How to Travel With a Computer

Laptops are common baggage for travelers these days. Here are some ways to stay safe when using your laptop away from home, and when navigating the airport baggage requirements.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

How to Get Through the Airport

1. You cannot pack a laptop in checked baggage. It must go through the scanner.

2. 

   Get a laptop bag that is "airport friendly." This means it is easy for the scanners to view. The Transportation Security Administration has several tips for airport-friendly laptops (see link in Resources below).

3. Don't forget to pick up the laptop after you go through security! Hundreds of laptops are left behind at security checkpoints by accident.

4. Make sure you have your name and address on your laptop bag, and on the laptop itself.

How to Use a Laptop Once You Arrive

1. Travel with a cable or lock that will let you secure your laptop to a desk or table at your destination so that you can leave it unguarded for brief periods in your hotel room or in a conference room.

2. Be sure you have security measures in place such as password protection and firewalls.

3. Carry a backup of your data on a flash drive or disc. Or store your data at one of the online web storage sites such as Box.net.

4. Be careful about what you do with wireless networks. Your passwords and account information may be vulnerable with unsecured wireless. If possible, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) on your computer to protect your wireless transmissions.

Tips & Warnings

• If you use one of the airport-friendly laptop bags, don't add anything metal to the bag besides your laptop.

Resources

• TSA Laptop Procedures