Can I take a wrapped up laptop on a plane?

[MaryPoppinsPenguins]

It’s my DD’s birthday while we’re on holiday next month and we’re getting her a laptop. We really want it to be a surprise so want to wrap it, but also I don’t trust putting it in my checked luggage as my luck is it will go missing!

Can I take it wrapped up and then just send it wrapped through the scanner?

Laptops need to be taken out of bags and go through scanners separately so I’m not sure it’ll work

They do sometimes ask you to take presents out of the wrappers.

Sadly no - you have to let the security people see it.

Hmm... any ideas?

I really want her to have it on her actual birthday and she is so convinced she’s not getting one I don’t want her to see it and have the surprise ruined.

Don't forget it needs to be fully charged as well.

Take the wrapping paper pre cut and a small roll of sellotape than wrap after security.

Can you go through security seperate? Like could your partner (if travelling with one!) take your DD through, and you follow say half an hour later, at least she wouldn’t see the laptop? Not ideal I know.

Maybe give her a card that says what the present will be?
You're not supposed to put wrapped presents in checked luggage either, because airport security staff sometimes open them. Airlines probably won't take responsibility for broken electronics in checked luggage - every time I fly they ask me if I have any valuable items or electronics.

Can you concuct an excuse to go through security separate to the rest of the family? Need to pop back for something... Then take it unwrapped (and charged etc) and no worries about DD seeing it.

Are you travelling with a dp or another adult? You could go through security seperately so they don't see it.

Split up at security - accidentally go through a different line, or suddenly get a dodgy tummy and insist everyone goes through security without you while you're in the loo.
That way she won't see it.

I wouldn't take it - it's going to make your hand luggage ridiculously heavy for a start!

I would print out a nice card of it and take that instead, and couple of other nice presents instead.

I’d just give it to her before you go tbh. If she’s old enough for a laptop then she’s old enough to understand.

Go through security before/after her so she doesn't see, then just wrap it when you get there?

We were told to take all battery things out of our luggage when we went to check in. No ipads, computer etc, all had to go in hand luggage.
You need to be able to turn the item on if they ask you (that would probably play havoc with setting it up?)
I'd leave it at home. If she's old enough to be getting one, she's old enough to understand it's not practical to give as a gift abroad. You could always wrap up some accessories for it, case, mouse etc.

I guess I could just give her dollars and a card and have it waiting when we get home... or send DH and our friends through and go separately. It’s the heavy hand luggage someone reminded me of that’s now putting me off.. (I’m also going to have to take mine for work, that equals sure backache doesn’t it!)