Mac mini as carry-on on an international flight?

[IronWaffle]

Soon I'm going overseas for several weeks and life would be easier if I could bring my Mac mini. Has anyone done this without putting it in their checked baggage? I'm nervous about the idea (it'll be padded, but temperature controls below and all the hands it'd pass through make me uncomfortable).

All my data is safe on a 3tb external staying home. I'm also bringing my 1tb external backup (which I'd also like to take as carry-on). I'm concerned that I'll check my suitcase only to find the TSA stops me and says I can't take it as carry-on after it's too late to check the thing.

Any advice is welcome.

 

[G-Mo]

Carry-on or checked baggage? Your subject and text contradict each other?

I recently took my 2012 Mac mini from Toronto to Auckland (YYZ-LAX-AKL), however, I took it as carry on. It is NOT advisable to pack the mini (or any computer, camera, etc...) in checked baggage.

 

[Intell]

Why not take it in a carry on? I've taken my G4 Cube on flights before in a backpack. The TSA agent usually just looks at it with "is-that-a-bomb?" eyes but it makes it. Just put it in a bin and on the x-ray belt. They may swab it at the other end.

 

[GoCubsGo]

Carry-on or checked baggage? Your subject and text contradict each other?

I recently took my 2012 Mac mini from Toronto to Auckland (YYZ-LAX-AKL), however, I took it as carry on. It is NOT advisable to pack the mini (or any computer, camera, etc...) in checked baggage.

The title says carry on.

As carry on, you should be fine.

 

[IronWaffle]

Sorry for being unclear. I want to carry it on.

I know the TSA sometimes asks you to turn on laptops and iPads. the Mac mini makes that difficult (no battery, no screen) as proof it is what it seems.

 

[Kashchei]

I have frequently flown with my mini and keyboard packed in my carry-on bag. These were domestic flights, but I have flown with a Mac Classic Color as carry-on luggage on an international flight 20 years ago and there were no problems. I think your mini will be just fine as long as you don't drop it or check it. Good luck!

 

[G-Mo]

Sorry for being unclear. I want to carry it on.

I know the TSA sometimes asks you to turn on laptops and iPads. the Mac mini makes that difficult (no battery, no screen) as proof it is what it seems.

I had no issues... I took the mini, iPad 2, iPad mini, MacBook Air and a number of external drives (dual drive, 3.5" and 2.5").

I also have traveled with an iMac 20" aluminum before (same as a mini, no battery) and it wasn't a problem... I would have brought a 21.5" with me this time, but, the packaging is SLIGHTLY larger than allotted for carry-on and the airline could not guarantee that I would be allowed to take it without checking it (it was at the discretion of the check-in agent at the airport), so I sold it, got the mini, maxed it out and brought that!

 

[All Taken]

Sorry for being unclear. I want to carry it on.

I know the TSA sometimes asks you to turn on laptops and iPads. the Mac mini makes that difficult (no battery, no screen) as proof it is what it seems.

You're being paranoid. It will be fine as carry on luggage. They're trained officers who have knowledge of what is likely an explosive device, rest assured that your simple Mac Mini, even without powering on, will be determined safe as quickly as they would a Dell laptop without the battery.

 

[IronWaffle]

Maybe I can print this thread and if TSA gives me trouble I can show it to them

Thanks all for the quick replies. I needed the boost. So much has gone wrong in the planning and this is the last possible hitch. I'll ask the airline when I check in, but that's a shuttle. I expect I will go through security again after my connection.

I'll put it in the carry-on with my iPad and other stuff and cross my fingers.

----------

You're being paranoid. It will be fine as carry on luggage. They're trained officers who have knowledge of what is likely an explosive device, rest assured that your simple Mac Mini, even without powering on, will be determined safe as quickly as they would a Dell laptop without the battery.

I AM being paranoid, for sure. This thread has been a great counter-balance.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

It's not as if their x-ray system can't see inside it enough to know that it's just a computer. I've never thought of traveling with a mini, but now I see the sense in it. With proper cables, you can attach it to practically anything... Just don't check any vital parts (power supply/cable).

 

[G-Mo]

You're being paranoid. It will be fine as carry on luggage. They're trained officers who have knowledge of what is likely an explosive device, rest assured that your simple Mac Mini, even without powering on, will be determined safe as quickly as they would a Dell laptop without the battery.

You are giving TSA agents too much credit... I have seen some dumb ass agents before.

 

[IronWaffle]

It's not as if their x-ray system can't see inside it enough to know that it's just a computer. I've never thought of traveling with a mini, but now I see the sense in it. With proper cables, you can attach it to practically anything... Just don't check any vital parts (power supply/cable).

Everything is going in the box and that goes in my messenger bag. I already have a power converter for when I get to Israel.

You are giving TSA agents too much credit... I have seen some dumb ass agents before.

Going to Jordan last year I had my toothpaste confiscated! (I shoulda brought a smaller tube; I'm sure the woman next to me thought that for nine hours too!).

 

[G-Mo]

Everything is going in the box. I already have a power converter for when I get to Israel.

If you are taking the box, take a copy of your receipt as well... I know customs on the other end (don't know about Israel) like to charge you import taxes for in box items unless you can prove you have owned it for over xx period of time (e.g. it's used, usually like 6 months)... Just an FYI.

 

[IronWaffle]

If you are taking the box, take a copy of your receipt as well... I know customs on the other end (don't know about Israel) like to charge you import taxes for in box items unless you can prove you have owned it for over xx period of time (e.g. it's used, usually like 6 months)... Just an FYI.

Hm. Good idea. Just took a screenshot of my 10/29 Apple receipt. Maybe I'll leave the outer slip box home and just bring the hard inner box.