What electronics can you carry in your check-in luggage?

There’s really nothing quite like the excitement of counting down the days to a much-awaited getaway. Frequent flier or not, when it comes down to those final moments, you invariably find yourself stressing out about bifurcating your belongings between cabin and checked-in luggage.

And even if you’re not big on electronics, you probably have the standard list of devices you will carry with you. But which of them are suitable to be packed within your trolly bag? If this question plagues you every time you’re leaving your home for the airport, you might want to go through our checklist to help you calm those nerves. 

Cabin luggage vs check-in luggage: What's the difference?

It’s never too late to go over the basics. An airline service provider will typically allow three types of baggage for your trip. Cabin luggage, which ranges anywhere between 4 to 7kgs. This can be stowed under or above your seat. 

Checked-in luggage, which is a trolly bag, and can weigh anywhere between 23 to 30kgs, depending on your flight regulations. And lastly, a personal item, which could be a waist pouch or a sling bag, which generally does not take up any space apart from where you sit. 

ALSO READ: What electronics can you carry in your cabin luggage?

Airline rules discourage fliers from packing a power bank in their check-in luggage. But does this mean you can store electronics like your laptop or tablet in your trolley bag? Not quite, and here’s why. 

What all can you carry in your checked-in luggage?

Your check-in bag is generally for your clothes, toiletries, gifts or liquid items that you can’t carry with you in the aircraft cabin. While there’s no rule that states you can’t pack certain electronics in your bag; it may be a good idea to avoid this practice.

Your luggage goes through a tumultuous journey of its own before it arrives at the conveyor belt at your destination. And no matter how the aircraft staff treats it, your luggage and the electronics are still prone to damage or theft during transit. But if you must carry them, here is how: 

1. Lithium batteries: Electronics with lithium-ion batteries are usually discouraged due to their combustible nature. However, smaller electronics like smartwatches, fitness trackers, TWS earbuds or small cameras can be packed away with the rest of your luggage.

That said, most airlines issue restrictions on the quantity and battery capacity of these batteries, so be sure to check it out before you embark on your adventure. If you’re carrying spare lithium batteries, especially one with a larger capacity, it is best to have them in your carry-on luggage to avoid being stopped at a later stage. 

2. Switching electronics off: Whether or not your device has a larger battery capacity, a good way to carry it on your flight is to switch it off. Provide your electronics with adequate cushioning so that it doesn’t accidentally turn on or damage themselves on the way. 

It is also equally important to ensure your smartwatches and fitness trackers are also in flight mode before they are packed away with the rest of your clothes. 

3. Turn any alarms off: Your smartwatches or laptops may have alarms or notifications that may go off even when they are switched off. This may end up causing concern along the way and it is always a good idea to manually disable them before your journey. 

In conclusion, it is never a bad idea to check individual aircraft service provider regulations in case they have mentioned anything different. With this checklist in place, you are pretty much ready to take your flight. Bon voyage!