to spontaneously combust, it’s much easier for the flight crew to deal with the issue if they can see it.

Also, some airlines only offer in-flight entertainment via streaming services, and you’ll need a smartphone, tablet, or laptop to access the features.

Moreover, a sad reality of travel is that checked luggage can get lost, mishandled, or stolen. 

You can pack a laptop in checked bags; however, there’s a higher risk it could be damaged, or you won’t have it when you land.

Regardless of where you pack your computer, it may be subject to additional screening.

When bringing a laptop through security checkpoints, you’ll often have to remove it from your carry-on bag and place it in a separate bin.

Occasionally, your laptop (and other belongings) may also be swabbed to check for explosive residue – this is a common practice and shouldn’t cause any alarm.

Checked luggage is also scanned, and if the TSA searches your bag for any reason, they’ll leave you a note to inform you it happened. 

Read Also >> Can You Pack a Laptop in Checked Luggage?

Conclusion

Traveling with multiple laptops is not as rare as you might think.

Fortunately, there are no TSA restrictions on the number of laptops you can bring on domestic flights within the US. 

However, ‌some airlines may have limits, so it’s always best to check what’s allowed before packing your devices. 

Additionally, other countries have customs rules regarding the importation of electronics, so if you’re bringing a laptop as a gift, you’ll have to declare it when you land.

While laptops can usually be packed in checked luggage, it’s highly recommended to bring them in a carry-on – it’s not only the safest way to transport a computer, but it guarantees against loss, theft, or damage to the device.