So Your Laptop Got Damaged. Is It the Airline’s Fault?
We checked the airline policy to find out.
(SPOT.ph) Whether it's lost or broken baggage, airlines usually take the blame—but not this time as the internet calls out a content creator for checking in an expensive laptop. You can already tell where this is going.
On February 25, the content creator took to Facebook to express his frustration over his cracked MacBook screen after a flight with Philippine Airlines (PAL). Instead of sympathy, online users told him that laptops aren’t meant to be checked-in in the first place.
In response, he explained in a comment that his carry-on luggage was already packed with camera gear and other heavier equipment, which left him with no choice but to place his laptop in his checked baggage.
Also read: Are Passengers Entitled to Compensation for Flight and Baggage Delays?
Can I put a laptop in checked baggage?
Short answer: Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
According to the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), it is recommended that important items should be hand-carried. This is the general rule of thumb no matter the airline or destination.
“Policies on carry-on luggage and free check-ins vary from one airline to the next. It is advisable, however, that at all times a passenger still carry with him very important things like medicine, jewellery, valuables, and/or portable electronic devices,” CAB said on the FAQs section of its official website.
PAL has likewise emphasized this policy.
“Passengers are advised not to put money, jewelry, precious metal, silver ware, negotiable papers, securities, or other valuables (like cameras, electronic devices), business documents, passports and other identification documents or samples in their check-in baggage.”
PAL's guidelines allow passengers one carry-on bag up to seven kilograms, with dimensions not exceeding 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm. In the case of the content creator, even if his carry-on luggage was full, he could have carried his laptop on its own, as this is allowed under PAL’s policies.
“In addition to the free carry-on baggage allowance, a passenger is allowed to carry on-board one of any of the following personal items:
- a small handbag
- pocket book or purse
- an overcoat, wrap or blanket
- laptop with case with a maximum total dimension of 45 cm x 35 cm x 20 cm (18 in x 14 in x 8 in)
- a reasonable amount of reading material
- duty free bag
- infant's food for consumption in flight”
PAL passengers can also bring one extra item onboard, like crutches, walkers, foldable wheelchairs, or prosthetic devices if they need them. Small musical instruments are allowed, but bigger ones, like guitars that don’t fit in overhead bins or under seats, must be checked in. They can also bring small cameras, binoculars, extension cords, or power strips.
That said, you can request a “fragile” sticker as much as you want, but that doesn’t actually guarantee your baggage will be handled gently. Better be safe than sorry!
Also read: LIST: Durable Carry-On Backpacks for Bringing Laptops on Flights