So, to summarize your game plan: pack your laptop in your carry-on, have it easily accessible, and be ready to pull it out if needed. Don’t wrap it in a sweater like a baby burrito; just slide it into its own sleeve. And keep that battery charged enough to boot up.
One last thing: be nice to the TSA agent. I know it’s tempting to roll your eyes when they ask if your power bank is “personal” or “commercial.” Just smile, follow instructions, and remember: they’ve seen weirder things than your sticker-covered Dell. You’re not the first person to bring a laptop on a plane, and you won’t be the last.
Now go ahead, pack that laptop, grab your boarding pass, and enjoy the flight. Your screen will be waiting for you at 35,000 feet. (Just don’t forget the headphones—your seatmate does not want to hear your Zoom call.)
