Updated for 2026
Bringing your laptop or power bank on a flight can help you stay productive, entertained and connected. But with battery safety under increasing scrutiny, it’s more important than ever to know what’s allowed and what’s not.
Here’s a complete guide to the latest global regulations, including updated policies for the UK, US and Asia.
Yes, laptops are allowed on planes, and they’re best kept in your hand luggage. Although it's technically allowed to check a laptop in, it's not recommended unless it’s powered off completely and well protected. Here’s a breakdown by region:
💡Top tip: Always check your departure airport and airline policies before flying.
Yes, power banks are allowed on planes, but only in your carry-on baggage. They are strictly banned from checked luggage due to fire risks associated with lithium batteries. Here’s how the rules apply in different regions:
💡Top tip: Check local and airline-specific rules before departure, especially if transiting through Asia.
What you need to know
Lithium battery rules have become stricter worldwide. All spare batteries, including power banks, must be carried in hand luggage. Checked baggage is not permitted due to fire risks. Check out the table below for a breakdown on what's permitted:
| Battery capacity | Carry-on | Checked | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 100 Wh | ✅ Allowed | ❌ Forbidden | No approval needed |
| 100-160 Wh | ✅ Allowed | ❌ Forbidden | Airline approval required, max 2 units |
| Over 160 Wh | ❌ Forbidden | ❌ Forbidden | Not allowed on passenger flights |
Check out our guide to flying with electronics, which includes information on rules and regulations surrounding other devices you may want to bring on your travels.
Yes, you can take a laptop on a plane in your carry-on bag, and most travellers do. It’s safer and more convenient than placing it in checked luggage.
Just remember, you’ll likely need to remove it during security screening, unless the airport uses CT scanners that allow laptops to stay packed.
You can check a laptop, but it’s not advised. If you do, it must be fully powered off (not just in sleep or hibernate mode), securely packed and protected from damage.
Airlines and regulators recommend keeping laptops in the cabin, especially due to lithium battery risks.
No. Airport security scanners, including X-ray and CT machines, do not damage laptops or any other electronic devices. Your data and hardware will remain safe.
There are currently no countries where it is outright illegal to bring a laptop onboard. However, in March 2017, the UK imposed a temporary ban on laptops in the cabin for flights from specific Middle Eastern and North African airports. This has since been lifted.
As of late 2017, laptops are allowed on all UK-bound flights, including those from Cairo, Amman, Beirut, Jeddah, Riyadh, Istanbul and other previously affected airports.
When going through airport security with a laptop in your hand luggage, it's important to remove the laptop from your main bag and place it into a separate tray. This is because the dense hardware in your laptop may make the X-ray difficult to read.
Key points to remember:
It is important to remember that security measures can change, so it's always best to check the latest guidelines from your airline and local authorities before travelling.
Yes, but not during take-off or landing. Once at cruising altitude, you're usually free to work or watch films. Just ensure it's in flight mode, and follow airline-specific guidelines for using larger electronics.
Most airlines allow multiple laptops in your carry-on for personal use. If travelling internationally or carrying more than two, you may need to declare them at customs. Check with your airline if you're unsure.
Absolutely! The UK lifted previous restrictions in 2017. You can travel to the UK from any country with your laptop in hand luggage, as long as it complies with standard security rules.
Laptops are allowed in your checked baggage, however, many passengers prefer to keep their laptops in their carry-on baggage in order to be sure they are not damaged during transit.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) advises that laptops containing lithium batteries, when carried by passengers for personal use, should be carried in carry-on baggage. However, if you are carrying your laptop in your check luggage you must:
Always make sure to check with your airline before flying as policies can vary.
Yes. Laptop chargers are permitted in both carry-on and checked luggage. For convenience, and to avoid delays at security, keep your charger in your cabin bag.
It depends on the airline. Many allow in-flight use of power banks, but some (especially in Asia) have banned charging via power banks during the flight. Always keep your power bank visible, not stored away while in use, and never use it in overhead bins.
