Laptops in hand baggage
 

Can I expect problems in security or even US customs if I travel with 3 laptops in hand baggage?

My itinerary is HEL-LHR-LAX-LAS and return LAS-LGW//LHR-HEL, with travel on AA/BA/AY - I will be going through security at HEL, LHR, LAX and LAS.

I can't find any obvious reasons why it wouldn't be allowed when I went through the airport/airline web sites, but maybe I am missing something obvious?

As long as you have a valid reason for bringing in three laptops, and as long as you're not intending to leave them in the US (i.e. you not effectively importing them), then you should have no problems. Some airlines try to limit you to one laptop, but none of the above stand out. In some countries, an attempt may be made to extort duty (or confiscate two of the laptops), but the US isn't one of them.

The only time I've ever been questioned was Fiji and Australia. One for business and one for personal was a good enough explanation in both cases.

You'll be fine. Just make sure they don't look brand new or you'll be asked to pay customs fees on them. If you need them for work, you need them for work. I've carried far more than that. The phrase "I need them at a tradeshow" tends to work best for me.

As ScottC noted, the only issue you are likely to have is with customs. I encountered this when travelling with another FTer to MEX, where everything is x-rayed upon arrival. They were rather unhappy ab:eek:ut his two laptops, but after a brief discussion they allowed him into the country without any further issue.

I regularly do two, but it's easily explained by a "one for work, one personal" comment.

Haven't tried 3 yet.

My record is three laptops and two tablets (all in one backpack). No questions asked, but this was just a domestic flight. :)

I have carried three laptops in my carry-on through DFW and LAX and it didn't even prompt a second glance from anyone. I had 1 in a backpack and 2 in a small roll-aboard bag. Just lined them all up in trays at the xray screening point.

The only issue you will have is the weight ! I have done it a few times before.

I helped my friend a few times carrying laptops to a show or convention. recently no problems.

but a few years back they mentioned something about the batteries and power supply being too many or something. I think I needed to give a power supply to my friend to pass thru to under a limit.... could have been a bs loop I needed to jump thru tho to amuse the agent. :confused::confused:

or something to do with loose batteries mis interpretation?

I've flown from USA to NRT to BKK and then BKK to DXB with 2 new Macbook Retinas and a Samsung Series 9, all brand new but out of the boxes (1 personal & 2 work). Other than a few laughs at the security checkpoint in BKK and a few odd looks from other passengers in USA (PHX/MSP) for needing 5 x bins for all my computer HDD's and cameras, there weren't any issues at all. By the way, can always check the cables etc in luggage to lighten the load!

Loose batteries was most likely the problem. There are limits/restrictions on carrying spare/loose lithium batteries, but when inserted correctly the appliance they are generally ok. Lithium batteries have a very low internal resistance so if the terminals are shorted they can get very hot very quickly and have been known to catch fire as a result.

3 of the laptop is dev too many to carry. They allow us to put 1, but if you have a lighter one like macbook air or pro you can carry two. 3, I don't know, give it a try.

I carried through 4 UPS batteries for an IBM Storwize V7000 in hand luggage through LHR once. Told the security people what they were and had no issues. Everyone's going to have a different story on stuff like this though.

http://safetravel.dot.gov/whats_new_batteries.html

You can not check in lithium batteries but you can carry on.

That 4 UPS batteries would be a very hard sell as the larger batteries are limited to one installed plus two spares. http://safetravel.dot.gov/larger_batt.html Who knows, maybe they were considered normal or they didn't want to mess with you or this was more than five years ago :)

As for carrying three laptops, I have flown more than once with three, one as a gift for my family, two personal/work.

It was about 2 years ago. Having said that I have just got questioned in the Post Office sending a package to London, 35 miles away, as to whether there were lithium batteries in it. I asked why, lady says "well it might go by plane". She was not impressed when I burst out laughing, but I think we were friends at the end ! Made me laugh on a Friday that's for sure !