How Many Electronics Can You Bring On A Plane

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When you think of airplane carry-on baggage restrictions, you probably think about how much weight you can pack into your suitcase and still have room to spare.

When it comes to electronics, however, the rules are a little different. For example, there are different carry-on baggage restrictions for TVs, laptops, phones, tablets, monitors, etc. As a result, you may be wondering how much electronics you can bring on a plane without having to check them. In this post, I’ll provide you with a breakdown of which electronics can be packed in the cabin and which cannot.

If you’re heading out on vacation and are planning on bringing your favorite electronics (or any other gadgets), be sure to check out our list of the most popular electronics that can be checked in as luggage.

How Many Electronics Can You Bring On A Plane Internationally?

There is no limit that how many electronic gadgets you can take on a plane. You can carry as much as is allowed by the particular airline on which you are going to travel. 

In most cases, you are allowed to carry at least two bags on the plane and the weight of both of them should not exceed 7 kg but some airlines allow up to 11 kg. Most airlines don’t even check your personal item bag, but the weight limit of your cabin bag that can easily be thrown in the overhead bin unassisted is 7 to 10 kg. 

You can carry all of your electronic gadgets in one bag and your clothes in another bag. If you have a bunch of electronic gadgets then you have to carry them in the check-in baggage.

But there is a high chance that your expensive gadgets might be damaged or smashed in your checked-in baggage. you can carry at least 3 checked-in baggage with you whose weight should not exceed 50.7 pounds each.     

The Ultimate Guide to the Most Common Gadgets On Board a Flight

1. Carry Laptops On A Plane

A laptop is a lifeline nowadays. People love to buy new laptops especially if they travel to those countries where their prices are very low. 

If you also have to carry more than one laptop on a plane, whether for your cousin or friends, then you have to understand some rules and regulations of different airlines. 

Usually, laptops contain lithium-ion batteries and different airlines have different-different rules for carrying lithium-ion battery-based electronic gadgets on a plane. 

Airline rules to carry laptops on a plane

According to TSA, you can carry multiple laptops on a domestic flight because they haven’t mentioned any number in their rules. 

You are allowed to carry one personal bag and a cabin bag on a plane cabin. If your backpack has several padded laptop compartments then you can carry more than one laptop in this bag. 

Still, you have one more bag to fill with laptops which is a cabin bag, but its weight should not be more than 7 kg. Some airlines allowed 10kg. 

There is a limit to carrying additional batteries and power banks but the devices in which the battery is integrated are allowed to carry on a plane.

Also Read: Best laptop and books backpack

You might face some issues with carrying more than two laptops on an International flight. Carrying one or two laptops for personal use is fine and you will not be asked any questions.

But with more than 2 laptops you might have to pay customs duty for this. 

New Rules For Laptops On Planes

On January 20, 2019, the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that starting March 20, 2019, travelers will be required to remove laptops from their bags and place them in a bin before passing through airport security checkpoints.

The new rule is to reduce the risk of laptop bombs.

The TSA is also considering other measures to improve airport security, including banning liquids in checked bags and requiring passengers to remove their shoes before passing through airport security. 

As per the new rules, travelers will have to place their laptops in the bins before passing through the security checkpoints. 

But they can keep the laptop in their bags and just remove them before passing through the checkpoint. 

International travelers, can keep their laptops in their bags and just remove them before passing through the checkpoint. 

However, the TSA says it may change the rules in the future.

Can You Bring A Laptop Charger To Plane

Definitely yes, Charger has no battery and you can put it either in your personal item bag under the seat in front of you or in your cabin bag along with your other gadgets. 

Can You Bring A Laptop On A Plane Without A Case

There’s nothing stopping you from taking a laptop on a plane without a case.

Most airlines will let you take a small, zip-top bag that’s no bigger than your laptop.

There is a size limit of an overhead bin bag you can carry it in, but in doing so you won’t be charged for it either.

Can I Carry 3 Laptops On An International Flight?

Ans: You are allowed to carry two bags inside the plane cabin, one is a personal item bag and which could be a backpack, tote bag, or a handbag, and another is your cabin bag. 

If you have a backpack with multiple separate compartments then you can secure at least two laptops in your backpack, and the third laptop can be carried in your cabin bag along with your other belongings. 

If the weight of your cabin bag is not exceeded 7 kg with your laptop then you can put your iPad, charger, headphones, cameras, and other electronic gadgets in it without any problem.

Also Read: How To Carry PC/Desktop Monitor In Flight


2. Carrying Smartphones & Tablets On A Plane

There are many reasons why people carry more than one smartphone on their flights. 

They could be using the second device to talk with family or friends back home, and the second one is for business purposes. Apart from these two most common reasons, there is one more reason behind carrying multiple smartphones and tablets on the plane. 

1. Many people want to purchase newly launched phones or tablets that have not been launched in their country. 

2. Some countries applied huge taxes on smartphones and people are willing to purchase them from the USA, Dubai-like countries where taxes are low. 

People carry multiple smartphones on their flights for their relatives and close friends. 

According to TSA ( Transportation Security Administration) which runs its security check-in in the USA, has not mentioned anything about how many smartphones are allowed to carry on luggage or in the checked points. 

TSA cell phone carrying rules

The Policy Of Some American Airlines Regarding Carrying Multiple Smartphone On A Plane

According to American Airlines, you are allowed to carry only 2 smartphones in your handbag, and 2 spare batteries can be carried in the carry-on luggage. 

The Policy Of Some American Airlines Regarding Carrying Multiple Smartphone On A Plane

How Many Phones Can You Bring On A Plane Internationally?

If you travel on an international flight, must consider the rules and regulations of the destination country. 

Some countries only allow one smartphone as a personal item and others might be considered imported items and you may have to pay tax for that.

Also Read: 8 Best Ways For A Man To Carry His Cell Phone


3. Carrying Headphones On A Plane

When I travel for work, I often bring a variety of different types of headphones to help me deal with my anxiety. There are many reasons to have multiple headphones in a bag. 

Listening to music during a long flight is one is the best ways to drown out the noise of the plane. 

Many people have a very common doubt regarding carrying headphones on a plane such as…

Can You Use Bluetooth Headphones On A Plane United?

TSA allowed carrying wireless (Bluetooth) headphones as carry-on luggage or as checked luggage on a plane. 

TSA rules for carrying headphones on a plane

Last year United Airlines became the first USA-based Airline that allows its passengers to use their own Bluetooth unable headphones onboard. It means you can use your lightweight earbuds or over-the-ear headphones on the plane.

Do You Have To Take headphones Out At Airport Security?

No, you don’t need to take your headphones out at the airport security check. I usually put my Noise Cancelling headphones, charging cables, phone, and earbuds in my carry-on backpack. 

I take my laptop and tablet out from my carry-on backpack and keep them in the security tray to minimize the security check time. 


4. Carrying Smartwatches On Plane

Today smartwatches are very popular and everyone wants to carry them along on his travel journey. 

Some airlines like Delta, United Airlines, and American Airlines allow you to take your smartwatch into your airplane cabin with you.

A Smartwatch is an accessory that is as important as your clothing. It’s good to have a watch that suits your personality and your outfit.

Many people want to carry more than one smartwatch on their plane either for their relatives or friends to avoid customs duty and taxes in their country and It’s important to know if your airline allows many watches into your carry-on baggage or not. 

So the question is…

How Many Smartwatches Can You Take In Your Carry On On A Plane?

There are no limits to the types of watches that can be carried on an airplane. 

Smartwatches contain lithium-ion batteries and according to TSA ” You are allowed to carry ” portable wearable devices like smartwatches, jewelry in your carry-on bag, or checked baggage having lithium battery with 100 watt-hours or less. TSA considers most wearable devices as jewelry.

TSA guidelines to carry smartwatch on a plane

And You can only carry smartwatches in your carry-on bag if they have a lithium battery with 100 watt-hours or more. 

Can You Wear A Smartwatch Through Airport Security?

Yes, you can wear your watch through airport security. Many people don’t face any problems with wearing a smartwatch at the airport security checkpoint. 

There are a few things to consider before you decide to wear it at the airport. The TSA says that watches are allowed at airport security checkpoints, but they must be removed and stored in checked baggage because it contains lots of metal parts. 


5. Carrying Digital Cameras On A Plane

If you are a professional photographer or a traveler then carrying more than one camera on a plane is important for you. 

This is not that difficult to fly with multiple cameras, you can carry more than one camera in your personal item bag and in the cabin bag but also keep in mind that the weight limit of your bag should not exceed 7kg.  

Your personal item bag that can carry on your shoulder is not even checked at the checkpoint so this is a good thing if you want to carry multiple cameras with you in the plane cabin.

Also Read: Best Camera Bag For Sony A7 IV 2023:[Latest Bags]

TSA Rules To Carry Camera 

You can carry your Digital camera in your carry-on bag or in the checked luggage without any problem. Most airlines allow carrying one carry-on bag and another cabin bag on the plane. 

TSA guidelines to carry digital camera on a plane

Many economic airlines such as Spirit and Frontier only allow one carry-on bag to carry in the cabin. If you carry multiple cameras with you then you have to put them in the checked baggage. but the chances of getting them lost and damaged are high. 

Can We Carry DSLR Camera In Flight?

Ans: Yes, you can carry your DSLR camera on your flight. I would strongly recommend carrying it in your personal luggage for extra safety. Make sure your bag can easily fit in the overhead bin of the plane.

I have carried my Nikon D80 in my backpack on many flights and had no problems with it. 

Do You Have To Take Your Camera Out At Airport Security?

Ans: Yes, any electronic device bigger than your smartphone is subject to the same level of screening. This includes a digital camera, camcorder, iPod, tablet, laptop computer, or other electronic devices. 


6. Carrying A Drone On Plane

If you are allowed to fly with a drone or not totally depends on the rules of the airline and the destination country. If your country has regulations that prohibit flying with drones, don’t even think about it.

You must have to check the rules and regulations of the country which you want to visit with a drone. 

The country’s laws may vary from one country to another.  For example, if you plan to visit the USA then you can carry a drone in your luggage as long as you follow the TSA rules. 

TSA guidelines to carry drone on plane

However, if you are planning to visit France, then you must take care of the French regulations.  You cannot bring a drone with you because it is considered a dangerous weapon in France. 

You have to inform the airport authorities that you are carrying a drone and they will give you special permission for flying it.

Where To Pack Drone- Checked Luggage Or Carry-On Bag?

If you’re planning a trip with your drone, it’s important to know what’s allowed in the cabin. 

One of the questions that we are asked most often is:

“Where should I pack my drone when flying to a destination?”

The short answer is that: Drone is a fragile electronic device that can be broken if not carried properly. It is advisable to carry your drone either in your personal item bag or in your cabin bag for safety.

Also Read: Best Personal Item Bag For Airlines 2023[Compact & Light Weight]

Don’t put it inside your checked luggage bag, because it can get damaged in the luggage compartments and might get lost.  If you’re carrying the drone as carry-on baggage, the maximum allowed weight is 10 kg. If you’re using a checked bag, the maximum weight is 22 kg. 

How Many Electronics Can You Bring On A Plane USA?

Ans: There is no limit to the number of electronic devices that are allowed in checked baggage. This includes iPads, laptops, tablets, etc. You can also check an item as hand luggage if it fits under the seat in front of you and does not exceed 50 pounds.

However, the airline will weigh your items at the airport and if they do weigh more than the limit, you’ll be charged for excess baggage.


What Are Some Ways To Travel With Your Gadgets On A Plane?

Most of us use our gadgets on a regular basis. Whether we are talking about our phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, or anything else, the use of gadgets is almost a part of our life.

But there are times when we have to travel to a different location. Some of these locations have strict policies regarding the use of electronics.

And if you are going to be traveling by air, you need to be prepared for what will happen with your gadgets. So here are a few ideas on how to travel with your gadgets safely on a plane.

Put all of your gadgets in one bag:

If you’re going to be taking a flight with your gadgets, you need to take them in one bag. This way you can make sure that they don’t get misplaced or lost. Also, you won’t have to worry about your gadgets being damaged because of other passengers.

This is why it is advisable to keep your gadgets in a bag that has wheels on the bottom. This way you can take your bag with you anywhere you go and also have access to it when you are at the airport.

Use an adapter plug: If you are planning on traveling abroad, it is advisable to use an adapter plug. This way you can connect your devices to the local electrical source. But before you do this, you need to check if the country you will be traveling to has similar plugs.

Don’t forget to charge your gadgets: Must ensure to charge your electronic devices at home overnight or at the airport charging terminal before your flight.

Most airplanes offer an in-seat power outlet that can be used with an AC power adapter. You can also carry a power bank but make sure its lithium-ion batteries have a max of 100-watt hours on the plane, according to TSA. 

Use a sunglass case to keep wires:

If you don’t want to worry about taking your gadgets with you on the plane, then you can keep your cables and wires in your sunglass case. This way you won’t have to worry about forgetting your cables when you go to the airport. Also, you won’t have to deal with getting tangled up in them.

Pack your gadgets in your carry-on bag: If you’re going to be taking a flight with your gadgets, you should pack them in your carry-on bag. This way you can make sure that they are safe and won’t be damaged when you are at the airport.

If you are flying on a budget airline, then you can use a small bag to store your gadgets. This way you can save some money and still take your gadgets on the plane.

Use a gadget pouch: A gadget pouch is another way to keep your gadgets safe while you are traveling. Gadget pouches are used to store your gadgets and they are usually designed to fit a laptop or a tablet. Also, you can use them to protect your gadgets if you are traveling with them in your bag.

You should also pack an extra charger: Most of us travel with a portable charger and a laptop charger. But if you don’t have these items, then you should also pack an extra charger. This way you can make sure that you have enough power for your gadgets when you arrive at your destination. If you have any more ideas on how to travel with your gadgets on a plane, then share them with us.


Conclusion 

There are no rules on how many electronic devices you can take on board an airplane. The only thing you need to do is ask your airline what they think is allowed.

If you are worried about it, then check out this article for more information on traveling with your electronics.

Nick Johnson

I love travelling and buying backpacks for my trip. I love to share the backpack buying guide and some useful tips on this website.