I have an old portable HP printer. When I take it while flying, it goes in my carryon bag with the laptop, in a padded case to protect it. I've never worried about ink spill. But I'd never put one in a checked bag for fear of it breaking. (Would you put your laptop in checked baggage?) If you do, take the ink cartridge out and take it in your carryon. Mine came with a special case to put it in to prevent spills.