Originally Posted by
GUWonder
There will be some countries that don't buy into an ineffective ban and make it possible to get to some countries that are contiguous enough to US land or seaports to make it possible to travel with the electronic items without being separated from them.
That's fine if you're still in the travel planning stage, but for those whose plans are set and paid for, changing at the last minute to alternative routes to avoid the ban isn't feasible.
Originally Posted by
GUWonder
Cargo theft is a risk -- even when dealing with major overseas cargo carriers. For devices where the most valuable material is the data, better find a way to protect that data.
Also, when items with valuable data are transported out of your sight, there will be a risk that law enforcement or intelligence authorities -- or those acting on behalf of such -- may meddle without it being all as obvious as if the items remained in your sight during the trip.
Some of the data monitoring/surveillance/spying operations engaged in by intelligence agencies couldn't have happened as they have without meddling with cargo shipments.
If data integrity and privacy protection isn't a major concern for the individual and you'll send them out of sight either way, then look first at having the best insurance coverage for damage, loss and theft regardless of whether it goes via common carrier as checked baggage or via cargo.
With some of the risks you mention it's a matter of playing the odds: is FedEx more or less likely than anonymous baggage handlers and security personal likely to damage or steal my electronics?
With FEdEx at least there is a paper trail of accountability that is completely lacking with checked luggage.
As for data monitoring/surveillance/spying operations, what counts on my laptop is created with proprietary software and I own the copyright on the majority of my work (as in registered with the U.S. Copyright Office). Any government agency who accesses it might be entertained, but not enlightened on any issue upon which they might have legitimate concern.
Originally Posted by iad2jfk
US CBP Form 4457.
Good to know. Thanks.