Is Checking Computer as Baggage Safe?
 

I have two iMacs I need to transport. I have the original boxes from Apple, as well as the plain brown sleeve boxes that the white graphic ones go inside, so they won't be advertised as computers, and will be double-boxed with their original molded packing inside the white boxes.

Is it safe to check them?

Thanks for any pro advice.

No, it isn't safe; I would never check anything of value. It's just asking for trouble. If you can't carry them on, you should consider shipping them.

No, don't check them. Send they via FedEx, where you can track them. You may not have heard, but some people have had electronics stolen from their luggage. While they weren't as big as iMacs, the chance still exists that somebody could steal something.

Will add to the comments with this - when you ship, insure the package for the replacement value of the item (FedEx and UPS standard policies will not cover most replacement costs for computers).

I recently had a camera stolen from my luggage. Don't take the risk at all.
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United's policy will probably state not to put items of value in there.

In a hard sided shipping case, declared and insured maybe, but that's going to cost more than shipping via ups or FedEx insured for their value.

Pack them up and let FedEx or UPS handle them

You can always carry them on. I sometimes have to take two laptops for work and will regularly carry them on in one computer bag. It's a pain to get through security(pulling out two laptops in two separate bins), but I don't have to ship/check a laptop then which I consider a bigger pain.

Good luck!

If you have to check them, put them in the middle of all of your clothing and the like.

It may not be safe but I checked a bag with six macmini's and one mackbookpro without problem. I'd do it again.

This is my thought, too. I'd use a reputable shipping co. (i.e., UPS) where you can get insurance, tracking, delivery confirmation, etc.

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.

The "red flag" is easy to avoid. That said I agree with those who point out risks. I do check computers fairly regularly in order to avoid hassles with security when I have several and to avoid having very cumbersome carryon bags as well. I never ever get insurance or specify the value because I do think that to be a 'red flag'. I don't recommend it, but checking computers is far from the riskiest thing one might do. It may be stupid, but relative to what? I understand the risks and accept them. I'd never check them transiting LHR, for example, where I've never had a bag make a successful connection. In most places I just accept the risks and go for convenience.

The answer, as always, is "it depends".

If you're leaving and arriving outside of the US, yes, it's pretty safe.

If either starting point or destination is the US, no, don't do it and take the advice of using UPS or FedEx.

It's like the stock market. If you're going to play, make sure you can afford to lose it.

If you mean "will it endanger the aircraft or passengers?", no. If you mean "might it get ripped off by TSA/Baggage Handlers/Random Individuals?", yes.