How Do You Travel with an iPad? Top Tips for Differrent Users

Updated, Oct 2025 -

Traveling with an iPad can be an incredible experience, enhancing your journey with entertainment, productivity, and connectivity. However, the way you travel and use your iPad varies greatly depending on your unique needs and preferences.

Moreover, there is the risk of theft to consider, standing in endless security lines, carry-on chaos, juggling cables, chargers and documents, protecting the screen from crowded luggage and then keeping it all accessible in-flight.

Whew!

In this article, we'll take a closer look at how to travel with an iPad and how to keep it safe while doing so. If you have experience traveling with a iPad, leave a comment below and share your story about what works for you and what doesn't.

Cases, Sleeves, and Bags: What’s Right for You?

There seems to be as many options for carrying and protecting an Apple tablet as there are iPad models themselves. Given this, how do you choose from the plethora of iPad bags and protective iPad cases available?

Should you go for a simple iPad cross-body bag or a more professional iPad Briefcase? Will a lightweight nylon iPad backpack or durable, leather iPad bag better enhance your travel experience?

At MacCase, we created the Apple-specific case market when we started designing cases for Apple portables in 1998. The iPad was launched in 2010 and we've been protecting them every since. We've spoken to thousands of customers over these last 15+ years about talking an iPad "on the road".

This is what we’ve learned.

Voice of Experience - Traveling With an iPad

At gain immediate insight into some of the things to look out for, we spoke to Michael Santoro, a multi-award-winning designer and frequent traveler who is often accompanied by his trusty 13" iPad Pro.

He told us:

"For the most part, iPads are great travel companions. Traveling with an iPad is easy, keeping it safe can be a challenge. What I have found is a little common sense goes a long way when it comes to keeping it protected."

"First, ensure it's in a protective case or sleeve. Pack it in your carry-on or personal item, ensuring it's easily accessible for security checks. If you have to stuff it into a over-stuffed bag or roller, layer it with clothing to prevent direct pressure to any one area."

"Use a case or sleeve that is padded, not just a plastic screen cover. The padding will compress and keep any focused pressure points from damaging the screen or thin aluminum rear panel."

If you're using the Apple Pencil, make sure the case, sleeve or bag you choose has a secure place to store it. You don't want your Pencil dangling from an elastic loop as you're running to make your flight."

"Download necessary apps, entertainment, and documents. Consider a portable charger for extended use. Don't forget headphones and, for safety, keep it with you throughout your journey."

Traveling with an iPad - Short Trip

For weekend getaways, simplicity and minimalism are key. Choosing an iPad folio or sleeve is a smart choice. A sleek and lightweight iPad folio or sleeve is perfect for short trips. It offers basic protection and adds minimal bulk to your overnight bag.

Moreover, if the trip is by car, you have a certain amount of control over the level of danger your iPad is in. Your iPad is secured in the case. The case is packed in your weekend bag and the bag is then placed on the back seat or in the storage area of the car.

Use some common sense and pack sensibly by not placing any heavy or sharp items on top of your Apple tablet. By doing so, you should arrive at your destination with your iPad in perfect condition. Traveling by car is a relatively safe way to travel with an iPad.

Top Tip: Download your favorite movies, TV shows, or books onto your iPad before you leave, ensuring you have entertainment without relying on Wi-Fi during your journey.

Traveling with an iPad - Business

Business travelers require efficiency and style for work-related trips. A dedicated leather iPad briefcase is an ideal way to travel with an iPad for business. Smart and professional, a quality leather iPad briefcase not only protects your Pro or Air when you're on the move but also complements your professional attire.

Look for designs that have places for accessories and other professional items. If you use a Magic Keyboard, be sure your iPad Briefcase is compatible. If you are a proponent of the Apple Pencil, safe and secure storage for this expensive accessory should also be considered.

If you need to make presentations during your travels, consider a dedicated iPad Pro leather bag with compartments for your tablet, accessories, and your presentation materials. This ensures you're well-prepared and organized and again, can make a good impression on whomever you are presenting to.

Shop designs that offer both a top handle and a detachable shoulder strap so you can vary how you carry the case. Since a leather case is usually more expensive, insist on a good warranty (lifetime is best) as part of your purchase.

Traveling with an iPad - Long Term

Extended travelers need durability and versatility. A dedicated iPad backpack with protective features is the way to go. These packs should feature a padded sleeve for your Apple tablet and additional protection for your Pro or Air during long journeys.

Many of these dedicated iPad backpacks double as day-use bags at each destination. A well-designed pack can provide secure storage for your Apple tablet when not in use and can hold other essentials for exploring.

Look for a pack with not only a built-in padded sleeve, but a padded floor as well. Sure, a padded sleeve will protect your iPad from other objects in your pack, but without a padded floor, what is protecting your expensive Apple tablet when you set it down on the hard epoxy airport floor or the concrete floor of a bus or train station?

Another tip to keep both you and your Apple tablet safe is to look for a design that doesn't convey to the world that you have an expensive piece of Apple hardware inside. Look for rounded, more organic shapes that don't telegraph you've got expensive tech on board.

Lastly, make sure the pack is comfortable, has good weight distribution and is cool to wear on hot days. Nothing can ruin a trip more quickly than being uncomfortable due to a poorly designed pack that's unruly to wear.

Traveling with an iPad - Day Use

Extended travelers also need flexibility. Having a bag that can function as a protective sleeve in a roller bag or a carry-on, then as a great day-use bag once you arrive at your destination is like getting two protective cases for one price.

Ensure the bag offers excellent padding and protection against shocks and impacts. The best designs will function as an iPad sleeve during this phase of travel. Their main purpose is to provide protection while inside a large bag or case.

Look for a design that is compact and minimal but includes a removable shoulder strap. Use the base case to safeguard your device within your main luggage during transit. Then add the strap at your destination for around town protection.

Having a removable accessory pouch as part of the design will help keep you organized and keep your charger, cables, screen cleaner and other items clean and safe. An iPad crossbody travel bag works great as companions when exploring new places with your Apple tablet.

Preventing Theft and Managing Wi-Fi

iPad theft can be a concern while traveling. To minimize the risk, always keep your Apple tablet within sight and reach, especially in crowded places. Use an iPad shoulder bag or cross-body bag to deter pickpockets.

When not in use, store your iPad in the hotel room safe or a secure locker. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities like online banking. Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for added security. Activate the "Find My iPad" feature in your device settings to track and remotely lock or erase your iPad if it's lost or stolen.

Staying connected while on the road is crucial. Download maps and navigation apps that offer offline functionality. This ensures you can navigate without relying on continuous Wi-Fi. For international travel, consider purchasing local SIM cards or portable Wi-Fi hot spots to maintain internet access. Check with your mobile carrier about international data roaming plans to avoid high charges.

Install Wi-Fi finder apps to locate nearby Wi-Fi hot spots securely.

For Those Traveling with an iPad Who What to Make Sure They Come Home With It

Traveling with an iPad can greatly enhance your travel experience, regardless of your journey's purpose or duration. The key is to choose the right protective accessories and travel gear for your specific needs.

By following these tips and remaining vigilant against theft, you can make the most of your Apple tablet while exploring the world.

How do you travel with your iPad? We'd love to hear your experiences and for you to share any tips to tricks in the comment section below.