Best Way to Carry HD on Airplane?

[danny_w]

Is it safe to pack an external hard disk (in the original box) inside of checked baggage, or in carry-on luggage? will the X-ray machines cause any harm? My son brought his HD with him from college packed in checked baggage, and I am wondering if it is safe to send him back to college this way? Or should he pack it in his carry-on? Thanks.

 

[super_kev]

I think it's safe as long as you aren't flying every month, as I packed my HD in my checked luggage and so far no harm done. My camera, lenses, and laptop I carried in a backpack though, because I don't trust the security goons going through my checked luggage.

 

[Linam]

The luggage people once stole my socks!!! (they even wrote a note)

 

[super_kev]

The luggage people once stole my socks!!! (they even wrote a note)

You're kidding, right? And they wrote a note to tell you about it?

 

[LimeiBook86]

A-hem! Back on topic!

I don't think there should be a problem at all. I've had my laptop go through the airport a few times and I haven't had any problems. Although if something goes wrong I guess you can always complain to the Airlines...although it would be hard to prove it. Good luck, but honestly I think you should be fine.

 

[puckhead193]

i don't think it could cause harm...when apple ships a computer it goes through an x-ray machine right......
They only thing is i don't trust the airport people with anything...

 

[After G]

Bring it as a carry-on. Much safer. I've seen what airport people do to luggages. They assume it's all clothing, so they throw your luggage around without a care in the world.

 

[emw]

You could ship it back to him via UPS or something so that it arrives about the time he gets back. That way he doesn't have to haul it, the shipper is responsible for it, and it won't cost much to do it.

 

[danny_w]

Thanks for all of the replies. He took it back in his checked baggage in the original box (well padded) and in the middle of a whole suitcase full of clothes (more padding), so I don't think there will be any problem.

 

[livingfortoday]

Dang, I got here too late. I just flew somewhere and back with an external HD, out of it's box. The way there I had it in my Timbuk2 bag, and it was fine, and on the way back I checked it, wrapped in clothes, and it seems to be working fine. He should be ok.