Is Checking Computer as Baggage Safe?
Oct 9, 2010 | 12:40 pm
#31
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: PDX (wish I was in HNL)
Programs: 1K
Posts: 1,692
this thread reminded me of my first computer, an Apple //e that I hauled back and forth to college in the early '80's. It was lighter than some of those Dell 17" laptops now. I think it fit under the seat in front of me. Seat pitch was more forgiving then, and no one had to bring rollerboards. I bought a special bag so I could do carry-on. I had to check the monitor though (lovely green screen).
Fedex the computers!
Fedex the computers!
Oct 9, 2010 | 5:37 pm
#33
Join Date: Oct 2003
Programs: MP, 1K 1MM
Posts: 1,255
May depend on what you mean by "computer"
Intending to gift his host in Thailand, JW returned to the shipping box in which a desktop had been sent him (through FexEx or UPS I don't remember) and paid UA's overweight shipping fee while the box accompanied him to BKK.
His first class tix did nothing to provide special loving care for the computer, however: it arrived with a kick-hole in the side.
!
UA shrugged its collective shoulders, accepted >NO< responsibility and offered >NO< compensation.
I think JW salvaged possibly one internal drive, but the rest became a bone-yard for swap-out parts.
YMMV
His first class tix did nothing to provide special loving care for the computer, however: it arrived with a kick-hole in the side.
!
UA shrugged its collective shoulders, accepted >NO< responsibility and offered >NO< compensation.
I think JW salvaged possibly one internal drive, but the rest became a bone-yard for swap-out parts.
YMMV
Oct 9, 2010 | 6:02 pm
#34
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: On the road in North America....
Programs: UA 1MM, *G, Global Entry
Posts: 579
Thanks. Sorry for not reading the 2nd page (where it was pointed out that these are iMacs) before posting.
This thread reminds me of the first time I took a computer on an international flight. It was 1986, and it was a Mac SE. My company had some hard sided shipping cases custom made for these computers, and I checked it as luggage. I did get a form from the customs folks before the trip, so they wouldn't give me a hard time bringing it back into the country.
joe
This thread reminds me of the first time I took a computer on an international flight. It was 1986, and it was a Mac SE. My company had some hard sided shipping cases custom made for these computers, and I checked it as luggage. I did get a form from the customs folks before the trip, so they wouldn't give me a hard time bringing it back into the country.
joe
Oct 9, 2010 | 6:12 pm
#35
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: where the chile is hot
Programs: AA,RR,NW,Delta ,UA,CO
Posts: 48,877
Oct 9, 2010 | 6:16 pm
#36
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: where the chile is hot
Programs: AA,RR,NW,Delta ,UA,CO
Posts: 48,877
IIRC, computers/electronics are not among items that will be credited if your baggage goes missing. If you can afford it going missing or have insurance, than you can take a risk, but I am never confident that a five-finger discount will not take place, even with a TSA lock.
Personally, my computer would not leave my side, not even gate checking on RJs.
I am not sure which iMac size you have, but I would really recommend seeing if you can fit one into a carry-on size luggage, if so, bring it on board. i have seen people carry desktops and large monitors aboard.
I would be more confident that Fedex will get it to your destination.
I think the only situation where I would feel comfortable checking desktops would be if you can "saran wrap" the baggage and ensure it arrives like that. I have seen this at international airports, but I am not sure how TSA would deal with this.
Personally, my computer would not leave my side, not even gate checking on RJs.
I am not sure which iMac size you have, but I would really recommend seeing if you can fit one into a carry-on size luggage, if so, bring it on board. i have seen people carry desktops and large monitors aboard.
I would be more confident that Fedex will get it to your destination.
I think the only situation where I would feel comfortable checking desktops would be if you can "saran wrap" the baggage and ensure it arrives like that. I have seen this at international airports, but I am not sure how TSA would deal with this.
The function of the plastic is two-fold: to make it a pain to get into the bag (meaning a crooked baggage handler may choose an unwrapped bag instead) and to make it immediately apparent that the bag has been opened (definitely means you want to open it up all the way and verify contents before leaving the airport).
Oct 9, 2010 | 7:30 pm
#37
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: MHT/BOS
Programs: Many
Posts: 429
My business makes checking bags fulls of computers necessary. UPS/DHL would cost ~5X what the airlines charge for the excess peices in our case.
It is not safe. Sometimes I get stuff stolen. But most of the computers make it most of the time.
100% of my bags are opened by TSA 100% of the time. My best guess is TSA are the ones stealing; they have the best oppurtunity.
It is not safe. Sometimes I get stuff stolen. But most of the computers make it most of the time.
100% of my bags are opened by TSA 100% of the time. My best guess is TSA are the ones stealing; they have the best oppurtunity.
Oct 10, 2010 | 3:24 pm
#39
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: MHT/BOS
Programs: Many
Posts: 429
Oct 10, 2010 | 4:47 pm
#40
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Northern Nevada
Programs: DL,EK
Posts: 1,653
In the Middle East I don't think you'd have a problem... same in Japan. There is very little theft in these countries.... in Dubai you can go down to the waterfront most nights and find stacks of electronics sitting unguarded on the wharf. Nobody steals them.
Oct 10, 2010 | 6:45 pm
#41
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Far from CDG
Programs: AA LT PLT (3.6+ MM), UA 1K LT Gold, Hilton LT Diamond, Bonvoy Gold.
Posts: 1,672
Your chances of everything being OK are probably at least 90 percent. That explains why several people can post "I did it and I didn't have a problem."
That said, I wouldn't take the risk. To an experienced baggage handler, the shape, weight, and weight distribution (toward the center; feels different when you rotate them) of your boxes would be like a flashing red neon sign reading "Computer Inside." The great majority of baggage handlers are honest, but every occupation has its bad apples and a computer can be very tempting. Go with a shipping company.
That said, I wouldn't take the risk. To an experienced baggage handler, the shape, weight, and weight distribution (toward the center; feels different when you rotate them) of your boxes would be like a flashing red neon sign reading "Computer Inside." The great majority of baggage handlers are honest, but every occupation has its bad apples and a computer can be very tempting. Go with a shipping company.