Yes, you can bring tablets on a plane in both carry-on and checked baggage
Tablets are permitted on commercial flights in the United States and most countries worldwide. The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) treats tablets the same as laptops and other personal electronics — you can pack them in your carry-on bag or checked luggage without restriction. You will need to remove your tablet from your bag during security screening, just as you would a laptop.
The main rule is that your tablet must power on when asked by security staff. If a device will not turn on, the TSA may not allow it through the checkpoint. This is a safety verification step, not a test of your device's condition — a tablet that powers on but has a cracked screen is fine.
International flights follow similar rules, though some countries have additional requirements. Most major airlines and airports worldwide allow tablets in carry-on bags. If you are flying outside the United States, check your specific airline's website before you travel, as policies can vary by carrier and destination.
Key Takeaways
- Tablets go through security screening like laptops — remove them from your bag at the checkpoint and place them in a bin.
- Your tablet must power on when asked by TSA staff, but it does not need to be in perfect working condition otherwise.
- You can pack tablets in either carry-on or checked baggage with no quantity limit.
- Battery-powered devices with lithium batteries (which all tablets have) are safer in carry-on bags in case of fire, though checked baggage is technically allowed.
- International flights usually allow tablets, but confirm your airline's policy before departure.
What happens to your tablet at security screening
When you reach the security checkpoint, remove your tablet from your bag and place it in a separate bin on the conveyor belt, the same way you would handle a laptop. It will go through the X-ray machine. You do not need to remove the case or screen protector.
After the X-ray, a TSA officer may ask you to power on your tablet to verify it is a real device and not something else. This takes about 10 seconds. If your tablet will not turn on, tell the officer when ready — they may confiscate it or require you to check it in your luggage instead, which delays your screening. Charge your tablet before you arrive at the airport if the battery is low.
Once your tablet passes screening, you can use it when ready at the gate or on the plane (in airplane mode, as required by the airline). You do not need to wait for it to cool down or be handled specially.
Carry-on versus checked baggage
Tablets are safer in carry-on bags because they contain lithium-ion batteries. If a battery catches fire in a pressurized cargo hold, the crew cannot reach it quickly. In the cabin, crew members can respond when ready. For this reason, the FAA recommends keeping all personal electronics with lithium batteries in your carry-on bag.
That said, checked baggage is technically allowed — the TSA does not prohibit tablets in checked bags. The risk is low for a single tablet, but if you have a choice, carry-on is the better option. If you do check a tablet, make sure it is powered off and protected from damage by wrapping it in clothing or placing it in a padded case.
You can bring multiple tablets on a plane. There is no limit on the number of personal electronic devices you can carry. If you are traveling with a family and each person has a tablet, all of them can go through security in your carry-on bags.
Tablets with cellular service and international travel
Tablets with built-in cellular service (Wi-Fi + Cellular models) are treated the same as Wi-Fi-only tablets at security. The cellular radio does not trigger any additional screening or restrictions. You will still need to power it on at the checkpoint.
If you are flying internationally, most countries allow tablets in carry-on and checked baggage under the same rules as the United States. However, some countries have restrictions on electronics or require you to declare them. Check the customs rules for your destination country before you travel — your airline's website usually has a link to this information, or you can contact the embassy of the country you are visiting.
Using your tablet's cellular service on an international flight is different from bringing it on the plane. Most airlines require you to enable airplane mode, which disables cellular service. You can use Wi-Fi calling or messaging apps if the airline offers in-flight Wi-Fi, but you cannot use cellular data at 30,000 feet.
What to do if your tablet will not power on
If your tablet's battery is completely dead and will not turn on at security, tell the TSA officer before they ask. Explain that the battery is dead and offer to charge it if a power outlet is available at the checkpoint. Some airports have charging stations near security.
If you cannot charge it when ready, the officer may ask you to check the tablet in your luggage instead of carrying it on. This means you will not have access to it during the flight, but it will travel in the cargo hold. Alternatively, some officers will allow you to proceed if you can show proof that the device is real — such as a receipt or your Apple ID login screen (if you can get the screen to light up even without full power).
The best way to avoid this problem is to charge your tablet the night before you travel and bring a portable charger in your carry-on bag. A dead device at security is not a major issue, but it does slow down your screening and may require you to make a quick decision about checked baggage.
Airplane mode and in-flight use
Once you are on the plane, your airline will ask you to enable airplane mode before takeoff. This disables all wireless radios — cellular, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. You can re-enable Wi-Fi after the plane reaches cruising altitude if the airline offers in-flight Wi-Fi service.
Airplane mode is a setting in your tablet's quick settings menu (swipe down from the top of the screen on most tablets). It takes one tap to turn on. You do not need to turn off the tablet entirely — just enable airplane mode and you can continue using apps, reading, watching downloaded videos, or playing games for the entire flight.
Some airlines offer paid or free Wi-Fi during the flight. If your airline does, you can turn Wi-Fi back on after enabling airplane mode. This lets you browse the internet, stream video, or use messaging apps during the flight. Cellular service remains off even if you re-enable Wi-Fi — that is the purpose of airplane mode.
Packing tips to protect your tablet
Pack your tablet in a protective case or sleeve to prevent damage during baggage handling and security screening. A straightforward neoprene sleeve costs $10 to $20 and protects against drops and pressure. If you are checking your tablet, wrap it in soft clothing inside your luggage for extra cushioning.
Keep your tablet in your carry-on bag if possible, where you can monitor it and prevent damage. If you must check it, remove any loose accessories (styluses, external keyboards) and pack them separately in your carry-on, in case your checked bag is delayed.
Bring a charging cable and power adapter in your carry-on bag. Airport outlets are often far from gates, but some airlines have USB ports in seat backs or armrests. A portable battery pack is useful for long flights or layovers when you cannot reach an outlet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to remove my tablet from its case at security?
No. You can leave your tablet in its case and place the whole thing in a bin for X-ray screening. The case does not interfere with the scan. Remove it only if a TSA officer asks you to.
Can I use my tablet during takeoff and landing?
Yes, as long as airplane mode is on. The FAA requires airplane mode for all electronic devices during takeoff and landing, but your tablet can be powered on and in use. You can read, watch a downloaded video, or play a game. You just cannot use Wi-Fi or cellular service.
What if my tablet has a screen protector or tempered glass?
Screen protectors and tempered glass are fine at security. They do not interfere with X-ray screening and do not need to be removed. Bring your tablet through security with the protector on.
Can I bring a tablet stylus or keyboard on the plane?
Yes. Styluses and external keyboards are permitted in carry-on and checked baggage. They go through security screening like any other accessory. Bluetooth keyboards must have airplane mode enabled once you are on the plane, just like your tablet.
Are there any countries that do not allow tablets on planes?
Most countries allow tablets on commercial flights. A few countries have restrictions on bringing certain electronics into the country after landing, but that is a customs issue, not a flight safety issue. Check your destination country's customs rules before you travel. Your airline can point you to the right government website.