Taking a computer on a plane. Will it get damaged??

[bolido2000]

I am going to take a computer to my parents and I'm going to check it in as luggage. Will the computer be damaged from all the luggage banging like when they are dropped on the carrousel? I will use the original case with the padding. Also, this is an international flight. I'm guessing they will open up the box. Do they check inside the case as well??

 

[Gyrene]

I would never check a computer as luggage...ever. I've had way to many things destroyed that way.

 

[EyeMWing]

Don't check it - SHIP IT!

Air carriers refuse responsibility for damaged luggage. Shipping companies... Don't.

 

[NokiaDude]

Carry-on..................

 

[bolido2000]

Hmmm this thing is too big for a carry on. Should I use two boxes so there is double padding??

 

[SarcasticDwarf]

It WILL be either damaged or stolen. Take it as a carry-on. It is common and easily done.

 

[bolido2000]

Sh!t...I guess it will be carry on then. The thing is that I am actually taking 2 computers on the plane. One is an XPC so that is an easy carry on. I guess this sucker will get on the plane with me. Fedex quoted me 300 bucks to ship it :Q

 

[Amorphus]

take off the CPU HSF, bring a screwdriver and Arctic Silver with you. and secure EVERYTHING. if you have a removable HDD cage, well, remove it and secure it somewhere else. anything thats not screwed/bolted/glued/taped on securely should be taken off and reinstalled upon arrival.

 

[MustangSVT]

hahhaa.

u know why baggage handlers are called throwers?

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: bolido2000
Sh!t...I guess it will be carry on then. The thing is that I am actually taking 2 computers on the plane. One is an XPC so that is an easy carry on. I guess this sucker will get on the plane with me. Fedex quoted me 300 bucks to ship it :Q

300 bucks???? WTF is it, a super computer?

 

[bolido2000]

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: bolido2000
Sh!t...I guess it will be carry on then. The thing is that I am actually taking 2 computers on the plane. One is an XPC so that is an easy carry on. I guess this sucker will get on the plane with me. Fedex quoted me 300 bucks to ship it :Q

300 bucks???? WTF is it, a super computer?

Fedex express from USA to Chile. I used 25 lbs as the weight.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: bolido2000

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: bolido2000
Sh!t...I guess it will be carry on then. The thing is that I am actually taking 2 computers on the plane. One is an XPC so that is an easy carry on. I guess this sucker will get on the plane with me. Fedex quoted me 300 bucks to ship it :Q

300 bucks???? WTF is it, a super computer?

Fedex express from USA to Chile. I used 25 lbs as the weight.

Ah! International shipping. Still, that seems high.

 

[NokiaDude]

I think the easest way for you to transport the two computers is to dismantle them and ship the cases to wherever they weill need to be. Pack all the parts in a box and cover each part with a anti-atatic bag and bubble wrap. Put them in a large suitcase with wheels that is small enough to fit in the overhead compartment. You should be able to put two computers worth of parts in one of those rolling suitcases thingies.

 

[TheBoyBlunder]

Originally posted by: NokiaDude
I think the easest way for you to transport the two computers is to dismantle them and ship the cases to wherever they weill need to be. Pack all the parts in a box and cover each part with a anti-atatic bag and bubble wrap. Put them in a large suitcase with wheels that is small enough to fit in the overhead compartment. You should be able to put two computers worth of parts in one of those rolling suitcases thingies.

What he said.

 

[rudder]

pack it like you would for UPS. I don't imagine the airlines will be any rougher then UPS. Well maybe, I have seen them throw bags in the belly with reckless abandon.

Edit: On the other hand I would just ship it. They may make you unpack the whole thing at the airport.

 

[fumbduck]

if you drop it

 

[dabuddha]

Let me put it this way. Imagine lifting your computer 5-6 feet in the air and then dropping it. And then having it kicked around. Still interested in checking it in?

 

[oboeguy]

Originally posted by: TheBoyBlunder

Originally posted by: NokiaDude
I think the easest way for you to transport the two computers is to dismantle them and ship the cases to wherever they weill need to be. Pack all the parts in a box and cover each part with a anti-atatic bag and bubble wrap. Put them in a large suitcase with wheels that is small enough to fit in the overhead compartment. You should be able to put two computers worth of parts in one of those rolling suitcases thingies.

What he said.

What he said he said.

Seriously, you're asking for trouble by checking it. At the very least, take your HDD in your carry-on (have fun explaining that one). I guess you should check if it would be damaged by the X-ray machines.

Edit: It occurs to me that you're probably best off by taking ALL the parts in carry-on, as suggested above, and BUY a new case at your destination. It appears that shipping the case is not worth the expense.

 

[thomsbrain]

man, i can just see the x-ray people having a heart attack when they see a suitcase crammed full of computer parts go through the machine.

 

[Jeff7181]

I would empty the case, carry that stuff on, and just put the case in your luggage to be checked. I would never even consider packing a whole computer in my luggage and checking it. You may as well put a sticker on it too that says "mi computadora es su computadora." (that is correct spanish for that isn't it? it's been a long time since spanish class)

 

[Lotheron]

Or take it apart and buy a new case when you get there... if thats a possibility