Flying with two Mac Minis?

[MotionMan]

Is there any way that I could carry-on two Mac Minis on a commercial flight? Can you get items pre-approved? I rather not ship or check them.

MotionMan

 

[FoBoT]

why not
people take laptops on all the time
they'll just go through the xray

 

[mugs]

I've flown with two laptops and a Wii in my carry-on bag... not sure why two Mac Minis would be a problem, do they not allow desktop PCs?

 

[vshah]

with laptops they sometimes ask to turn it on...may be an issue with the mini since there's no screen. maybe you could borrow the monitor on the xray machine?

 

[FoBoT]

this may or may not be the latest, but it is still on the website

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/sop/index.shtm

Effective August 4, 2007, laptop computers, full-size video game consoles (for example Playstation®, X-box®, or Nintendo&#174, full-size DVD players, and video cameras that use video cassettes must be removed from their carrying cases and submitted separately for x-ray screening. Laptop computers and video cameras that use cassettes have long been subject to this policy.

What Needs to be Screened Separately
Laptops
Full-size video game consoles
Full-size DVD players
Video cameras that use video cassettes
CPAP breathing machines
Small and portable electronic items do not need to be removed from their carrying cases.

i am sure a mac mini would be included in this group

 

[Lonyo]

I can't resist.
1. Why are you flying with Mac Minis in carry-on?
2. Why are you flying with Mac Minis?
3. Why are you flying with TWO Mac Minis?
4. Why do you have ANY Mac Minis?

 

[FoBoT]

i would rather fly with two big macs

 

[Sahakiel]

Your only problem could be one of the TSA security guys wanting one for himself. Just be calm and persistent, shouldn't be an issue. There should be no regulations preventing you from carrying your minis.
I've walked through with computer equipment quite often. Heck, I once flew with one carryon and camera bag literally busting at the seams with hardware. Raised a few eyebrows when I separated everything on the trays for the X-ray (took up five trays laid out), but no one stopped me and there was no way I was checking in a few thousand dollars worth of hardware.
Generally speaking, I don't see an issue with carrying electronic equipment on board. Batteries are a different problem and it's also easier to conceal explosives inside a large battery pack.

 

[MotionMan]

I can't resist.
1. Why are you flying with Mac Minis in carry-on?
2. Why are you flying with Mac Minis?
3. Why are you flying with TWO Mac Minis?
4. Why do you have ANY Mac Minis?

1-3. I am taking the Minis to my parents' house and setting them up for them.

4. I will ignore this question as troll-bait.

MotionMan

 

[MotionMan]

i would rather fly with two big macs

/IMG][/QUOTE]

Ironically, I will have those, too.

MotionMan

 

[MotionMan]

Your only problem could be one of the TSA security guys wanting one for himself. Just be calm and persistent, shouldn't be an issue. There should be no regulations preventing you from carrying your minis.
I've walked through with computer equipment quite often. Heck, I once flew with one carryon and camera bag literally busting at the seams with hardware. Raised a few eyebrows when I separated everything on the trays for the X-ray (took up five trays laid out), but no one stopped me and there was no way I was checking in a few thousand dollars worth of hardware.
Generally speaking, I don't see an issue with carrying electronic equipment on board. Batteries are a different problem and it's also easier to conceal explosives inside a large battery pack.

I hope you are right.

MoitonMan

 

[FoBoT]

i used to fly with one of these, back in 1996

 

[Colt45]

I'd just put them in checked luggage.

Then again, I wouldn't own an apple product.

 

[CrimsonWolf]

Are you flying on any regional jets, or are they all mainline jets?

If there are any regional jets, remember that a regional jet has smaller overhead bins. So if you put them in a full size carry on bag, that bag would have to be gate checked and tossed around. Make sure they are packed in a bag that can fit into the smaller bins so they stay with you on the plane.

 

[So]

i would rather fly with two big macs

Ironically, you wouldn't be able to get those through security.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

i would rather fly with two big macs

I raise you a double double.. or two double doubles even.

 

[JDub02]

not an issue. i've carried on an HP tower that i was fixing for my grandmother. tossed it on the belt and had it x-rayed, then threw it in the overhead carry-on compartment.

 

[Leros]

My friend has taken his desktop and LCD as a carry on. You can do it.

 

[MixMasterTang]

Ironically, you wouldn't be able to get those through security.

Why not? You can bring food through security, just not liquids (greater than 3oz).

 

[dullard]

I've taken many HOMEBUILT electronics, PCBs, equipment, etc checked and carry on. I make experimental machines for a living (often looking very much like bombs, but they are safe), and take them around for testing in various labs. Sure, you get questioned throughly, but they've always let me go through. I highly doubt you'd have any problems with off-the-shelf items.

 

[GoSharks]

with laptops they sometimes ask to turn it on...may be an issue with the mini since there's no screen. maybe you could borrow the monitor on the xray machine?

I haven't been asked to turn on my laptop in YEARS. In fact, I don't think I've ever been asked, but my Dad has (while I was there)... which would probably make it around 2000?

I've taken multiple bare hard drives, and LCD monitors through without a second look.

 

[Leros]

I haven't been asked to turn on my laptop in YEARS. In fact, I don't think I've ever been asked, but my Dad has (while I was there)... which would probably make it around 2000?

I've taken multiple bare hard drives, and LCD monitors through without a second look.

I've taken tons of hardware through without problems. I took some wires, LEDs, restistors, etc in a plastic baggy once. That got me searched.

These TSA people don't know what to look for.

 

[MotionMan]

This all sounds good (Especially the Big Macs and Double-Doubles)

Thanks.

MotionMan

 

[aigomorla]

lol i almost thought for a second you were talking about this..

 

[MotionMan]

lol i almost thought for a second you were talking about this..

I have no doubt those would get through the TSA, but my full-sized shampoo bottle? Not so much.

MotionMan