So, I will be relocating in the next few months and need to figure out how to move a few fragile electronic things (computers, lcds, printer). Common sense tells me just to Fedex everything, but this statement in the CoC got my attention:

Does this imply that so long as I have original packaging, UA accepts liability?

I'll probably carry on the lcds, since they're the most likely to break, but if I can check the other stuff, that's a huge bonus.

I think there's a portion of the CoC later that mentions a prohibition on checking valuable electronic equipment along with a liability disclaimer.

In any case - while everyone can understand not wanting to pay extra to ship stuff, I think the priority should be on transporting your stuff safely. Given that, I'd never consider checking anything important or valuable unless forced to. I've decided that paying off FedEx from time to time is just a necessary cost of life.

I would never check anything with UA that I would be upset over never seeing again. I fly UA enough to know better.


Halothane

Remember the guitar!

I checked my PC (together with the LCD) to save on shipping, with just a comforter to protect it (no original packaging). The casing of the PC was slightly damaged, though still usable, even with fragile stickers on all sides of my luggage and the LCD arrived intact. As the PC was almost the size of the luggage, there wasn't much room for error. I have also checked in laptops, but these are well padded from any impact. The original packaging actually protects the item well, I have checked a full guitarhero band set un-opened (checked the original shipping box). Arrived intact.

Unless you are taking about a really nice printer.... I would just leave the old one and buy new when you get there.

But to the heart of the question, I would still ship by UPS/FedEx.... While your idea would work. I would have trouble with the intangibles.... Rain, snow, exposure of your computer. Plus the UPS/FedEx systems have a better time recovering from damage/loss (as long as you correctly pack, identify and insure your shipment).

Sure, most of the time they would probably get through fine, the problem occurs when the don't. If electronics are damaged or disappear, UA (or any airline really) will disavow any liability and the repair or replacement cost will be yours to bear.

Like others here, I wouldn't do it. However, you are missing a specific part of the COC: "ORIGINAL FACTORY SEALED CARTON..." If you are using the equipment, the carton is no longer factory sealed...

Also, keep in mind that even if you pack it PERFECTLY. Some TSA dude may try to search your bag, open it, and throw everything back in and you're "well packed" device no longer survives the trip.

If its that important, ship it.

I would be more concerned with the items gone missing than damaged.

LAX

Thanks guys, Fedex it is. I thought I'd have to, just wanted to see what everyone else does.

I have often stopped in Fry's en route to the airport - checked in things like printers (only an idiot or optimist would send a laptop in its original box). They make you sign the release on the back of the bag stub and then quite often TSA will open it as evidenced by one of their notes inside. I have often put laptops in large hard sided suit cases wrapped in tons of clothes and they have always arrived fine. And nothing has ever been stolen. A couple of people have told me indignantly of their camera or whatever being stolen out of bags. I have long since come to the conclusion that they have been defrauding their insurance company. Like I travel hundreds of flights a year and nothing goes, and they fly to Disneyland once a year and their $800 Nikon disappears. Again, who in the right mind checks a $800 Nikon? That's what I'd say if I were UA or the loss adjuster at the insurance.

It really depends on the value declared I doubt you would ever get a satisfactory damage claim from UA for full value of high priced electronics... For a fraction of your homeowners insurance deductible you can have the items shipped AND insured. Fedex is my choice.