I want to move an Apple iMac 21" from DXB to LHR and am booked on the A380 in a couple of weeks.
What's the best and safest way to do this?
I have the original Apple box with the internal packing bits. I think I could carry it on-board if I bought a suitable holdall type bag and unboxed it or I could check it in and get it plastic wrapped at DXB.

What do you think?

Your issue with carrying it on will be more in line with the 7kg weight restriction for cabin baggage. How much does the piece weigh?

Well, I don't know exactly but its more than 7 kgs, probable double that, but I've never had any trouble with the airline weighing cabin baggage.
I think checking it in, boxed and plastic wrapped, makes sense but I dunno how likely it is to emerge unscathed at LHR. Do they have a 'fragile' baggage option or where do they stow strollers/pushchairs?

Apple specify the weight of the latest 21.5" model at 8.8kg. I am not sure if this includes packaging and accessories.

I have yet to experience over-zealous hand baggage scrutiny at DXB, but reports indicate that it does happen with some regularity. All those cashiers near the check-in desks need to be kept busy somehow.

If placing in checked baggage, I find the greatest risks are due to crushing should your item be loaded first into the hold or container and heavy items with rigid edges thrown on top. I would pack in original box, then pack that in a larger box or suitcase with a few inches of padding/packing in all directions.

Placing the original box inside a bin liner first (to protect from moisture) may seem excessive given that baggage is rarely left outside in the rain. However, after a recent flight where every second passenger was carrying 10 litres of poorly packaged holy water, I would recommend it! My bag escaped, but some others were drenched.

The best thing IMHO would be to put the iMac in a trolley bag (given, it wont be your regular 'cabin bag') but ive seen plenty of people with slightly larger trolley suitcases allowed through.

I have an iMac 27" and a 21" - I know how heavy they are and the original packaging (as good as it is), I doubt Emirates would allow a huge box on the cabin.

I would personally wrap it in bubble wrap and find an appropriate trolley bag.

There are some other solutions (at a price) such as this and this.

Scotty, thanks for that - it's a once only relocation of the iMac so I'm not really up for that sort of outlay.

father ted - good point about the bin liner!

I hesitate to think about it but perhaps I'll call Emirates and see what they suggest

Unless it is very securely package and protected I would not check it in. My sister has had many homeware items crushed in transit and EK will claim no responsibility.

Have you considered just shipping it DHL or FedEx insured?

joe

The only way I would take it - is to carry it onboard. Wrap it in bubble wrap and put it under your arm. Also, and I know I am stating the obvious, back it up completely and make sure its insured...

It should fit into a standard roll-a-board. So, you should just be able to carry it on board. It will over the 7kg limit, but I doubt they'd spot you unless you were struggling.

I think the carry on checks seem to skewed in favour of certain skin tones - if you catch my drift.

OP

Just wondering how you got on as im thinking of tagging my iMac 27" along to China soon.

5 years later?

I carried my XBox South Africa to India and back in hand luggage no problem, both in a suitcase one-way and back in a backpack

Hmmm..... I think I posted this before I actually owned a 21" iMac. I think I'd struggle to get it into my carryon looking at it

Thought i'd search the forums as I remember seeing it a few years back

No chance getting the 21" in a suitcase, nevermind the 27"

I just carried a case of wine back GLA-DXB-SYD last week and it was fine. Fragile stickers and a priority first tag did the trick. I don't see why a well packaged computer couldn't do the same journey, but i'd maybe put it in a larger box to make it look less...tempting.