Would it be better to pack my laptop in my carry-on or in my checked luggage?

Question

I didn't know if the x-rays and metal detectors would have an effect on my laptop and I don't want it to get dammaged, so I'm trying to decide which option is better....

Answer 1

Carry ON!

Answer 2

If you value your laptop, then the answer is simple....carry on.
It has a high chance of being damaged if it went on as luggage, not just because bags get tossed around but because the cabin temperature down there can be pretty cool, that it will more likely damage the laptop components. I don't even have to tell you that things also mysteriously go missing out of suitcases, never mind the risk of missing luggage.
As for going through the xray machines, I travelled this year with one, and had to take it out of the bag and I DON"T THINK they put it through the xray machine, the airport security did check it themselves....all seems pretty standard. People travel with laptops all the time, so I don't think airports would deliberately put a laptop through an xray machine if it's likely to be damaged. If they do put them through, it's because it must be safe.

Answer 3

Carry-on will assure a safe trip for your laptop and the xray machines and metal detectors will not damage it. If you decide to pack it and check it in wrap it in bubble rap several times to make sure it does not get damaged. Also, about 1% of luggage will be lost, so backup all of your data prior to packing.

Answer 4

Carry it on! Bags can get lost. They also get thrown around more or can end up on the botton of 10 bags squished. When you check a bag it goes through a stronger x-ray than your carry-on does (which is why 35 mm film should never be in checked luggage) Business travelers screen their lap-tops multiple times a week without damage.

Answer 5

You have to carry it on! Your laptop will not be ruined while passing through x-ray. If you check your laptop in with your luggage, you can definitely count on it braking. Hands down! Luggage is tossed on and off the plane and it's then dropped down a shoot onto a conveyor belt at baggage claim. Trust me. I fly a lot. My husband is a pilot and I know how baggage is handled.

Answer 6

You should definitely carry it on. The xrays won't have any effect on it, and you never know what might happen if you check it. Luggage has been lost, things can get piled on it, and sometimes, although rare, items can be stolen from checked luggage.

With a carry-on, you have control.

Answer 7

i have a DIFFERENT answer from others, PACK it !
well, you have to ppackk it well. with enough paddings, and secure it well preventing it from moving/sliding inside the luggage. the reason: the US airport ask you to remove it and hand it for checking separately, they treat every traveler as suspected criminal/terrorist , this is super annoying especially if you have several connecting fllights. you'll know how much you are more comfortable with just your shoes and belt to remove than a laptop and wirings to attend to.

Answer 8

Carry on. You may be able to package it safely for checked baggage, but you can't keep it from getting stolen in checked baggage. Never trust any electronic equipment to checked baggage.

Answer 9

the xray machine should not damage your lap top, and it is a lot safer to carry it with you on the plane.
just check with your airline to make sure you can take it as carry on , on some flights you are not alowed certain things as carry on.

Answer 10

Carry on for sure,you should see how they throw your baggage around.