Laptop tips to keep your laptop safe and avoid security and/or customs issues. You are the first line of defense for your laptop when traveling and it is important to keep these laptop tips in mind to save time and avoid aggravation.

Keep it with you at all times. It will go on the flight as carry-on luggage. Don’t put it in the overhead bin; it could be knocked over by someone else. Never put your laptop with your other luggage. Baggage handlers don’t expect expensive electronics to be in the overhead bins, and you can’t expect it to be treated as a delicate item.

You may need to remove your laptop from its carrying case and turn it on to show security/customs that it is just that: a working computer. A good way to save time if you expect this to happen is to turn your laptop on early and leave it in sleep mode.

This is a good reason to make sure your laptop battery stays charged. When your laptop is examined in this way, it is often referred to as a "manual check".