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Flying Tomorrow, Question about Carry-ons

Z

zflauaus

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Nov 19, 2004
1,166
3
I'm flying up to Chicago tomorrow on American Airlines and coming back on Sunday. While up there, I'm getting a new MacBook Pro and iPod touch because I'm selling my old iBook to my sister. I've read online that the Dimensions of the MacBook Pro box is 17"x17"x3.25". First off, can I get a confirmation on that?

Secondly, if that's true, my check-in bag is too small for the box to fit in. I already have a backpack that will be my carry-on. Would I be allowed to carry both the MacBook Pro box and my backpack onto the plane? I've looked on the TSA and American Airlines site and couldn't find a definite answer, so if somebody could answer this, I would greatly appreciate it.

I just don't want to be screwed and have to leave the box with my sister until she comes home late August.
 
If your backpack is small (not those huge hiking backpacks), then you should be able to take both, as long as the MBP box doesn't exceed the dimensions of the carry-on.
 
The box could be classified as the "personal" item - you ought to see the size of the briefcases some folks lug on. It should fit just fine in the overhead. The backpack will also fit up there, or under the seat in front of you. You're fine.
 
And this is why I love MacRumors.

Sets my mind at ease. Thanks everyone!
 
Just to not draw attention to yourself and make yourself a target for mugging or anything of that sort, I'd bring the laptop in the backpack and ship the empty box back home
 
yg17 said:
Just to not draw attention to yourself and make yourself a target for mugging or anything of that sort, I'd bring the laptop in the backpack and ship the empty box back home
Click to expand...

+1 that. That way also you can definitely claim that your backpack is your computer bag :D
 
Well, since I'm pretty sure the Airlines check your carry ons, you might want to unbox the MBP before getting on the flight...

Unless you want TSA to unbox it for you ;)
 
tsice19 said:
Well, since I'm pretty sure the Airlines check your carry ons, you might want to unbox the MBP before getting on the flight...

Unless you want TSA to unbox it for you ;)
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I'll take care of the unboxing, thanks. ;)

I am going to carry my MBP in the backpack as it is. I'll probably put everything in the bag as much as I can and just carry the box with just the styrofoam packaging in it. Worst case scenario I could give the box to my sister for the time being.
 
Im flying tomorrow too! Im going home though, so it sucks.:(

I usually have a messenger bag and a big carry on, so just having a backpack and the box should be fine.
 
swiftaw said:
Just remember, you'll have to put your laptop through the x-ray machine on it's own, not in any packaging.
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Yep, I remember that from when I traveled with my iBook. So that means I'll have three separate crates. Great.

iShater said:
I just noticed you are flying up to Chicago. O'Hare or Midway out of curiosity?
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O'Hare. My sister didn't want me flying into Midway.

bbbensen said:
Im flying tomorrow too! Im going home though, so it sucks.

I usually have a messenger bag and a big carry on, so just having a backpack and the box should be fine.
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Glad to hear it from somebody who's experienced it. Thanks!
 
zflauaus said:
O'Hare. My sister didn't want me flying into Midway.
Click to expand...

Hopefully the storms don't delay your flight, make sure to check the flight status. And be nice to your sister and take the airport train to the parking area where there is the kiss&fly instead of having her drive to the arrivals area. That stuff is a nightmare. :rolleyes:
 
iShater said:
Hopefully the storms don't delay your flight, make sure to check the flight status. And be nice to your sister and take the airport train to the parking area where there is the kiss&fly instead of having her drive to the arrivals area. That stuff is a nightmare. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...
Yeah, that's my concern. St. Louis is going to have a stalled front right over it all day tomorrow and rain around 7:05pm (when I leave). I'll be in Lambert for four hours as it is as the person who's taking me there is getting there at 3:00. I think $8 for WiFi is well worth the potential boredom.

And it's actually my sister's friend that's picking me up. This is the first time I've flown solo and the first time I'll be in Chicago so we're going by her plan for now.
 
zflauaus said:
Yep, I remember that from when I traveled with my iBook. So that means I'll have three separate crates. Great.
Click to expand...


Its not that bad. I have to take out my Wii, DVD Player, computer, and Moms computer. Pain in the butt. Last time I wore shorts with zippers everywhere, forgetting about the metal.

I had to be wanded. :(

zflauaus said:
Glad to hear it from somebody who's experienced it. Thanks!
Click to expand...

No problem.:)
 
bbbensen said:
Its not that bad. I have to take out my Wii, DVD Player, computer, and Moms computer. Pain in the butt. Last time I wore shorts with zippers everywhere, forgetting about the metal.

I had to be wanded. :(

No problem.:)
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You fit that all into your carry-on(s)??? :eek: Wow. Crazy... Haha.
 
zflauaus said:
You fit that all into your carry-on(s)??? :eek: Wow. Crazy... Haha.
Click to expand...

Well, the MBP (mine) goes in the messenger bag, DVD player and Wii go in huge carry on (told you it was big), and the MB (moms) goes into her carry on.

I just cant wait to get to the security thingy.:rolleyes:
 
bbbensen said:
Well, the MBP (mine) goes in the messenger bag, DVD player and Wii go in huge carry on (told you it was big), and the MB (moms) goes into her carry on.

I just cant wait to get to the security thingy.:rolleyes:
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So you are the guy that people roll their eyes at? ;) Haha
 
bbbensen said:
Yup.:)

I plan to pack smart this time though.
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Very nice. Just found out I have a window seat. On the plane. I always manage to get the window seat, which is great because I love it. :)

Side note/question: Is there a certain system to how American Airlines boards flights? On the way to Chicago I am Booking Code Q and on the way back I am Booking Code N. Just curious if there was a system to it.
 
What Apple store are you going to?

Keep in mind, Cook County just raised their taxes to over 10%

I'm in Elgin, and my house is right by I90. That's the huge interstate that runs right into O'hare..
 
nickspohn said:
What Apple store are you going to?

Keep in mind, Cook County just raised their taxes to over 10%

I'm in Elgin, and my house is right by I90. That's the huge interstate that runs right into O'hare..
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We're going to the Cook County one. I saw that and then my sister confirmed that. I'm still going to the Michigan Avenue store to say I've been there. :D

So I'll probably be flying right over your house, eh?
 
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