Travelling With a Laptop to the USA (2025 Complete Guide for UK Travellers)

Updated October 2025
Written by the ESTA USA editorial team

Flying from the United Kingdom to the United States soon? Whether you are heading to New York on business or California for a holiday, it is natural to wonder what you can and cannot bring, especially when it comes to laptops, chargers and batteries.

This comprehensive guide explains the TSA and airline laptop rules, FAA battery regulations, airport security screening, and what happened when our own team travelled to the United States with laptops in 2025.

Before anything else, remember that most British travellers need an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) before boarding any flight to the United States.

1. Can I take my laptop on a plane to the USA

Yes. You can take your laptop on any flight from the United Kingdom to the United States, but it must be kept in your hand luggage and not in your checked baggage.

Laptops are treated as personal electronic devices under TSA laptop guidance. You must remove them from your bag at airport security so that they can be scanned separately.

Tip: Keep your laptop fully charged. Security officers can ask you to power it on to prove that it is a working device.

2. Why laptops are not allowed in checked baggage

Laptops are not permitted in checked baggage because their lithium ion batteries pose a safety risk. These batteries can overheat or short circuit in the aircraft hold.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) both advise keeping all lithium batteries in cabin bags. If your bag is gate checked, remove your laptop before it goes into the hold.

Keeping your laptop in your carry on bag also protects it from potential damage, theft and temperature changes.

3. TSA and airline rules for electronics 2025 update

As of 2025, TSA electronics screening rules state:

1. Remove laptops and tablets from bags unless using a TSA approved laptop sleeve.
2. Place the device in a separate tray during screening.
3. Be prepared to switch it on if requested.
4. Power banks and smart devices must stay in cabin bags.

These rules apply to major airlines such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines.

4. Laptop batteries power banks and chargers

Allowed in hand luggage

• Laptop and charger
• Spare lithium batteries under 100 Wh
• Power banks under 100 Wh
• USB adapters

Not allowed in checked luggage

• Spare lithium batteries
• Power banks
• Devices with removable lithium batteries

See the FAA lithium battery guidance for passengers for complete details. Always store spares in protective cases and tape over exposed terminals.

5. Using your laptop during the flight

You can use your laptop freely once the aircraft reaches cruising altitude. During take off and landing, laptops must be turned off and stowed away.

Tips for in flight laptop use:

1. Download documents and films before boarding.
2. Carry a fully charged battery as power outlets are not guaranteed.
3. Some airlines offer paid WiFi, but speed varies.
4. Use a privacy filter if working on confidential files.

6. Security screening at UK airports

When departing from airports such as Heathrow, Gatwick or Manchester, laptops must be removed from bags at the security checkpoint.

If you are using a TSA approved laptop bag, for example butterfly or trifold style, security staff can see the device clearly without removal.

Some airports are now trialling 3D CT scanners that allow electronics to remain inside bags. This programme is led by the Department for Transport (DfT) and the CAA.

For UK rules on what you can carry, visit GOV.UK hand luggage restrictions.

7. What happens at US Customs

When you arrive in the United States, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers may inspect electronic devices. Although searches are rare, CBP has the authority to examine data without a warrant.

To stay safe:

• Use strong passwords or encryption.
• Avoid carrying confidential data.
• Back up important files before you travel.

8. Our own ESTA team’s experience flying with laptops

In June 2025, two members of our editorial team flew from London Heathrow to New York JFK with laptops, cameras and power banks.

• At Heathrow, laptops were screened separately and the process took less than five minutes.
• Each of us carried one power bank under 100 Wh, and staff checked labels carefully.
• Virgin Atlantic WiFi was stable for emails but not for video calls.
• At JFK, Customs took about 45 minutes and one officer briefly checked a laptop to verify ownership.
• Having our ESTAs approved in advance made boarding and entry completely stress free.

Following the TSA and FAA laptop rules made the journey smooth and professional.

9. Packing tips for UK travellers to America

1. Keep laptops at the top of your hand luggage.
2. Use a padded sleeve or TSA approved bag.
3. Carry spare batteries in individual covers.
4. Store chargers and cables neatly.
5. Have your ESTA approval and passport ready.

10. How to prepare your laptop for a flight to the USA

Before heading to the airport, it helps to prepare your laptop properly for security screening and the long flight ahead. The TSA and UK airport authorities follow strict rules about electronics, so being organised can save time at checkpoints and prevent damage during travel. Here is a quick guide to help UK travellers get their laptops ready before flying to the United States.

Step 1 – Charge and back up your laptop

Make sure your battery is at least 50 percent charged. Security officers may ask you to power it on. Back up your data to the cloud or an external drive before travel.

Step 2 – Update software and antivirus

Install the latest operating system and antivirus updates. This helps avoid security warnings when connecting to public WiFi in airports or on planes.

Step 3 – Remove confidential or sensitive files

If you carry company or private data, delete unnecessary files or move them to secure cloud storage before flying.

Step 4 – Pack your laptop safely

Use a padded, TSA approved sleeve or butterfly style laptop bag. Keep the laptop near the top of your carry on so you can remove it quickly at security.

Step 5 – Keep chargers and accessories together

Bundle chargers, power banks and adapters in a small zip bag so cables are easy to find during security screening or while in flight.

11. What to know before you travel – ESTA visa guide

If you are a UK passport holder visiting the United States for business or tourism, you must hold valid travel authorisation.

The ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) is the quickest option:

• Apply online in minutes
• Receive results within 24 hours
• Valid for two years and multiple entries
• Each stay up to 90 days

12. Hand luggage and battery rules summary table

Item	Hand Luggage	Checked Baggage	Notes
Laptop	Allowed	Not allowed	Remove at security
Spare lithium batteries	Allowed	Not allowed	Max 100 Wh each
Power bank	Allowed	Not allowed	Carry on only
Laptop charger	Allowed	Allowed	Keep accessible
Tablet	Allowed	Allowed	Scan separately
Phone	Allowed	Allowed	Power off for take off

13. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring two laptops on a flight to the USA?
Yes. You may carry multiple laptops for personal use if each can be screened separately.

Can I pack my laptop in checked baggage if it is turned off?
No. Even powered off devices with lithium batteries must stay in hand luggage.

Can I take a MacBook on a plane to the USA?
Yes. All MacBook and Windows laptops are permitted. Only older recalled models were restricted previously.

Can TSA or US Customs inspect my laptop data?
TSA may ask you to power it on. CBP officers can inspect digital content under US law.

Do I need an ESTA to take my laptop to America?
Yes. UK citizens travelling under the Visa Waiver Programme must obtain an ESTA before departure.

14. Final word and travel tips

Flying to the United States with a laptop is straightforward if you follow the official rules from the TSA, FAA and CAA. Keep your devices in hand luggage, remove them for screening, and carry spare batteries safely.

Most importantly, apply for your ESTA visa early so you can travel with confidence.

Editorial Note

This guide uses verified information from

• TSA.gov laptop rules
• FAA.gov lithium battery guidance
• CBP.gov electronic device inspection policy
• CAA.gov.uk passenger battery rules
• GOV.UK hand luggage restrictions
• Department for Transport aviation security screening

Reviewed by the ESTA USA Editorial Team
Last updated October 2025