We’ve all been there. You’re in the security line at the airport and silently dread the moment when you must unpack your carry-on bag in front of everyone to pull out your laptop. You can already feel everyone else’s impatient eyes on you.   

For many people these days, traveling with a laptop is essential. It can also be a major pain. If you’ve ever experienced that security line dread before, what you need is a laptop backpack. In this article, we’ll discuss the best laptop backpack for travel and what you should consider before making a purchase. 

What is a laptop backpack? 

Some people might assume that as long as their laptop is secure, any backpack will work. Frequent travelers know, however, that just isn’t the case. Having to yank your laptop out of your bag and shove it back in is not ideal. Seasoned travelers will appreciate the value of a separate laptop compartment. It provides easy access and better protection. 

A good laptop backpack should also have padded shoulder straps, or you’re going to start feeling the weight almost immediately. 

We’ve all been there. You’re in the security line at the airport and silently dread the moment when you must unpack your carry-on bag in front of everyone to pull out your laptop. You can already feel everyone else’s impatient eyes on you.   

For many people these days, traveling with a laptop is essential. It can also be a major pain. If you’ve ever experienced that security line dread before, what you need is a laptop backpack. In this article, we’ll discuss the best laptop backpack for travel and what you should consider before making a purchase. 

What is a laptop backpack? 

Some people might assume that as long as their laptop is secure, any backpack will work. Frequent travelers know, however, that just isn’t the case. Having to yank your laptop out of your bag and shove it back in is not ideal. Seasoned travelers will appreciate the value of a separate laptop compartment. It provides easy access and better protection. 

A good laptop backpack should also have padded shoulder straps, or you’re going to start feeling the weight almost immediately. 

The best laptop backpack for travel 

If you do a lot of traveling with your laptop, you know it is frustrating to fight with a bulky bag when you need to work. Depending on your needs, the best laptop backpack for traveling will have a couple of key features beyond the protective sleeve and padded shoulders. Consider the following: 

  • The right size: If you have a smaller laptop or even a tablet, you can choose a more compact bag. There’s no reason to lug around a giant bag if you don’t need it. Alternatively, if you’re only traveling with one bag, you might want a larger backpack to allow room for clothes and toiletries. 
  • Ease of movement: A retractable handle and wheels is a great pair of features. Anyone who has ever spent an afternoon at a work conference or been stuck at the airport will know the benefits. Even the most comfortable backpack can start feeling like a bowling ball on your back after a couple hours. 

Can a laptop travel in checked luggage? 

If you don’t need your laptop with you on your flight, you might be considering putting it in your checked luggage. That is technically allowed, but only under specific circumstances.  

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends that any laptop with a lithium-ion battery be taken in carry-on luggage. That’s because those types of batteries pose a fire risk. In fact, some airlines go beyond recommendation and prohibit passengers from checking laptops. 

So, while it is possible that your laptop can fly in checked luggage, it might not always be the best choice. It's also a safety issue – a laptop could easily be damaged or even stolen from a checked bag. Also, if you have a long layover, you’re going to wish you had your laptop with you. Having a laptop backpack is the safer option, especially if you don’t know the airline’s laptop policy.  

If the thought of taking a laptop through security provokes that familiar dread, let the best laptop backpack for travel bring you a little peace of mind. With the right backpack, you won’t be fighting with your socks just to retrieve the computer. And when you’re putting it back, it’ll slide into place like a comfy slipper.  

It might only make a difference of a minute or two, but frequent flyers know how important a couple minutes can be. 

Find the best laptop backpack for you 

Regular travelers appreciate the convenience good luggage can provide. Finding the best laptop backpack for travel involves knowing what’s most important to you when you’re on the road. Whether your chief concerns are size, weight, ease of use, or something else, you’ve got plenty of options.

Can a laptop travel in checked luggage? 

If you don’t need your laptop with you on your flight, you might be considering putting it in your checked luggage. That is technically allowed, but only under specific circumstances.  

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends that any laptop with a lithium-ion battery be taken in carry-on luggage. That’s because those types of batteries pose a fire risk. In fact, some airlines go beyond recommendation and prohibit passengers from checking laptops. 

So, while it is possible that your laptop can fly in checked luggage, it might not always be the best choice. It's also a safety issue – a laptop could easily be damaged or even stolen from a checked bag. Also, if you have a long layover, you’re going to wish you had your laptop with you. Having a laptop backpack is the safer option, especially if you don’t know the airline’s laptop policy.  

If the thought of taking a laptop through security provokes that familiar dread, let the best laptop backpack for travel bring you a little peace of mind. With the right backpack, you won’t be fighting with your socks just to retrieve the computer. And when you’re putting it back, it’ll slide into place like a comfy slipper.  

It might only make a difference of a minute or two, but frequent flyers know how important a couple minutes can be. 

Find the best laptop backpack for you 

Regular travelers appreciate the convenience good luggage can provide. Finding the best laptop backpack for travel involves knowing what’s most important to you when you’re on the road. Whether your chief concerns are size, weight, ease of use, or something else, you’ve got plenty of options.