Size of overhead compartment on MD-80? (traveling with PC to college)

[xagent]

I've decided to take my case as a carry-on luggage when moving to college. It fits the total weight and size requirements for American Airlines's carry-on policy... but I want to make sure it'll fit in the overhead compartment.

I just found out that our flight will be on an MD-80, which is a smaller plane. Hmm anyone know the size of their overhead compartments? And yes, I spent 30 minutes googling for the answer, can't find anything.

Or anyone have any experience with traveling with computers?

 

[kyparrish]

hmm..good luck with American Airlines even letting you take that thing on board with you...

 

[UmneyDurak]

I seriously doubt they will let you do it.
I can just imagine it.
When it's going through the x-ray machine.
OMG it's a bomb!!! Shoot him.
But it's a com....
🙂

I was in New York this summer, and made a mistake of brinning my laptop on the fery to Liberty Island.
They actually made me boot it. Then security guard told me I should remove some programs so it could boot faster.

 

[vetteguy]

I would seriously recommend having it shipped there...I don't know if you've flown recently but even taking a video camera onboard with you is a hassle. Good luck with whatever you do.

 

[ViRGE]

Ship it, even if it's just due to weight requirements. A good computer case + PSU + packaging can approach 30lbs on its own, and that's not counting the weight of the components, including heavy stuff like heatsinks, optical drives, and hard drives. Get past 50lbs, and you're in a world of hurt.

 

[xagent]

It's only 33 pounds with everything in there, and I have the CaseAce Geargrip Pro harness w/ shoulder strap. And yes I've flown recently... domestically and internationally with laptops, cameras, mp3 players. Never got a hassle, never had to even power it on.

For a bomb you need organic material.

For example the X-Ray machines are designed to display 3 colors. One color for inorganic materials such as clothing and plastic. Another for metal like aluminum and steel. Another for organic compounds - food, fertilizer, a aerosol can, etc... If they scan it it'll just be all metal.

Plus I'm sure if they do get stupid and suspect anything, they'll either ask me to power it on or call for some dogs to sniff it. But why would they think a desktop comp is a bomb? I dould make one out of a laptop, or just put all the parts in a regular duffel bag. LoL, if you have a bomb the last thing you'll do is make it so conspicuous.

I e-mailed both the local airport, the TSA, and American Airlines.

Got a reply back from AA and Homeland Security saying nothing wrong with it:

Each carry-on must fit under a seat or in an overhead bin. If your computer
can fit in one of our overhead bins, or underneath the seat in front of you, you may
carry it onboard.

However, If your computer exceeds the 45 inches, or it will fit in the space provided
you will be asked to check it. All carry-on items must be properly stowed -- this is
a Federal Aviation Administration regulation. Also, please know that we do not accept
liability for damage to electronic items in checked or carry on baggage.

- American Airlines dude

You question has been forwarded to me by San Jose Airport Customer
Service as it falls within my area of expertise and responsibility.
There are a number of things you should consider in making your
decision. They are as follows:

1. There is no restriction on taking desktop computer equipment as
carry-on baggage.

- some woman from Department of Homeland Security



So, my only concern now is if it will fit under the seat or in an overhead compartment, on an MD-80? And what happens if it doesn't?

 

[ViRGE]

Ok, I did a bit of searching, this is the best advice I can find for the carry-on size limit, coming from United:

Its dimensions should not be more than 9x14x22 (length + width + height) or 45 linear inches (the length, height and width added together)

The first mid-tower I found on Newegg was ~19x8x17, so you wouldn't be able to work with the first rule, since no matter how you put it, one dimension would be too big. You're fine under the second rule, but I have a gut feeling that this is a rule where they'll say no if it breaks either rule. This doesn't count the size of a carry-attachment or anything like that either. My advice would be to ship it unless you're sure it's under the 9x14x22 rule.

 

[benbrown]

I'd be worried about the x-ray machines messing up your computer.

Just ship your computer. Do you realize how big of a nerd you have to be for your computer to be such a prized possession that you carry it with you like a fragile bag of groceries?

 

[Bronko]

Ship it, but take out the hard drive(s) and carry that in your carry on. Wrap the drives in a towel or something protective. When you get to the xray, ask the TSA agent if the xray will harm it. If so, they can inspect it manually.

Seems like a good compromise.

 

[zlooop]

First off, thats really dorky to want to take your computer on the plane. 🙂

Just ship the damn thing for like 30 bucks!

 

[xagent]

haha it costs near $100 to Fedex it. Plus I'm not familiar with how to ship it to the dorm. I haven't moved in yet. Which address do I put? Include my room #? And where/how do I pick it up... FedEx just knocks at my door then leaves it in the hallway? Or do they give it to the front desk which notifies you to pick it up?

Anyways, the X-Ray shouldn't damage it. I mean laptops and HD mp3 players go through fine. Plus, the x-ray machine at the security checkpoint is actually weaker than the one they use for checked baggage.

Sadly, I am a dork 🙁 Sure, if it was an OEM one, I'd just take out the HD and pack and check in the case w/ all the other components as luggage. But, I really like my case on this and I don't want it to get damaged. Plus the CPU, video card, and other components are all very new.

Virge - hmm... those dimensions seem awfully small though. That 14 inch dimension seems to be the only problem, as mine is 8x17x19. Only I can't imagine the overhead compartment being able to hold only a max depth of 14 inches. I've seen people stuff their bags wheels end first (meaning they had at least 23 inches of depth). Only I can't remember if those were the huge A380s and 747s, or the smaller MD80s and 737s...

Grr... I'm trying to remember if the last time I flew in a MD80, if I put the stroller wheel bag with the wheels end in first, or side end first. if I put it in wheels end first, with handle facing out, the case should definitely fit. Because the bag is 2 inches taller than the case/

Anyone else remember which way they put their bags last time they were on an MD80?

 

[ViRGE]

Xagent, I'm pretty sure the case would fit on the plane(I've seen similar sized bags), but your concern should be if the airline lets you take it on, more than if it will fit. That said, shipping is indeed a bitch(that's how I got my computer to the Uni way back when; it's a shame we don't have access to the same shipping deals Newegg does - they could do it for $20), but it's still a good option. If your Uni is like mine, you'll want it shipped to the mail office where you pick up your mail and other packages; the Uni should have given you the address of the mail office, so that you could ship books and other stuff there.

 

[Texun]

I don't remember the size of the overhead bins but if it is within the airline's carry on spec it should be fine.

 

[boomerang]

If they won't let you carry it on they will check it at the gate. This means it will be hand carried down and stowed in the luggage compartment. It will be hand carried up to the gate at arrival. Not really so bad. Better than being thrown in with the rest of the luggage like normal.

 

[Steve]

Don't take such a stupid risk. Have the thing shipped. Don't know where to have it shipped to? Call your school and ask! Most likely you can just put the school's street address and it will go to the school's mailroom. They will then put a parcel notice in your mailbox/send an email/voicemail to let you know.

And I'm sure you can find cheaper shipping rates than $100.