Noticed an old post from riddlerenigma regarding transporting an iMac 27" on an airplane and I was wondering what the final outcome was. The post was made in November of 2009. I´m flying from Spain back home to California and need to take my 27" with me. I will not check it in. UPS is too expensive (although if that´s my only option I guess I´ll have to do it). I was hoping riddlerenigma might have some feedback on his experience or anybody else. Does anybody have any experience transporting an iMac 27" AS A CARRY-ON? I´ve talked to my airline and they seem to think it would be ok, but the last thing I want is some security agent denying my passage of the computer... Thanks in advance.
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Transporting an iMac 27" on an airplane
- Thread starter joncamio
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"Does anybody have any experience transporting an iMac 27" AS A CARRY-ON? I´ve talked to my airline and they seem to think it would be ok, but the last thing I want is some security agent denying my passage of the computer..."
I highly doubt that either airline security _or_ the check-in people are going to permit you to carry something the size of a 27" iMac on-board as a "carry on". Just don't think that is going to happen.
Of course, you could just show up with it, but chances are if you try that, you are either going to be flying home WITHOUT the iMac, or you aren't going to be flying home period.
This leaves you two alternatives:
1. Check it as "checked baggage", or
2. Ship it home via some kind of package-shipping service.
You make reference to an earlier thread, which I followed. Seems the original poster of that thread bought an airline-safe case (was it a "Pelican" case? can't remember), and transported it that way as checked baggage. Those cases are EXPENSIVE, however -- expect to pay $500-700 for one.
But again, I would reckon your chances of carrying a 27" iMac along in the passenger compartment of an airplane (at least in this day and age) are, essentially, zero.
You're going to have to do it some other way, or --- not do it.
I highly doubt that either airline security _or_ the check-in people are going to permit you to carry something the size of a 27" iMac on-board as a "carry on". Just don't think that is going to happen.
Of course, you could just show up with it, but chances are if you try that, you are either going to be flying home WITHOUT the iMac, or you aren't going to be flying home period.
This leaves you two alternatives:
1. Check it as "checked baggage", or
2. Ship it home via some kind of package-shipping service.
You make reference to an earlier thread, which I followed. Seems the original poster of that thread bought an airline-safe case (was it a "Pelican" case? can't remember), and transported it that way as checked baggage. Those cases are EXPENSIVE, however -- expect to pay $500-700 for one.
But again, I would reckon your chances of carrying a 27" iMac along in the passenger compartment of an airplane (at least in this day and age) are, essentially, zero.
You're going to have to do it some other way, or --- not do it.
If you try to ship. Make a account via the shippers website. I get a large discount for have a commercial account with Fedex and UPS.
The software company we deal with have carried a server as a carry on before. It was about the size of a large desktop tower. This was back in 2006 when I recall they did that, so I suppose things could have changed some. Last time I flew, you were limited to 1 carry on and a personal item (such as a laptop or purse).
You could put the iMac in a protective bag/luggage. As long as it fits in the overhead compartment you should be OK. Check with the airline on the largest carry on bag it allows, but the size of the 27" iMac will be pushing it!
You could put the iMac in a protective bag/luggage. As long as it fits in the overhead compartment you should be OK. Check with the airline on the largest carry on bag it allows, but the size of the 27" iMac will be pushing it!
seems tricky... i have never done it. But what I can say is I have flown from Europe to USA quite often and what seems to happen a lot is once I reach the US and try to transfer flights some things that used to be ok as carry on are apparntly soooo dangerous. Just keep in mind, they may let it on as a carry on in SPain then when you get to the states customs before you transfer flights the US will say you cant carry it on... It happens... A lot. My advice, which I am sorry to say, is to either ship it if you really need YOUR imac. Or try to sell it there in Europe then buy a new one in the states.
I am interested to know how this turns out as well, keep us posted. and sorry i was not much help...
I am interested to know how this turns out as well, keep us posted. and sorry i was not much help...
I've been schlepping my '07 20" iMac around in an iLugger. Flown all over the world, never a problem. But the 27" is a lot bigger and may not fit inside the overhead locker.
If you can afford it, ship it. Depending on the airline, you maybe able to check your computer as freight. Handlers tend to be a little bit more careful with freight than regular luggage. My friend tried to take a guitar with her on a Lufthansa flight from Berlin to JFK. They made her check it as a regular bag.