Checking in Scanner and Printer in Computer Box on Int'l Flight
Jan 15, 2005 | 7:36 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,218
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.
Any experiences/thoughts?
Thanks.
Jan 15, 2005 | 2:14 pm
#2
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: IND
Programs: UA Million Miler (Lifetime Gold), Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 3,531
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.
Jan 15, 2005 | 3:59 pm
#3
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Toronto
Programs: AC, AA, DL, UA
Posts: 1,604
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.
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.
Jan 15, 2005 | 4:29 pm
#5
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Ontario, Canada
Programs: Westjet Platinum, Fairmont Platinum RIP, Accor Gold, Marriott Lifetime Silver, HH Diamond
Posts: 1,296
Originally Posted by ntamayo
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?
Jan 21, 2005 | 4:26 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,218
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...
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...