Bringing a Desktop Computer onto a plane?

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BarbedW1re

BarbedW1re

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Oct 30, 2012
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I wasn't sure where to put this thread, so I just decided to put it in Components. So on Tuesday I am flying up to New York for about 4-5 weeks. On this trip I urgently want to bring the desktop pc that I built. Otherwise, I will have to use a computer of lesser specifications. I would like to bring it because I do a lot gaming, video editing, etc, and the computers there just will not cut it. So, I decided to ask the computer people of tomshardware. I have seen other threads about this, but never a definite answer. So, can someone help me out with this? Remember, I am leaving on Tuesday at around 10 pm. So please, fast responses. Also, if someone knows where I should put this topic, can they tell me that too? Thanks.
 
Solution
MrArtilli
I always keep boxes for everything I buy. If that is the case for you, I'd recommend packing each of your components into their original boxes with a little extra protection (I guess you don't have to do it for all of them, the PSU should be fine screwed into the case). You can always fit those boxes in a suitcase at pack them with newspaper so they don't crash together during your trip. Once there, put everything together again!
Never done it but I don't see why that wouldn't work out.
Anyways, good luck to you and I hope you find a solution :)
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Tradesman1

Tradesman1

Legenda in Aeternum
Jun 5, 2013
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Might be a bit messy, but have heard of folks filling a hard sided trunk with Styrofoam peanuts and one even fills the inside of the case with them, also some others that do about the same with sheets of Styrofoam and/or sponge rubber....haven't heard of any damage, but after doing that, not sure they'd admit it.
 
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alexoiu

alexoiu

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Nov 1, 2012
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If the case is small enough, I would put it in a hand bag. Even then it's good to remove the CPU heatsink and transport it separately.
If not, I would secure the cables inside the case, remove the CPU heatsink, graphics card, memory modules and pack them separately.
Use foam packaging peanuts in the bag where you place the case.
 
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BarbedW1re

BarbedW1re

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Oct 30, 2012
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Thanks for the information. I might see if I can ship it with using the Post Office since I know someone who works for them. I will let everyone know what works out. If I cant ship it, I will try to bring it your way.
 
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MrArtilli

MrArtilli

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May 4, 2013
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I always keep boxes for everything I buy. If that is the case for you, I'd recommend packing each of your components into their original boxes with a little extra protection (I guess you don't have to do it for all of them, the PSU should be fine screwed into the case). You can always fit those boxes in a suitcase at pack them with newspaper so they don't crash together during your trip. Once there, put everything together again!
Never done it but I don't see why that wouldn't work out.
Anyways, good luck to you and I hope you find a solution :)
 
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Solution
BarbedW1re

BarbedW1re

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Oct 30, 2012
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Sounds like a plan. Thanks.
 
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dogaozkaraca

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Feb 4, 2016
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I just removed everything from the board. And packaged. While packing, i added everything about pc to the center. And supported all around with clothes.Probably i will need new thermal paste for cpu. Because cpu's package broke the layer.

It's little bit heavy now. I hope it wont be heavier than 23kg

Btw i have mAtx gigabyte board and i5-4690k cpu. The heaviest thing is PSU, and also takes too much space. I'm not planning to take desktop PC into plane with me since it will be too heavy to carry and wont be secure (maybe its just me but i dont know i wont feel safe) and i'm travelling international from US. So i might have trouble and waste my time at the airport.
Btw
I dont have desktop pc case yet. I just built computer and tested here without case. I'll buy later. So if you have case and if its mAtx case, i think you can fit it into luggage. But it might be heavy.

EDIT : everything went ok, i unpacked everything and all of them are working..


 
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ireth92

ireth92

Commendable
Jul 28, 2016
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I brought my desktop computer (Evga Hadron Case, 16x30x30cm) all the way to Tokyo, passing through security in Barcelona and Dusseldorf. They did not even look at me weird. In Dusseldorf I had to open the bag, but they didn't have any inconvenients. They wouldn't even care to look through the case's window. Just to be sure though, I previously had asked all the companies I was flying with if there would be any problem with carrying a desktop PC, and their answer was always no. I printed their answers and brought them with me just in case (Lufthansa and Ana Airlines). If you're planning to do that, ask them with at least a month of advance, because they took a loooooong time to answer.

I covered the PC with a towel and bubble wrap, and packed it in a typical carry-on bag. I didn't remove any of the components, though I would've felt safer if I had at least removed the hard drive. I took the bag with me at all times, always being careful when the floor had bumps. During the flight I put it on the upper compartment like a normal bag.

The hardest part was carrying it around Tokyo. Because the bag is meant to be dragged, and the streets are full of bumps. I would have preferred to have a bag that I could carry on my back. Which is why I'm now looking for one of those LAN Party bags that fits my case, and I can't find any ;(
 
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emianne

Commendable
Dec 13, 2016
1
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1,510
i have 4 computer that i wanted to bring with me. it is a small factor 7 x 7.5 x 2 inch system unit only no monitor, and im planning to put it on my check in baggage, im i going to have a problem on this?
 
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Elf_Knight

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Nov 9, 2013
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What case would you suggest? I am thinking of the SUGO SG13? Need a portable case for carrying on the coach and flights, etc.
 
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Ashnor

Ashnor

Jul 8, 2019
1
0
10
I left my Desktop in my grandparents house in Brazil. I am from Lisbon. The air company TAP said to me at the airport that I could carry the tower on the plane, but not the monitor.
Then, on facebook, they told me that computers were not allowed in the cargo hold. Its weight is around 16kg. COOLERMASTER HAF 912 PLUS, 28cmx48cmx50cm
It has been a whole year and I cannot get it back to me.
Any ideas?
 
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