Checking in Scanner and Printer in Computer Box on Int'l Flight
 

I am thinking about checking a printer and scanner (in one big Dell computer box) on an upcoming international flight (with a domestic connection to the gateway city). My only concern is that the TSA will scan the box and decide to open it up. I'm not too worried that they will pilfer the contents of the box, but I am concerned that they won't re-seal the box properly and my contents will get damaged.

Any experiences/thoughts?

Thanks.

I think you're crazy for wanting to check something like this with a high likelihood of being repacked badly by TSA and getting damaged in handling along the way. A friend took her guitar (equally fragile) on an international flight and was forced to check it. It was broken as a result, and she didn't get enough compensation to pay for a new one.

First, I think your plan is crazy in general. Those items have precision moving parts and they aren't going to handle the jostling of such a trip very well. They may never work as well again. If possible try to repack them exactly as they came delivered (that usually means putting pieces of styrofoam INSIDE the printer).

But if you insist on doing this, you might want to try leaving from a city where the baggage scanning pods are out in the public area so you can watch as it is inspected and needs to be opened.

How about sending your electronics ahead to your destination via FedEx, UPS? Wouldn't you rather pay a little more for peace-of-mind of sending it this way?

Not only that, but you're able to insure the package for its actual value.

update

So, I checked in a printer in its original packaging (not worth very much but I had extra baggage allowance) and it reached its final destination in decent shape. It was not the first time I checked in a printer but it was the first time I did it internationally.

As expected, TSA opened the box but the gentleman resealed it with the special TSA tape. It helped that I watched the box go through the scanner and waited around to pre-thank him...