anybody flown with computer tower? (laptops, desktop, hard drive, monitor)

[cazelais]

I would like to bring my computer tower since I am going to be away
from home for possible long time of up to half a year. It's a no brainer
I know. Just pack it well in a suitcase. I just wonder if anyone has
done this or has any tips. I suppose bringing on board in the cabin
would be best. I have to go through customs as well since it will be
from Canada to U.S. A 3,000 mile flight with possible transfer along
the way, groan. I figure on just buying a secondhand monitor once I am
in the U.S. I wish I had a laptop.

[Bo]

According to the TSA web site only laptop computers are permitted to be in carry-on luggage in the US.

Maybe you could carry-on the hard drive and put the case and everything else in checked luggage?

[johnrex62]

I would ship it to myself. If you check it in baggage it is exempted from any tarriff coverage. They loose it, break it, crush it, etc....tough luck, so sad, Next!


I am not sure that the TSA web data actually indicates that only laptops are permitted as carryon as Bowie indicated, it only specifically addresses laptops and does not mention the terms only, nor does it exclude desktop electronics in the text.

It is more likely that it was omitted as it is not something most would consider carrying on and in many cases would be too large to fit inside a carry on case. 22" x 16" x 9" maximum overall.


If you ship it via USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc.. it will be insured and more likely to arrive intact.

[cazelais]

Thanks, Bowie and Johnrex62, I'll check the price of shipping but if it's too pricey I might just take the hard drive out and pack it well into a suitcase to be checked in.

[Bo]

Originally Posted by johnrex62

I am not sure that the TSA web data actually indicates that only laptops are permitted as carryon as Bowie indicated, it only specifically addresses laptops and does not mention the terms only, nor does it exclude desktop electronics in the text.

It is more likely that it was omitted as it is not something most would consider carrying on and in many cases would be too large to fit inside a carry on case. 22" x 16" x 9" maximum overall.

I was thinking components of desktop computers would be more likely to be rejected by the TSA screeners because the cards have sharp corners and could have sharpened edges. Best not to find this out while you're standing in the security line at the terminal. The hard drive seems like a component they shouldn't object to, and it's likely to be one that other people who fly use routinely to transport data.

[mm34b]

I agree with johnrex62, ship it to your destination via UPS or FedEx.

[Radek]

Sell it and get a laptop.