Traveling with brand new electronics
Nov 8, 2017, 6:19 am
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: CRK MNL
Programs: CX Gold
Posts: 1,287
They are all supposed to have some kind of limited charge when shipped from the factories, so that shouldn't be a problem. But IIRC Apple used to recommend something like fully charging the phone battery before using them unplugged. I don't know if that would be a reason for me to avoid wanting an open-boxed phone or not, but for some it may be. Just something to consider if playing the re-sale market for these devices.
Nov 8, 2017, 8:20 pm
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 38,410
They are all supposed to have some kind of limited charge when shipped from the factories, so that shouldn't be a problem. But IIRC Apple used to recommend something like fully charging the phone battery before using them unplugged. I don't know if that would be a reason for me to avoid wanting an open-boxed phone or not, but for some it may be. Just something to consider if playing the re-sale market for these devices.
The problem is that different cells may lose charge at different rates. You can run one cell out while another is still delivering plenty of power. As the power fails you can end up with a reverse bias across the weaker cell--and that's not a good thing!
Nov 17, 2017, 3:35 pm
#18
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 125
Traveling with brand new electronics
So I will be flying AA ORD-NRT. I have bought a brand new Macbook Air and would ideally like to gift it sealed, but will they force me to open it in Chicago or Japan? Also, since it is sealed someone else could come and just claim it too. What do you recommend?
Nov 17, 2017, 3:41 pm
#19
Join Date: Apr 2017
Programs: AA, DL, Avis, Enterprise, National, IHG, HH, SPG/MR
Posts: 1,852
Ship it.
Nov 17, 2017, 3:54 pm
#20
Moderator: Information Desk, Women Travelers, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 15,651
I'm not sure what you mean by saying someone else could "claim it." (I'm hoping you're not thinking of checking it.) If you're worried, put it in a larger box or within your carry on (presuming you're PreCheck eligible).
Nov 17, 2017, 4:50 pm
#22
Join Date: May 2012
Location: HNL
Programs: AA PP 1.8MM, PC Spire, Hertz 5*, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,030
You don't have to do it in NRT. Are you TSA-Precheck? How long in the future is your flight? Maybe enough time to get TSA?
Nov 17, 2017, 4:57 pm
#23
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
Programs: AA EXP | Marriott Bonvoy Titanium| Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 11,247
Also, honestly, consumer electronics are so cheap. No one is going to steal it - especially in an airport where every square inch has cameras.
Nov 17, 2017, 6:03 pm
#24
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
If someone is going to steal it from the belt, they are going to steal it whether it is boxed, bagged or simply out in the open. So, that is a non-issue.
Leave it sealed.
There is a remote chance that TSA will require you to open it and there is a remote chance that you will be required to open it as part of a customs inspection on arrival at NRT. If that happens, open the box. Then reseal it and put a ribbon on it.
Leave it sealed.
There is a remote chance that TSA will require you to open it and there is a remote chance that you will be required to open it as part of a customs inspection on arrival at NRT. If that happens, open the box. Then reseal it and put a ribbon on it.
Jul 26, 2019, 7:30 am
#27
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 489
New iPad and stylus in a box - TSA
Just purchased a new iPad and stylus as a gift for someone. Both are in manufacture-wrapped boxes. Part of the pleasure of receiving Apple products is in the unwrapping. Can I pass through TSA with these items still in the box, unwrapped?
Jul 26, 2019, 11:21 am
#30
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Watchlisted by the prejudiced, en route to purgatory
Programs: Just Say No to Fleecing and Blacklisting
Posts: 102,095
A few months ago I was traveling with new, unopened electronic door locks as a PreCheck passenger and took the boxes out of the carry-on bag and placed them individually in the bin without opening the boxes. All of the boxes got their shrink-wrap removed and were opened up to look at the devices.
A few months before my travel party was traveling with some new iPads and new Macbooks as PreCheck passengers and we didn't have to remove any of them from even the carry-ons.
A few months before my travel party was traveling with some new iPads and new Macbooks as PreCheck passengers and we didn't have to remove any of them from even the carry-ons.
Last edited by TWA884; Jul 26, 2019 at 1:45 pm