Flying Transatlantic with iMac

[MattyUK 22]

Hello everybody,

 

Has anybody ever flown with an iMac on a transatlantic flight?  I have a 21.5" model and want bring it as carry on (hand luggage) and place it in an overhead bin or beneath the seat if possible.  I'm a bit worried it will be too big but I'm flying on a 777-300ER which is a very modern plane with increased cabin overhead bins.  What would I do if they rejected it?  Will it pass through security ok, I mean it isn't battery operated. 

 

Any experiences of travelling with this machine would be appreciated.

 

Thanks

[sy1983 31]

If your laptop isn't bigger than a standard size carry on suitcase, then you are fine ..

[MattyUK 22]

Just now, sy1983 said:

If your laptop isn't bigger than a standard size carry on suitcase, then you are fine ..

It's not a laptop it's an iMac which is a desktop computer.  Are you suggesting that a standard size suitcase is ok in an overhead locker?  I thought that'd be too big.  Saying that people push the limit in how much they can bring as carry on and the pieces get bigger and bigger!

[yuna628 9,676]

It's an all-in-one yes? You're going to have to review the dimensions for carry-on-luggage for your airline. Judging how large it would be and how heavy, it might fit in, but that might be all you could bring for your carry-on. Doubtful it would fit under the seat at all from experience. You may also be able to upgrade to 1st class where they may allow for extra carry-ons. Also consider one-way additional travel insurance coverage on electronics.

 

All electronic devices must be put through security removed out of their containers to go through the TSA scanners, the question I'd wonder about is if it would fit into the assigned bins?

[MattyUK 22]

7 minutes ago, yuna628 said:

It's an all-in-one yes? You're going to have to review the dimensions for carry-on-luggage for your airline. Judging how large it would be and how heavy, it might fit in, but that might be all you could bring for your carry-on. Doubtful it would fit under the seat at all from experience. You may also be able to upgrade to 1st class where they may allow for extra carry-ons. Also consider one-way additional travel insurance coverage on electronics.

 

All electronic devices must be put through security removed out of their containers to go through the TSA scanners, the question I'd wonder about is if it would fit into the assigned bins?

First class from London? Sure! In fact I may just charter my own private jet!  I think I'm just gonna turn up at the airport on a wing and a prayer and hope it all goes well!  Thanks. 

[kzielu 1,149]

Does it fit in a standard roll-on carry on bag ? If yes, just put it in the bag and don't worry. If you plan on having a bag and and iMac, I would rethink that plan - in that case (and in case is too large) you may be told to check it in. I swear I remember an iMac coming out at baggage claim once - in a box of course (or it might have been just an iMac box with something else in it).

[MattyUK 22]

7 minutes ago, kzielu said:

Does it fit in a standard roll-on carry on bag ? If yes, just put it in the bag and don't worry. If you plan on having a bag and and iMac, I would rethink that plan - in that case (and in case is too large) you may be told to check it in. I swear I remember an iMac coming out at baggage claim once - in a box of course (or it might have been just an iMac box with something else in it).

This is the soft padded case that will accommodate my 21.5 iMac. It's the height (stand) that I think is 4" over the limit (height).  I'm considering asking one of the flight attendants if it can be stowed on board the aircraft in one of the gallery's or something?  I can always check with them at the desk while checking in.

[kzielu 1,149]

Just now, MattyUK said:

This is the soft padded case that will accommodate my 21.5 iMac. It's the height (stand) that I think is 4" over the limit (height).  I'm considering asking one of the flight attendants if it can be stowed on board the aircraft in one of the gallery's or something?  I can always check with them at the desk while checking in.

It's hard for me to put in a relative size, but my gut feeling is you can just take it with you and stuff in the bin and it should fit. I wouldn't ask anybody at the check in as if they say no, you'll have to check it...

Just board early to make sure you have space up there.

[yuna628 9,676]

Are you intending on traveling fairly soon? I have some word that the DHS may be intending on banning electronics from the cabin altogether from Europe entirely. I have no timeline on when such a directive could be implemented or if it will.... but it is being considered.

[mindthegap 2,590]

Just take it, but don't try to do it on top of another roll case and laptop bag.

Don't mention it at check in - as they will insist that you check it - and hope you don't get pinged at the gate by an over-zealous gate agent to gate check it.

 

Be prepared to pull it out at security, as the coils in the transformers and some other components can look highly suspect on some scans, so they will probably run swabs.

 

FYI I have taken an iMac (and bigger) as carry on....in coach too on occasion. Barring the odd argument (mainly with luftwaffe and US domestic carriers) generally no problems.

If they are ever checked in then they go in a peli-case so they actually survive.

 

 

Saying all this though, if the rumors are correct, this will all be a moo-point, as you wouldn't be able to take any computer at all in the cabin anyway.

[MattyUK 22]

2 hours ago, mindthegap said:

Just take it, but don't try to do it on top of another roll case and laptop bag.

Don't mention it at check in - as they will insist that you check it - and hope you don't get pinged at the gate by an over-zealous gate agent to gate check it.

 

Be prepared to pull it out at security, as the coils in the transformers and some other components can look highly suspect on some scans, so they will probably run swabs.

 

FYI I have taken an iMac (and bigger) as carry on....in coach too on occasion. Barring the odd argument (mainly with luftwaffe and US domestic carriers) generally no problems.

If they are ever checked in then they go in a peli-case so they actually survive.

 

 

Saying all this though, if the rumors are correct, this will all be a moo-point, as you wouldn't be able to take any computer at all in the cabin anyway.

Peli-case? Do they supply the peli case's or have them in the baggage holds? That sounds interesting as long as it gets there safely. I think it'll be fine on board. I'm being positive!

Edited May 11, 2017 by MattyUK

[yuna628 9,676]

OP, I believe that any electronic devices, with the exception of a cell-phone will not be allowed in the cabin, once the DHS publishes it's guidelines. It was supposed to be today, but that has not happened as of yet. There was a classified hearing today notifying officials regarding the potential guideline.

[MattyUK 22]

UPDATE

 

I managed to take my 21.5" iMac onboard my flight!  As of today there still has not been a laptop ban out of Europe.  But on the day I flew which was last week, the check-in staff didn't pay too much attention to my carry on luggage and once i got to security, it was scanned with no problems.  I was worried it wouldn't fit through the scanning machine but it did.  Once it went through, I was taken aside and asked to open it.  They then took out the computer from the case and rescanned it before swabbing it.  And that was it!  Once onboard it fitted in the overhead bin with no problems.  It was only jut small enough to fit but the Boeing 777-300ER's have very generous storage lockers. 

 

Happy Days!

[TBoneTX 45,288]

What a relief for you.  Thanks for the happy update.

[Sandradj 0]

Hi...... interesting story, I’m thinking on flying my Imac too, from USA to Germany..... do you use the original packaging?