Flying with Desktop Computer

How about the data on the HDDs will they check for that what it contains or will they ask me to open the package and scan the HDDs. I am planning to pack it securely and put it in they check-in luggage baggage. I wanted to bring it intact with the case packing it securely and not to disassemble it.

Thought I would let you all know I got here Thursday night and computer was in one piece!

Wirelss card came loose, so had to open up PC to put it back in only to find its plug in internet and not wirless in the apartment anyway!

Right I am all ready to leave tomorrow!

I've added and paid for an extra couple of cases with KLM and checked with them to make sure it is ok to bring my computer.

I've bought a hard suitcase, lined the inside with ply wood! Then some bubble wrap! Will then lay some clothes down on each side! Once I've done the last few things on the computer, I will backup everything I need on my external hard drive, take out things such as the HDD, fan etc (some stuff is fitted in well so will leave it) and take with me in my hand luggage. Will then wrap the case in bubble wrap, many times over, then a couple of towels before putting it into the case. I will then fill the gaps with clothes so that the case is packed as tight as I can get it so it cannot move around inside!

I am going to bubble wrap up the monitor and put that along with keyboard etc into another suitcase surrounded by clothes.

Will report back in a couple of days to tell you how it went!!!

you should tell them... just to be safe

with care, you have to tell them. And it will be viewed in the x-ray machine!

You don´t need to inform airline about computer because this is oridanry baggage and there are no restrictions for computers like if you have dangerous good (weap etc)

Again thanks for the all advice.

I'll have a look at the cost of shipping using UPS, DHL etc. I imagine it is going to be much cheaper taking on my flight and then I'll have it straight away.

I am tempted to maybe get another monitor upon arrival, that way I can careful pack up the box in a small hard cased suitcase, one that it can fit in nice and tight then I'll put fragile labels on it.

Do I need to tell my airline about bringing a computer with me? I can add additional luggage and pay for it on their website but it doesn't say anything about computers.

that's all and it will be fine. Or place it in a box and label it FRAGILE and the airport personnel will handle it with care before you leave your country and upon arrival here.

I was going to suggest a similar thing to Runner1409 but put those bits out of the PC into a back pack (wrapped carefully obviously) - if you have it on your back more often than not they will NOT weigh it at your end and no probs bringing it into Qatar - you will have to go through the usual airport scanners but no worries about that! It would be much safer to carry it onboard.

You can get a case, keyboard and mouse very easily here and monitors (good ones) are not that expensive. I just bought an LG 23" LED monitor and it cost 735QR. Don't know what your currency is but in Aussie $, that it pretty cheap! :)

At worst just bring your hard drive and get the rest here. There are many shops that sell computer parts here which would be sufficient for your use I am sure!

Good luck and WELCOME to Doha!

the best idea would be to dismember the PC by components and wrapping them in bubblewrap and something that doesn't scratch the surface of the components.

Carrying the PC on the plane is not that easy.

the monitor and peripherals are not that much of a problem, but the Case is a big issue...

the components have to be placed somewhere in your luggage where they wont move around at the first turn or twist (you know how the luggage is handled).

one option would be to open the case, remove the HDD, optic drive, graphic card, memory, fans & coolers and PSU. Wrap them individually and put them back in the PC case without damaging the motherboard and make sure that they are in a tight fit so that they don't move.

The motherboard can be left mounted to the case with the CPU however it would be a good idea to remove the cooler and wrap it.

I would have Fedex, UPS, DHL wrap and ship it, insured.

Mandi

Thanks for the advice. If I decide to bring it with me then I will get a hard suitcase to put it in and wrap it up as tightly as I can.

What I am trying to find out is if many people have done it before and is it safe? I know how bags can be thrown around at airports!

I will also look into UPS and other delivery companies to see how much they charge. I have got a decent relocation allowance of 8000QR which is more than enough for me and I already intend to add some extra bags to bring on the flight with me.

My desktop cost me almost £1000 two years ago so I do not intend to buy a new one, not to mention the fact I cannot afford a new one!

If you want bring computer in checked baggage be sure that u will have baggage insurance..just for case..

how many bags and kg u can take depends what class u are travelling.

http://www.klm.com/travel/nl_en/prepare_for_travel/baggage/baggage_allowance/index.htm

I don't think so. Any special computer parts are not available in Qatar, I ordered parts for far more than $1000 from outside, because they just don't have it here.

laptop ?

In that case, why dont you buy a desktop in Qatar,

for a 1000$ you will get the best configuration

laptop more than enough..just try to give idea for mobile people.

If it fits you can bring it with you! For carry-on it will need to be a certain size, of course. Checked luggage is also by size and weight. See KLMs website for baggage restrictions. Won't be a problem on this end, we all carry laptops in and out.

Mandi