Gear – Techaholist’s Tech Guides

Flying out across the country and abroad with laptops, computer tablets, or portable min desktop computer requires that you carry a trusted computer keyboard of your liking. But, with the challenge of meeting carry-on luggage limits and airline computer gadgets requirement rules, it can be challenging to know if airlines will allow your computer keyboard into the flight. In general, mechanical computer keyboards are allowed into a flight. To meet flight gadgets requirements, you will have to contact the airline you are traveling with to advise you whether you can pack your computer keyboard into your carry-on luggage or into the travel bags you check into the cargo area. Whichever is the case, TSA checking in security points will require that you take out your mechanical computer keyboard to complete your security checks process. Mechanical keyboards are not normally a threat to national security. Computer Keyboards As part of your allowance Carry-On Luggage into the flights will typically depend on individual airline permits for you to carry your computer keyboard or laptop onboard provided that you: Have easy access to the equipment without removing any of your other bags from the overhead compartments and below your seat. This ensures easy and quick removal of the equipment.Ensure that the computer keyboard powers up when connected to a power source and does not interfere with emergency duties and evacuation procedures for all other passengers. Computer keyboards are allowed into a flight as long as it is in its protective carrying case or sleeve, just like any other laptop or gadget you may be traveling with. However, this depends on the airline you are traveling with. Computer keyboards and laptop computers must be placed in the carry-on luggage or under your seat for easy access during the flight; this ensures that they do not cause obstructions to other passengers who need their seats as well. They cannot be stored in overhead compartments since these are strictly reserved for bulky items like coats, jackets, and other heavy items. Placing your computer keyboards in checked-in baggage is probably the best option to travel along with your best keyboard as some airlines do not allow computer accessories even when you have a laptop bag as your carry on. Keep in mind that most airlines do not allow passengers to check in any item weighing over fifty pounds or whose dimensions exceed fourteen inches. Some airlines allow laptop computers and accessories while others only allow laptops to combine with other items checked in as luggage. Ensure you find out your airline's weight allowance before checking in any item alongside your carry-on or checked-in baggage onto the flight. Be sure not to exceed the limit allowed for luggage by individual airlines. How To Avoid Delays When Travelling With Laptops And Computer Electronic Accessories On A Flight? Traveling with electronics and computer gadgets on a flight can cause delays and disruptions, especially when you fail to prepare before getting onboard the flight. When traveling with laptop computers on a flight, there are certain guidelines that you should follow to avoid delays: Arrive At The Airport Earlier With Your Computer Keyboard Than Normal. Arriving at your nearest airport earlier with your computer keyboard and other electronic gadgets allows ample time for the TSA to do all of their manual inspection and swabbing without eating into your flight boarding time. The earlier you arrive at the airport, the faster your security checks will be. You may even get lucky and avoid all of these entirely if you are a frequent flier. Pack Your Electronic Gadgets Safely And Securely In A Carry-On Bag. Place all of your electronic gadgets such as laptops, computer keyboards, and other equipment in a carry-on or cabin bag. This ensures that you can have easy access to them whenever required without having to wait for your checked-in luggage. Having everything easily accessible and within reach reduces delays and hassles since you don't need to wait for your baggage once you land at your destination airport. Learn About Electronic Restrictions And Duties For Traveling With Laptops In Different Countries. Every country is different and has its own set of rules regarding electronics like laptop computers and computer keyboards that foreign travelers bring in. Some countries allow duty-free items while others do not; therefore, it is advised that you find out as much information about the country you will be visiting before you travel to that country. A Few Other Things To Keep In Mind When Travelling With Laptops And Computer Gadgets On A Flight: Different airlines have different restrictions and regulations regarding electronic devices for their travelers; ensure you find out the information about your airline before traveling with laptop computers or any other computer accessory on your flight.When traveling with laptops and electronic computer gadgets, you should take an extra power cord or power supply that is also compatible with the electrical plugs in the country you are traveling to. American electrical plugs are completely different to UK's and Australia's standard electrical pugs. Consider Upgrading Your Mechanical Computer Keyboard To A Silicone Computer Keyboard. Silicone computer keyboards are the best way to make sure that you tick all security checks effortlessly. They are durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean. In addition to this, silicone computer keyboards are non-porous, limiting the growth of germs and bacteria on the keyboard surface, making them ideal for frequent travelers. Silicone computer keyboards have textured surfaces that provide excellent grip even when you are wearing moist hands or gloves. I love silicone computer keyboards as I can just roll them up and slot them into my carry-on or cabin bag and forget all about them. Once I reach my destination, it only takes me a few seconds to unroll the keyboard and start working right away without having to worry about whether they will have the correct plug adapters for my usual mechanical computer keyboard. Can You Bring A Mechanical Keyboard On A Plane? If you have ever used a mechanical keyboard for so long, there are plenty of good reasons why you would want to bring your keyboard along with you on a flight. But, are mechanical keyboards allowed on a plane? In a nutshell, you can bring a mechanical keyboard on a plane if the airline you are traveling with allows for electronic gadgets inside your carry-on luggage as part of your hand luggage. However, the only downside is that you have to carry the keyboard in your cabin bag since it cannot be placed inside your checked-in luggage. This means that if you happen to have a large mechanical keyboard like my 60% Poker II or any other larger-sized keyboards, they are not allowed on the plane and will need to be carried in your cabin bag. So, What Is The Best Way To Travel With A Mechanical Keyboard? There are two ways that I recommend if you want to travel with a mechanical keyboard without having to worry about getting it dirty or about it breaking due to lack of care. These two options include: A silicone computer keyboard: There are plenty of silicone computer keyboards that are super durable and can easily be rolled up into your carry-on bag along with your other bits and pieces. A good example is a keyboard I use, a 60% Poker II keyboard with silicone key switches and a silicone cover for the bottom half, which doubles as a key puller if I need to clean out the keyboard. Testing your keyboard before traveling: As a mechanical keyboard geek, I always test my keyboards before traveling with them and replace any keys that are loose or have been ripped off completely before packing it up in my bag. You may want to do this too if you don't want to take any unnecessary risks when traveling with your keyboard and don't want to ruin the experience of owning a premium-quality mechanical keyboard. Conclusion: Whether you are using wireless keyboards or silicone computer keyboards, make sure that they are in good shape to meet manual security checks. This may include switching them on and off to prove they are working and compatible with your device before you are allowed to board your flight. It's also important to carry loose parts like keycaps in your carry-on luggage to avoid confiscating them by security officials. I hope you find this article useful and if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Also, please share the article on social media if you think a friend would be interested in reading about traveling with a mechanical keyboard too.