Checking in a desktop computer for a conference to the EU
Apr 22, 2011 | 12:51 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: SEA
Programs: DL PM, AS MVPG, SPG Platinum
Posts: 116
Checking in a desktop computer for a conference to the EU
An unique situation has arisen that I need an opinion on. I have two almost back to back conferences where I need a desktop computer for use (it is a VMware server). One is in Boston and the other in Munich. I will fly from SEA to BOS back to SEA, at home 16 hours and then to MUC via AMS.
Usually we would ship the item from our HQ in Seattle to the conference but given one ends on the 5th and the other starts on the 8th, there isn't enough time. What is the risk for checking in a desktop computer (that is packaged very well) on my flight to Munich from Seattle via AMS. I'll probably remove the hard drive or is that not recommended (customs?).
Looking for advice from fellow FTers...
Usually we would ship the item from our HQ in Seattle to the conference but given one ends on the 5th and the other starts on the 8th, there isn't enough time. What is the risk for checking in a desktop computer (that is packaged very well) on my flight to Munich from Seattle via AMS. I'll probably remove the hard drive or is that not recommended (customs?).
Looking for advice from fellow FTers...
Apr 22, 2011 | 1:00 pm
#2
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: South Yorkshire
Programs: DL PM, National Exec, HH Dia, Sixt Plat, SPG Gold
Posts: 182
I've checked a workstation from ATL to MAN a few times. Delta will generally make you sign a waiver whereby you assume all the risk, but no extra charges provided it is within the normal size/weight. I recall paying $50 extra because mine was 60lbs - but that was a few years ago. I had mine packed in the original Dell box with extra foam.
I removed the HD's and packed those in my carry-on. I think you'd be crazy not to do that. That shouldn't be an issue for customs since you'll have to clear with all your luggage.
I removed the HD's and packed those in my carry-on. I think you'd be crazy not to do that. That shouldn't be an issue for customs since you'll have to clear with all your luggage.
Apr 22, 2011 | 1:50 pm
#3
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Flying to a boat
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Posts: 832
I have taken a desktop as carry-on internationally, thus didn't worry about how it was handled, as I could treat it gingerly. I simply folded an empty garment bag over the top, closed the bag straps under the bottom, and carried it over my shoulder like any other garment bag. I had no issues going through security or getting on the plane. It laid flat in the overhead, and all was well.
Apr 22, 2011 | 1:57 pm
#4
Join Date: Dec 2005
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IMHO, if the computer isn't something you can do without, is there any way to get it on as your carryon? Less likely to get mangled and you've then got a continuity of control.
I figure that you can easily replace clothes on relatively short notice. The computer, not as much.
I figure that you can easily replace clothes on relatively short notice. The computer, not as much.
Apr 22, 2011 | 3:06 pm
#5
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: NYC, CDG, NCE
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 2,805
I've checked machines in well padded pelican cases with no trouble.
Totally agree about the HDDs.
Another thought I'd consider is to just send it ahead from BOS to MUC via DHL or Fedex. There are some customs forms to fill out, but should be no big deal.
Totally agree about the HDDs.
Another thought I'd consider is to just send it ahead from BOS to MUC via DHL or Fedex. There are some customs forms to fill out, but should be no big deal.
Apr 22, 2011 | 3:10 pm
#6
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: ATL
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Posts: 6,392
IMHO, if the computer isn't something you can do without, is there any way to get it on as your carryon? Less likely to get mangled and you've then got a continuity of control.
I figure that you can easily replace clothes on relatively short notice. The computer, not as much.
I figure that you can easily replace clothes on relatively short notice. The computer, not as much.
I certainly would do this if it was critical, if my clothes get lost I can bill the company for a shopping trip.
When I used to ski I carried on my boots. Always carry on whatever is most critical, with the exception of recreational drugs :-)
Apr 22, 2011 | 3:27 pm
#7
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Likely being followed...
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Posts: 5,237
What would be difficult? Almost all boxes I have seen recently would easily fit in my carry-on.
I certainly would do this if it was critical, if my clothes get lost I can bill the company for a shopping trip.
When I used to ski I carried on my boots. Always carry on whatever is most critical, with the exception of recreational drugs :-)
I certainly would do this if it was critical, if my clothes get lost I can bill the company for a shopping trip.
When I used to ski I carried on my boots. Always carry on whatever is most critical, with the exception of recreational drugs :-)
Apr 22, 2011 | 3:57 pm
#8
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Join Date: Apr 2009
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Maybe I'm looking at this the wrong way, but what kind of application requires you to lug the server with instead of accessing it over the internet? Perhaps look for a technological solution as opposed to a baggage one?
Apr 24, 2011 | 11:23 am
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: SEA
Programs: DL PM, AS MVPG, SPG Platinum
Posts: 116
Our solution is an integration solution and integrates with VMWare. If a reliable web connection back to a lab were a possibility I wouldn't do this but alas the connection we were quoted was 512kbps and not guaranteed either, not enough for a connection back to Bellevue.
In any case - it is a small dell optiplex, I will try the carryon route and check my clothes. Hadn't even considered it actually!
Thank you everyone for your input.
In any case - it is a small dell optiplex, I will try the carryon route and check my clothes. Hadn't even considered it actually!
Thank you everyone for your input.
Apr 24, 2011 | 10:10 pm
#10
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: EWR, FRA, CDG, BOS
Programs: UA-1K; DL-1MM; SPG-P75; Marriot-P
Posts: 469
YVD, you are flying via two pretty decent airports. SEA and AMS. Being SEA based myself, I have NEVER lost anything via these two airports in 14 years. JFK and ATL are a very different matter.
Completely agree with having the HD on you. However, even a full sized desktop should still fit in a 20" rollaboard. That is what I would do.
Completely agree with having the HD on you. However, even a full sized desktop should still fit in a 20" rollaboard. That is what I would do.