Tablet, Notebook or Laptop: What Can You Take?
Enjoy the first hours of your holiday with a film or a series, or use the flight time of your business trip to quietly work through a few tasks. However, there are a few details to bear in mind, which we explain here so that you reach your destination with less stress.
May I take laptops, notebooks, or tablets in my hand luggage?
Laptops, notebooks, and tablets are generally allowed in hand luggage. So enjoy the first hours of your holiday with a film or series, or use the flight time of your business trip to quietly check off a few tasks. However, there are a few details to keep in mind, which we want to prepare you for here so you can arrive stress-free.
The exception: Apple MacBook Pro 15 inches
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 are banned on most airlines in Europe (e.g., Lufthansa). This applies not only to hand luggage but to general transport on the plane. The product has since been recalled by Apple.
Security check
At airport security, you need to have your laptop, notebook, and/or tablet ready, as they must be placed individually in the tray and scanned.
So when packing your hand luggage, remember to place your notebook not at the very bottom but easily accessible. After all, no one wants to unpack their entire trolley in front of all the waiting passengers. 
Additional bag for laptops, notebooks, or tablets?
The easiest way to carry laptops, notebooks, or tablets is in an additional briefcase with laptop compartment or a backpack with laptop compartment as hand luggage. The latter often already offers enough space for short (weekend) trips.
Whether you can take a laptop bag in addition to your hand luggage depends on the airline and the dimensions. Below we have compiled the current regulations of the most common airlines for you (as of 06/04/2020):
| Airline | Additional bag allowed? | Dimensions / Weight | Special features | ||
| Lufthansa | Yes | Max. 30 x 40 x 10 cm | First Class and Business Class passengers are also allowed to bring a second hand luggage item on board. | ||
| Ryanair | Yes | 40 x 20 x 25 cm | The actual hand luggage item only has the dimensions of a laptop bag. You must book, for example, a trolley separately. | ||
| Eurowings | Yes | 40 x 30 x 25 cm | The free hand luggage item only has the dimensions of a backpack or a laptop bag. You must book a larger hand luggage 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 hand luggage suitcase separately. | ||
| Condor | Yes | 40 x 30 x 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 fees usually apply for an extra bag.
Using laptops, notebooks, or tablets on the plane
Now that you have taken your laptop, notebook, or tablet on the plane, the question arises: Are you allowed to use these devices on board at all?
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).