Can I bring a new laptop in its package into the plane as carry-on?
I have received a new laptop as a gift. I'd rather not open the package and carry the laptop onto the plane, so it seems I have two reasonable options:
Checking the package in as luggage.
People often believe that it's a terrible idea because thieves can easily steal checked luggage (even though a TSA lock is used), and it may get damaged due to the careless transfer of bags.
Bringing the laptop into the plane as carry-on.
In this case, I'm wondering whether security personnel will make me unpack the laptop to scan it or if I can bring the package untouched as my carry-on. Furthermore, I have a backpack including another laptop, so I have to carry (the package of) the new laptop in another bag (with the standard carry-on size associated with the airline). All in all, I don't know whether or not this plan is promising.
Which of these choices would be preferable? Are there others? Does anybody have a related experience?
Best Answer
Bringing the laptop into the plane as carry-on:
Personal experience here - myself and my wife picked up two Macbook Airs in Schiphol during transit from the UK to Uganda.
No one batted an eyelid at security at the gate - they were just x-rayed in their boxes, with shrink wrap undamaged, along with everything else.
No one batted an eyelid at Customs in Uganda.
However, your mileage may vary - there is no single golden answer to this question, it entirely depends on the individuals handling the security gate you go through on that particular day, and the Customs officials watching arriving passengers.
Pictures about "Can I bring a new laptop in its package into the plane as carry-on?"
Can you bring a new laptop on the plane?
Quite simply, laptops are allowed on planes. As always, you cannot use laptops at takeoff or landing, but you are free to use them mid-flight. What's more, many airlines today offer optional Wi-Fi to purchase, so you can be on the Internet, as well.Can I put a new laptop in my checked bag?
Checked Bags: YesPlease remove the laptops from your bag and place it in a separate bin for X-ray screening. TSA PreCheck\xae travelers do not need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts or light jackets.Can you bring a laptop in your carry-on?
TSA Laptop Rules Neither the TSA nor the airlines give much guidance on packing a computer. You can pack a laptop or even a desktop computer in your carry on or checked bags.Can I take a new computer on a plane?
Please remove the computer from your carry-on bag and place it in a separate bin for X-ray screening. For more prohibited items, please go to the 'What Can I Bring?' page.HOW TO PACK PERSONAL CARRY ON BAG PLUS LAPTOP| TRAVEL SMARTER
More answers regarding can I bring a new laptop in its package into the plane as carry-on?
Answer 2
I've cleared security with a new, boxed laptop--although they were free to open it if they wanted to. They didn't look. (This was a timing issue. While synching files in preparation for the trip my laptop utterly died. I burned what I could to CDs, stopped by the computer store on the way to the airport and grabbed the most suitable thing they had. I hadn't had time to unbox it.)
I would not expect this to be possible these days, however, as it's normally laptops out at security.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Ketut Subiyanto, SHVETS production, Ketut Subiyanto, SHVETS production