I really want to

[alcina]

Pack my laptop in my checked in luggage for my upcoming trip overseas. I have never done this before. I have insurance and if it gets stolen it's a pita but not the end of the world.

So can it be done and how best to do it?

 

[RICHinNC]

I would recommend getting a tupper ware like plastic container from either a store like walmart or home store like Lowes....whatever your equivanlent is there.....and putting some foam on the bottom....then the pc.....and then some more like 1 inch foam (just make sure it is secure and not banging around inside the container). Once you put the top back on.....tie or tape it pretty good so the top wont pop off as the baggage apes do their thing.
rich

 

[baltimoron]

I would agree with Rich if you were to check it in your suitcase. One preoccupation I would have is that I would make sure there is a little air as posible in the container itself, since I know that when flying overseas the planes fly REALLY high (especially when flying over the Pacific.) Air Pressure may rupture the tupperware and cause a problem. Also, I would just make a quick backup of everything to make sure you cover all your bases. One last thing: is your charger compatible?? That'll overheat your computer in a matter of an hour, possibly start a spectacular sound and light show in your host's house.

Good luck.

 

[alcina]

I One last thing: is your charger compatible?? That'll overheat your computer in a matter of an hour, possibly start a spectacular sound and light show in your host's house.
Good luck.

:rofl: Yup, all my chargers are compatible - been there, done that

I've decided not to take the chance and carry it on instead...too many horror stories and ultimately I can't be bothered messing with insurance should something happen. Great ideas for when I feel braver

 

[RICHinNC]

Balti....Ive traveled this way since the onslaught of TSA and the panic Pelican boxes (plus extra charges) came about.

I have yet to have any of the Tupperware like containers implode or explode either. Your concern is valid but so far I have not experienced any problems.

If his/her container has at least one...pref two ...straps around it to keep the top from coming off while being man handled....then those same straps would keep the top from coming off from atmospheric pressure changes as well I would think.

Its an option.
rich

 

[diversteve]

:rofl: Yup, all my chargers are compatible - been there, done that

I've decided not to take the chance and carry it on instead...too many horror stories and ultimately I can't be bothered messing with insurance should something happen. Great ideas for when I feel braver

We carry on the laptop and watch movies during long flights. Most airlines provide power to every seat in 1st class and most also in coach, you just have to know where to find it. We have a little $25 Radio Shack inverter that plugs into the cigarette lighter style power takeups that (on American) are found under every 3rd row of seats, plugging the laptop into the inverter lets you use their power for the duration of the flight and even charge your batteries. There's also adapters that you can buy to use the power directly instead of using an inverter. You can get them on eBay. So if you have a DVD-Rom player in the laptop and a software DVD player, you can watch movies the whole flight. On AA they show what seats have power in the choose your seats section of their website.

A bigger reason for carrying my laptop - for me anyway - is that I don't want some baggage handler or other thief having access to my personal and financial information while I'm thousands of miles away on vacation.

 

[mike_s]

My first thoughts were a very well padded Pelican box.

My second though is if the TSA electronic explosive scanners hit it (instead of a manual hand search), then I'll bet it'll be "toast" when you take it out. I've heard they damage electronics and I know I've seen the signs saying they'll damage film and not to put film in checked luggage.

just FYI.