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I've never had trouble traveling with a laptop. I usually pack it in a Pelican case with my gun. The gun is just a measure to ensure that the baggage handlers won't be rifling through my stuff. With the gun in the case, the case MUST be locked from the time you check it until you pick it up, and you CAN NOT use one of those TSA locks that the baggage clowns can open. I bring a tiny little pocket gun, and load up the rest of the case with my laptop, video camera, GPS and anything else I want to ensure doesn't get stolen.
This is a great video that explains the whole process of flying with a firearm, and why you'd want to, even if you don't need to. It's a bit long, but worth watching.
One of the first pieces of advice we give to a new hire is to NEVER put your laptop into carry on unless the airline requires you to do so. Also, did you take the batteries out? Those aren't supposed to travel in the cargo area.
Never put the laptop into CARRY-ON? I assume you meant never put the laptop into CHECKED baggage?
OTOH, I just got back from a conference in Chicago ... I had a small carry-on suitcase (which contained my black canvas briefcase) plus my laptop case. I almost put the laptop in the carry-on suitcase, as it was heavy to lug it around and I wasn't checking any baggage so I "knew" I'd have both pieces in my sight/control at all times ... but on 2 legs of my trip, the plane was a commuter plane with extremely limited overhead space, so I was required to gate-check the small suitcase. Needless to say I was glad I hadn't stuck my laptop in it!
Never put the laptop into CARRY-ON? I assume you meant never put the laptop into CHECKED baggage?
OTOH, I just got back from a conference in Chicago ... I had a small carry-on suitcase (which contained my black canvas briefcase) plus my laptop case. I almost put the laptop in the carry-on suitcase, as it was heavy to lug it around and I wasn't checking any baggage so I "knew" I'd have both pieces in my sight/control at all times ... but on 2 legs of my trip, the plane was a commuter plane with extremely limited overhead space, so I was required to gate-check the small suitcase. Needless to say I was glad I hadn't stuck my laptop in it!
Yes, I meant don't put it in checked. So duh on me.
I wouldn't do it even if the airline required it. I'd ship it via some carrier who would know how to pack it properly. The airline won't pay for repairs even if they do refuse to allow you to carry it on.
That would be fine if you knew ahead of time. But if a Partner is in the airport headed to a crucial meeting with a client, if they tell him or her to check the laptop they won't have time to leave the airport to run to UPS/FedEx/DHL. I don't recall it ever happening, but I think the point that is being made is don't argue with TSA or the airline if they tell you it has to be checked. It's easily replaced by our company if it is damaged while checked.
I always make sure I hand carry my laptop when travelling around. Yes those baggage handlers really can just throw your luggage around. It is a sad fact.
I know you're not blaming the airline for this???? Why on earth would you even THINK to put a laptop in your luggage??? Do you think they neatly stand up the bags, side-by-side in the belly of the plane??? Guess what? THEY DON'T. Everything is stacked up and shoved in as much as possible. When it is being unloaded, it's thrown down a belt from the belly of the plane to the ground where it is then thrown on a luggage cart that is pulled by a little tug. Some falls off and may or may not be picked up and thrown back on the luggage cart.
Oh well. I hope you learned your lesson!
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