How to Protect your Laptop During Flight Travel

In 2009, there was a high-profile arrest of a couple who was charged with stealing more than 1,000 check-in bags at Phoenix airport. This has increased awareness of how vulnerable suitcases are to theft during every flight. Laptops and hard drives are the most common items to get stolen. Listed below are some simple methods for protecting your laptop while traveling.

Put Laptops in Carry-on

Never place laptops in check-in luggage. Even if you have an ultra-strong suitcase from Jeep luggage, it is still in danger of getting stolen or damaged. Airlines often load bags on top of each other, which can amount to hundreds of pounds worth of pressure. Cargo bays are not heated, so the low temperatures can damage laptop screens and other sensitive components.

Security Tips

Most countries will require travelers to remove their laptop from their case prior to passing through an x-ray scanner. To protect your machine, make sure it is placed in a bin and kept in eyesight at all times. If you get delayed at the metal detector or pulled aside for additional screening, keep an eye or your laptops. Traveling in groups can be advantageous since the one person can be responsible for keeping track of everyone’s valuables during security. Once the screening process is over, reclaim your computer as quickly as possible.

Screening Exceptions

Some airports will not require you to take out smaller electronic devices like iPads or netbooks. These items can be placed in your leather backpack or computer bag as you pass through security. A security screener may ask to look at your device for separate screening, especially if there are multiple electronic items in the bag.

Terminal Security

If you want to use your laptop during boarding hours, use the same precautions that you would follow for any other public space. Never leave the computer unattended and avoid banking online or accessing sensitive email accounts over a free Wi-Fi network. Any personal logins should be done over a secure network or hardline.

Additional Tips

Aside from protecting your computer from theft or damage, it is also important to protect the information inside. This can be done by keeping your data on an encrypted hard drive or flash device. Keep the storage device with your other valuables to keep it from getting lost. A login password or physical lock is also essential for discouraging burglars from accessing your personal information.

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