How To Bring An iPad Or Tablet On A Plane & Through Airport Security

Last Updated on August 12, 2022

A tablet or iPad is the perfect size of device to take with you when traveling, especially if you are on vacation and it’s not a working trip.

To help you prepare, here’s the rules about how to fly with an iPad, and what to do with it at the security checkpoint.

TSA iPad & Tablet Rules

The Transportation Security Administration is concerned with aviation threats. For them that’s weapons or liquids that could be flammable.

Laptop’s, tablets, or iPads are not considered an aviation threat. There is no security risk when a passenger brings an iPad on the plane.

Here’s a screenshot from their website about traveling with tablets:

So you can pack your iPad or tablet in carry-on luggage or in checked baggage.

Although loose lithium batteries are prohibited from checked bags the lithium battery in your iPad or tablet is not loose.

So iPad’s can be packed in checked luggage. It’s just not a sensible idea since you might never see it again.

Valuable items are frequently lost, damaged, or stolen when packed in checked baggage.

It’s a much safer bet to pack your tablet in your hand luggage.

Just remember one thing…

Do I Need To Take Out My iPad or Tablet At Airport Security?

Yes, you need to take your iPad or tablet out of your carry-on bag at airport security. Here’s Maggie asking the TSA on Twitter:

You need to remove tablets from your carry on bags because they can block the x-ray scan used in the screening process preventing the TSA from getting a good look at what’s inside your suitcase.

You need to remove any electronic items larger than a cell phone from your cabin luggage to help screening.

If you have a suitable sized personal item like a handbag or small backpack then that’s usually the best place to pack an iPad.

That way you’ll be able to easily remove it for screening without opening up your larger carry-on baggage.

If you are traveling with a partner send them through security a few moments before you send any exposed valuable items into the x-ray scanner.

Ramiro put his iPad in a separate bin and then a woman who went through security before him ‘accidentally’ picked up his tablet:

If you work as a team you can avoid this scenario since someone can always have their eyes on the valuables.

And if the TSA take anything out of your bag don’t assume they’ll put it back for you. That’s how Nicole lost her iPad at security:

How To Use An iPad Or Tablet On A Plane

If your iPad or tablet has an inbuilt data connection, i.e. it has isn’t own sim card, then you must remember to turn on airplane mode in the settings before using your tablet on a plane.

You are permitted to use WiFi and/or BlueTooth on an electronic device.

It’s only cellular data that must be switched off on devices when flying.

Often it’s a good idea to download something from NetFlix or an alternative streaming service before boarding the plane.

Or you might be able to connect to your airlines in-flight WiFi if they offer the service.

You can use a standard sized tablet or iPad throughout the entirety of your flight. It’s best to fully charge your tablet before your flight since outlets might not be available. Or bring a power bank on the plane with you.

But during take off and landing you are not permitted to use larger devices like laptops. Some airlines don’t allow passengers to use large tablets like the iPad Pro during take off and landing.

A flight attendant told Tom to put his iPad Pro away during take off:

I have an iPad pro. I usually slide it behind my back until the flight crew have finished their checks and sat down.

Anyone using a large iPad pro with a magic keyboard attached can’t really argue since it basically is a laptop.

Most airlines aren’t really interested which operating system your device is using. They are concerned that large devices would cause an obstruction in the event of an emergency evacuation of the plane.

Safety is paramount.

Traveling With Tablets & iPads Internationally

If you are traveling through international customs with a single tablet or a tablet and a laptop you won’t need to declare it.

However if you are traveling with large numbers of devices check the rules since you might need to declare them and pay tax.

The Verdict

You can take your iPad or tablet on a plane.

Never pack an iPad or tablet in checked luggage because it could be damaged, lost, or stolen.

When going through the airport security checkpoint remove your iPad or tablet from your bag and put it in a separate bin.

Once on the plane, if your tablet has a cellular data connection then switch on airplane mode.

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