Michael Turner
Short answer: Keep the Apple tablet with the passenger in the cabin. Main aviation authorities classify lithium-ion cells as a fire hazard when inaccessible, and most carriers require portable electronic devices to remain in the passenger compartment during flight.
Battery data: Typical slate-style tablets contain lithium-ion batteries in the ~20–40 Wh range, well below the 100 Wh threshold that allows carriage without airline approval. Spare batteries must be carried in hand baggage, protected against short circuits, and limited to 100 Wh each; batteries between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require explicit airline approval and are usually limited to two per passenger.
Regulatory notes: IATA/ICAO and FAA guidance: devices with installed lithium-ion cells are permitted in checked hold only when permitted by the carrier, but many airlines and regulators strongly advise cabin carriage so a thermal event can be detected and managed. Any battery exceeding 100 Wh–installed or spare–needs carrier acceptance before transport.
Practical recommendations for cabin carriage: Power the device completely off (not sleep), place it in a padded protective case, store in the under-seat space or overhead bin as directed by crew, and keep accessories with batteries (stylus, power banks) in the same hand baggage. Spare power cells should have terminals taped or be in original packaging to prevent shorting.
If stowing in the aircraft hold is unavoidable: Ensure the device is powered off, remove all removable batteries and carry them in hand baggage, wrap the tablet in multiple layers of soft clothing inside a hard-sided case to reduce crushing risk, and verify carrier policy at check-in. Declare items that exceed standard battery limits to airline staff; non-declared batteries over regulatory limits can be refused.
Storing an Apple tablet in hold baggage – concise rules and steps
Recommendation: Keep an Apple tablet in cabin baggage whenever possible; if placement in the aircraft hold is unavoidable, follow the specific battery, declaration and protection measures below.
Battery limits: built‑in lithium‑ion cells inside the device are almost always below 100 Wh (typical range for modern Apple tablets: 20–40 Wh) and are accepted by most carriers when inside equipment. Spare lithium batteries or power banks are prohibited from the aircraft hold and must travel in the cabin. Batteries between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require airline approval and may only be in the cabin; batteries over 160 Wh are not permitted in passenger aircraft at all.
| Item | Typical Wh | Installed in device | Spare (not installed) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tablet (modern Apple models) | 20–40 Wh | Allowed in hold and cabin (cabin recommended) | – |
| Spare lithium batteries | <100 Wh | Not applicable | Allowed only in cabin (limit and packaging rules apply) |
| Spare lithium batteries | 100–160 Wh | Not applicable | Allowed in cabin with airline approval (typically max two) |
| Spare lithium batteries | >160 Wh | Not applicable | Prohibited |
| Power bank / external battery | Variable (convert mAh → Wh: Wh = (mAh × V)/1000) | Not applicable | Must remain in cabin; not allowed in hold |
Packing technique for placement in the hold: power the device completely off (do not leave in sleep/standby), remove any detachable accessories and SIM cards, place the tablet inside a protective sleeve or original box, cushion on all sides with soft clothing and position in the center of a hard‑shell suitcase away from the shell and wheels to reduce impact forces.
Check‑in and security steps: declare batteries over 100 Wh at check‑in; carry documentation or manufacturer Wh rating if available. At security, devices may be requested separately for X‑ray screening; spare cells or power banks found in hold will be removed and may be confiscated.
Risk management: if loss, theft or damage in the hold is a concern, transport the device in the cabin. For extended trips where device must travel in the hold, disable automatic wake features and lock with a passcode so the device cannot activate accidentally during transit.
Which carriers permit Apple tablets in the aircraft hold?
Short recommendation: Store portable tablets in cabin carry-on whenever possible; many airlines technically allow stowage in the aircraft hold but battery fire risk and theft statistics favor cabin carriage.
United States carriers
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines accept consumer tablets as baggage placed in the aircraft hold if needed, but their policies align with FAA/IATA rules: lithium‑ion cells installed in devices are allowed without special approval up to 100 Wh; spare batteries and power banks must be transported only in cabin carry‑on; batteries between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require airline approval; batteries above 160 Wh are prohibited from passenger aircraft.
Major international carriers
British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, Emirates and Qantas state similar positions: devices may be stowed in the cargo hold, yet airlines explicitly forbid spare lithium batteries in that space and require devices to be powered off and protected in a rigid case when not carried in the cabin. Regional low‑cost operators sometimes impose stricter cabin‑only rules during peak seasons or for specific routes, so check the carrier’s dangerous‑goods section before flying.
Practical checklist: leave devices powered down, use a hard protective sleeve, keep charging cables separate, carry spare batteries or power banks in cabin only, and verify battery Wh markings if carrying non‑standard cells.
Related resource: how can a father relinquish his parental rights.
Store tablets with lithium‑ion batteries in carry‑on; spares must remain in the cabin
Carry‑on carriage is the recommended option for devices with built‑in lithium‑ion cells because fire suppression is possible in the cabin; uninstalled (spare) lithium‑ion batteries are prohibited in hold baggage and must be carried in the cabin with terminals protected against short circuits (tape over contacts or original retail packaging).
Watt‑hour thresholds and airline approvals
Regulatory limits use watt‑hours (Wh). Batteries up to 100 Wh are allowed in devices and as spares in the cabin without airline approval. Batteries greater than 100 Wh but not exceeding 160 Wh require airline approval and are commonly limited to two spare units per passenger. Batteries above 160 Wh are not permitted on passenger aircraft, either installed or spare.
Practical steps for travellers and crew checks
Verify the device’s battery rating (manufacturer specifications list Wh or mAh; convert mAh to Wh via Wh = (mAh × V)/1000). Typical modern tablets fall in the ~20–40 Wh range and therefore meet the ≤100 Wh allowance. Power devices off, disable auto‑wake, remove bulky cases that might press buttons during handling, place devices in a protective sleeve, and keep them accessible for inspection. Notify the carrier in advance if a device or spare battery exceeds 100 Wh to obtain approval and instructions.
Protecting a tablet from crush and water damage in the aircraft hold
Store the tablet inside a rigid, crush-resistant case (polycarbonate or ABS) with a molded or foam-lined interior, then place that case inside a waterproof roll-top or heavy-duty double-zip pouch before stowing in a suitcase.
Padding specs: use closed-cell foam (EVA or polyethylene) with at least 15–20 mm on each face for routine transit; increase to 30–50 mm if the bag will be heavily loaded. For thin-profile protection, an inflatable air-column sleeve providing 20–40 mm of air cushion around the device works well; combine with foam blocks at the corners.
Water protection: choose a roll-top dry bag or a waterproof pouch rated for bags (look for welded seams and a reliable closure) rather than a single-use freezer bag. Add 2–4 silica-gel sachets (5–10 g each) inside the pouch to control internal humidity. If toiletries or liquids are present nearby, double-bag the device and position the sealed pouch away from leak-prone compartments.
Placement: situate the protected tablet in the center of a hard-sided suitcase, surrounded on all sides by soft clothing to absorb shocks. Keep it away from outer walls, wheels, and heavy items (shoes, books, metal tools). Lay the device flat; screen-facing the softest padding reduces point loads from compressive forces.
Additional measures: apply a tempered-glass screen protector and use a slim sleeve between the device and the hard case to prevent scratches. For long trips, document the device condition with photos before transit and secure the case inside the suitcase with elastic straps or internal compartments to limit movement.
Preparing a tablet for airline hold: power off, remove SIM, enable Find My
Power the tablet completely off before handing it to a carrier drop-off point: use Settings → General → Shut Down or press and hold the top button and either volume button until the power-off slider appears, then slide to power down.
For cellular models with a physical SIM tray, eject with the SIM tool or a straightened paperclip, remove the nano‑SIM and place it in a labelled anti‑static sleeve; store that sleeve in carry‑on. For eSIM models, remove the cellular plan via Settings → Cellular → Remove Cellular Plan or deactivate the eSIM profile. Physically removing or disabling cellular service prevents unexpected roaming charges and makes the device easier to track through Wi‑Fi only.
Enable Find My before powering down: open Settings, tap the Apple ID banner at the top, select Find My and switch on Find My, Find My network and Send Last Location. Confirm the device is signed into iCloud with the account credentials used for activation lock; leaving the account signed in preserves Activation Lock, which prevents reactivation without those credentials.
Create a fresh backup (iCloud or local via Finder/iTunes) and capture a photo of Settings → General → About that shows device model, serial number and IMEI/MEID (cellular devices). Store backup confirmation and those photos in cloud storage and a separate carry‑on device for fast claims processing if loss or damage occurs.
Apply security measures: set a strong passcode (six‑digit or alphanumeric), enable Face ID/Touch ID, and remove cards from Wallet or temporarily disable mobile payment features. Sign out of sensitive banking apps or lock them with app‑level authentication to reduce risk from unauthorized access if the device is lost.
If locating while powered off is a requirement, verify whether the specific model and operating system support offline Find My functionality (recent Apple tablet models running OS 15 or later may offer limited location reporting when off). If that capability is absent, keeping the device powered on with Find My active and Wi‑Fi enabled (but Bluetooth and cellular can be left off if needed) improves recovery chances; weigh that against battery and airline guidance.
For recommendations on protective cases and travel gear that complement these preparation steps, see best luggage for newlyweds.
How to document and claim damage or loss for a tablet transported in hold baggage
File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airline’s baggage service office immediately upon arrival; failure to obtain a PIR usually voids damage or loss claims.
- Immediate steps at the airport
- Inspect the suitcase in the presence of airline staff before leaving the terminal; open the case, photograph the tablet and surrounding packing from multiple angles, and request a written PIR with a reference number.
- Retain the bag tag, boarding pass, and PIR receipt; scan or photograph all three and keep originals.
- If visible external damage exists, ask staff for a written statement describing the condition of the case and any apparent forced entry.
- Evidence to gather
- High-resolution photos: front, back, ports, serial number/IMEI, cracked screen close-ups, and evidence of water ingress (water stains, corrosion).
- Proof of ownership: original purchase invoice, bank/credit-card statement showing the purchase, serial number on invoice or device box.
- Repair estimates from an authorized service centre and receipts for any emergency repairs or replacements.
- Chain-of-custody records: timestamps on photos, airport CCTV request (if applicable), witness names and contact details.
- Key legal and timing limits
- For international carriage under the Montreal Convention, compensation for lost or damaged baggage is limited by the convention value (1,288 SDR, roughly USD 1,700 depending on exchange rates); check the airline’s contract of carriage for exact liability figures.
- Damage claims normally must be submitted in writing within 7 days from baggage receipt; claims for delayed delivery usually require notification within 21 days from receipt.
- Lost-baggage formal claims often require filing within 21 days from the date the baggage was made available to the passenger or the date of arrival where delivery never occurred.
- How to submit the claim
- Use the airline’s official claims portal or certified postal service; attach scanned PIR, photos, purchase proof, repair estimates, bag tag, boarding pass, and a short factual statement of events.
- Keep a dated copy of every submission and request a case/claim number; follow up in writing at set intervals if no acknowledgement is received (example intervals: 14 and 30 days).
- If the airline requests shipment of the damaged device for inspection, insure the parcel for full declared value and use trackable delivery; retain courier receipts.
- Compensation paths and escalation
- Initial airline settlement may offer repair or cash equivalence up to the liability cap; if that is insufficient, present documented higher replacement cost and request reconsideration or arbitration as stated in the carrier’s contract of carriage.
- File a claim with travel insurance or the credit-card insurer that provided travel protection–submit the airline claim reference and the same documentary package.
- If settlement stagnates, escalate to the national aviation authority or pursue small-claims court; keep all correspondence, timestamps, and proof of attempted resolution.
- Practical templates and timelines
- Claim subject line: “Claim for Damaged Tablet – PIR #[PIR number] – Flight [Airline] [Flight No.] [Date]”.
- Attach checklist: PIR, photos, purchase invoice, boarding pass, bag tag, repair estimate, written statement.
- Typical airline processing window: initial acknowledgement within 14–30 days; final decision 30–90 days depending on inspection needs.
- Preventive note for evidence preservation
- Do not discard the damaged tablet or its original box until the claim is closed; airlines often require inspection of the physical item.
- If water damage suspected, photograph corrosion areas and keep all damp materials; document any emergency drying attempts and related expenses.
Claim escalation checklist
- PIR number and airline contact details
- Photos with timestamps and photo filenames
- Proof of purchase with serial number/IMEI
- Repair estimates and receipts
- Insurance policy number and credit-card benefits documentation
- Dates of all submissions and responses
For protection items that complement documentation (hard case, sealed pouch, or a best waterproof outdoor umbrella for transit in wet climates), keep photos of those accessories and receipts included with the claim package.
When to choose carry-on or gate-check instead of putting a tablet in the aircraft hold
Keep a tablet in carry-on for most trips; opt for gate-check only when cabin space forces it or when gate agents specifically direct items to be stowed at the gate.
- Carry-on recommended if:
- Retail or replacement value exceeds $500 – bring onboard to minimize theft and handling risk.
- Screen size ≥10 inches or device has slim profile/glass-front – higher breakage probability in hold.
- Itinerary includes multiple transfers, overnight ground periods, or small regional carriers with frequent baggage transfers.
- Device needed during transit or immediately after arrival (presentations, work, navigation at destination).
- Destination has a high theft rate at airports or public transport hubs.
- Choose gate-check when:
- Cabin is full and gate agents are requesting gate-checked items; gate-check is preferable to full hold transfer for short flights.
- Large carry-on bag must be relinquished but quick access on arrival at the gate is acceptable.
- Device is protected inside a hard case or rigid box and value is modest (under $300) so risk of loss/breakage is tolerable.
- Traveling with bulky items prioritized for overhead space (medical devices, strollers) and gate-check tags are offered free of charge.
- Situations to avoid stowing in the aircraft hold
- Multi-segment trips involving separate ground handlers or last-minute re-routing; each transfer increases damage/loss probability.
- Flights with known rough ground handling or small regional airports where conveyor systems are limited.
- When airline contract of carriage excludes fragile electronics from baggage liability or requires declared value payments for coverage.
Quick decision checklist before boarding:
- Assess monetary value and replaceability (if >$500 – carry-on).
- Evaluate flight pattern: number of transfers and length of ground time.
- Check real-time boarding status and overhead bin availability; if bins full and gate agent offers gate-check, accept but tag carefully.
- Confirm with gate agent whether gate-checked items will be returned at the aircraft door or routed to baggage claim.
- Label the device externally, use a padded sleeve or hard case, and keep documentation/photos in cabin to support any claim if loss/damage occurs.
