Can Bring PC on a Plane as Checked Luggage?

Lcboy on 06/04/2023 - 13:29
Last edited 11/04/2023 - 10:59 by 1 other user

Hi all,

Newbie here so I apologise if it's been discussed here before. So I just purchased a mid-sized ATX PC and I plan to take it with me on a plane as check-in luggage interstate (QLD -NSW). I'm not sure if theres any rule that prohibits carrying a PC on a plane so I wanted to confirm with ppl here. It's just a stock standard PC. No bells & whistles. No HDD. No graphics card. SSD
The plan was to stuff some packing peanuts inside the PC; place it into a hardcase luggage suitcase and fillout the left over space with blankets/towels.
Sounds doable? Suggest your thoughts or alternatives.

Thanks in advance!

Best regards

Computing

Comments

  • turtleCatcher on 06/04/2023 - 13:40

    If battery- yes.
    Checkin - no

  • coffeeinmyveins on 06/04/2023 - 13:48
    +1

    The problem isn't can you, the problem is should you .

    Checked baggage gets absolutely ABUSED by the baggage handlers. Do you really trust them to not throw it several meters off a conveyer belt? I went overseas recently and the checked baggage was a hard case and it was damaged. Doesn't matter since it's just clothes inside but imagine if it was a computer it would have been destroyed.

    Get it shipped via a courier.

    • foxmulder on 06/04/2023 - 15:07

      I think as long as you padding the pc tower with clothes around them, they should be fine. With courier will be the same scenario on handling.

  • Flying Ace on 06/04/2023 - 14:43

    It'll be fine - it's not prohibited and as long as there's nothing in there that can get damaged such as a hard drive, and it's packed well it'll be fine.

  • Trance N Dance on 06/04/2023 - 15:08

    Can you? Yes
    Should you? No
    Unless you're very careful the GPU and CPU coolers are basically guaranteed to be ripped out of their sockets. This happens with courier shipping, let alone checked baggage on an airplane.

  • rumblytangara on 06/04/2023 - 15:31
    +1

    It's just a stock standard PC. No bells & whistles. No HDD. No graphics card. SSD

    Yeah, packed well it's probably fine. It doesn't have a one kilo aftermarket cooler, it has no liquid, it has no giant graphic card. Wrap it in some blankets, box it in really good cardboard or a hardshell case.

    I've done this plenty of times. Most recently in December (shipping container instead of airline) and this was with a modestly sized aftermarket cooler and a 2 slot graphics card. This was the only time anything went wrong- one of the DIMMs got a bit loose and I had to reseat it (I'm wondering if maybe I hadn't seated it securely well before shipping).

    I've hand built hundreds of PCs in a prior life. I've moved country half a dozen times with desktops. So as long as my data is backed up in multiple locations, I am not going to baby the desktop.

  • pharkurnell on 06/04/2023 - 16:46

    looking how they were launching baggage off our plane yesterday your PC would look like an octagon when you went to pick it up

  • TeutonMaster on 06/04/2023 - 17:16
    +1

    why dont you make it your carry on luggage?
    that way you can ensure it is handled correctly.. thats what i would do

    • Ghost47 on 07/04/2023 - 15:40

      I agree, would be much better for peace of mind.

      Just don't be the jerk who puts more than their fair share in the overhead bins.

  • Sinnerator on 07/04/2023 - 08:39

    Did you see the youtube of qantas(?) baggage handlers SLAMMING bags ?
    Those are just the one's that got caught

  • Buyingcrap on 10/04/2023 - 05:46

    Ex baggage handler here.. I wouldn't

  • cboy on 25/04/2023 - 13:36
    +1

    Hi all,

    Just an update I packed the desktop back into the box that was sent in (ordered online and was originally sent to me via mail which came in packed in hard Styrofoam). I had also opened up the desktop and added packing peanuts inside; then wrapped the tower with bubble wrap before putting back into the box. I then placed the entire box containing the desktop into a hard case luggage suitcase which I filled up with towels/clothing in order to fill up the space inside.

    The desktop was unpacked after flight and is working fine. Whilst i had no issues for myself I make a caveat that any attempt be tried at owners risk.

    All the best.

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