Tablet, Notebook, Laptop: what is allowed?
Enjoy the first hours of your vacation with a movie or a series, or use the flight time of your business trip to quietly tick off a few tasks. However, there are some small things to consider that we would like to prepare you for here, so that you arrive at your destination completely stress-free.
Am I allowed to take laptops, notebooks, or tablets in carry-on luggage?
Laptops, notebooks, and tablets are generally allowed in the carry-on luggage. So enjoy the first hours of your vacation with a movie or series or use the flight time of your business trip to quietly check off some tasks. However, there are a few things to keep in mind, which we want to prepare you for here so that you arrive stress-free.
The exception: Apple MacBook Pro 15 inch
Many airlines prohibit Apple MacBook Pro with 15-inch screens manufactured between 2015 and 2017. Due to a battery issue, they are not allowed at all in the USA and on most airlines in Europe (e.g., Lufthansa). This applies not only to carry-on luggage but to general transport on the plane. The product has since been recalled by Apple.
Security check
At airport security, you must have the laptop, notebook, and/or tablet ready, as they must be placed individually in the tray and scanned.
So when packing your carry-on, remember to place the notebook not at the very bottom but easily accessible. After all, no one wants to unpack their entire trolley in front of everyone waiting. 
Additional bag for laptops, notebooks, or tablets?
The easiest way to carry laptops, notebooks, or tablets as carry-on luggage is in an additional briefcase with laptop compartment or a backpack with laptop compartment. The latter often already offers enough space for short (weekend) trips.
Whether you can take a laptop bag in addition to your carry-on depends on the airline and the dimensions. Below we have compiled the current regulations of the most common airlines (as of 06/04/2020):
| Airline | Additional bag allowed? | Dimensions / Weight | Special features | ||
| Lufthansa | Yes | Max. 30x 40x 10 cm | First Class and Business Class passengers are also allowed to bring a second carry-on item on board. | ||
| Ryanair | Yes | 40 x 20 x 25 cm | The actual carry-on item only has the dimensions of a laptop bag. For example, you must book the trolley separately. | ||
| Eurowings | Yes | 40 x 30 x 25 cm | The free carry-on item only has the dimensions of a backpack or a laptop bag. You must book a larger carry-on item such as a trolley separately. | ||
| TUIfly | Yes | no restrictions known | The laptop bag is explicitly allowed as an additional piece of luggage. The total weight must not exceed six kilograms. | ||
| EasyJet | Yes | 45 x 36 x 20 cm | The actual luggage item includes only a small trolley, a handbag, a backpack, or a laptop bag. You must book a larger carry-on suitcase separately. | ||
| Condor | Yes | 40x 30x 10 cm |
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We are currently not aware of any airline that prohibits laptops, notebooks, or tablets on the plane. However, the overview shows that additional bags usually incur extra costs.
Using laptops, notebooks, or tablets on the plane
Now that you have taken the laptop, notebook, or tablet on board, the question arises: Are you even allowed to use the devices on board?
Yes, you may. However, make sure to securely stow them during takeoff and landing and, as with smartphones, activate airplane mode (also flight mode or offline mode).