Being a person who works in the airline industry, I must agree with Alesia. Do NOT EVER put a laptop or other valuables (car keys, medications, etc) into a checked bag. Also in agreement with the liquids in ziplocs. Bottles break more often then anyone knows resulting in not only your luggage being filled with the liquid, but the luggage next to and under it being possibly ruined. TSA and the FAA say One carryon AND One personal item (purse/SMALL backpack and carryon bag)are allowed on the plane with you. If you are flying in a smaller jet, you may have to gate check your larger carryon, but it will be placed in the plane last and retreived first.