External Hard Drive
External hard drives are allowed in carry-on and checked bags, confirmed directly by TSA.
Carry-on
Allowed
Checked
Allowed
Carry-on details
Allowed. TSA explicitly permits external hard drives and other disassembled computer parts in carry-on bags.
Checked-bag details
Allowed, though carry-on is gentler on the drive. Traditional spinning hard drives (HDDs) can be damaged by rough handling in checked baggage; external SSDs, which have no moving parts, hold up better either way.
FAQ
- Is it safe to check an external hard drive?
- It's allowed, but a spinning (HDD) external drive is more vulnerable to shock damage in checked baggage than an SSD. Carry-on is the safer choice for either type.
Related items
Source: TSA — What Can I Bring? · Last verified: 2026-07-30
Final decision rests with the security officer at the checkpoint.