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Taking iMac 21.5" on an international flight..

L

luci216

macrumors member
Original poster
Jun 26, 2010
39
0
Chicago & São Paulo
Hi,

I've tried googling this here and on other sites, but I cannot find an exact answer to my situation. So I'm wondering if anyone might have some advice for me.

So, basically, I want to buy my parents an iMac when I go back home to Brazil next year. I've brought electronics home before, and I always take only one of that electronic (say, laptop or camera) so that customs won't charge me taxes on these things. Taxes in Brazil for electronics are absurd, and iMacs cost about 2-3x its price here in the US. Therefore, taking it in the box looks too conspicuous and is out of the question.

My problem is, of course, taking it as a carry-on. I don't trust checking it, since so many people get their things robbed during "random" bag searches--especially in Brazil. Shipping it is too $$ and also risks being taxes and "lost" (aka stolen).

Do you have any suggestions for a means of transporting an iMac internationally? I saw some cases.. but they're over $100 -_-. That seems a little silly to me--do you guys know any cheaper cases? Any other suggestions/ideas?

Anything would be much appreciated!

Thanks.:apple:
 
luci216 said:
Do you have any suggestions for a means of transporting an iMac internationally? I saw some cases.. but they're over $100 -_-. That seems a little silly to me--do you guys know any cheaper cases? Any other suggestions/ideas?
Click to expand...

Didn't you just say that the price of the iMac in Brazil could be double or triple what you pay in the US? If that's actually the case, $100 for a carrying bag is a bargain.
 
The problem here is that even with the 21" model, you'll definitely run into issues due to excessive size and weight for carryon.

Besides, supposing you can get onboard without issue with the iMac as carryon, I think getting a somewhat pricey case might be worth the investment. Turbulence can affect many things.
 
luci216 said:
Hi,

I've tried googling this here and on other sites, but I cannot find an exact answer to my situation. So I'm wondering if anyone might have some advice for me.

So, basically, I want to buy my parents an iMac when I go back home to Brazil next year. I've brought electronics home before, and I always take only one of that electronic (say, laptop or camera) so that customs won't charge me taxes on these things. Taxes in Brazil for electronics are absurd, and iMacs cost about 2-3x its price here in the US. Therefore, taking it in the box looks too conspicuous and is out of the question.

My problem is, of course, taking it as a carry-on. I don't trust checking it, since so many people get their things robbed during "random" bag searches--especially in Brazil. Shipping it is too $$ and also risks being taxes and "lost" (aka stolen).

Do you have any suggestions for a means of transporting an iMac internationally? I saw some cases.. but they're over $100 -_-. That seems a little silly to me--do you guys know any cheaper cases? Any other suggestions/ideas?

Anything would be much appreciated!

Thanks.:apple:
Click to expand...

I would suggest taking it to a type of "parcel post" store, even though you have no intention of mailing it. They will know of the best way to package it, with a type of handle, encasement, etc. that will make it a viable Carry On. Just make sure you meet the maximum dimension limit for carry ons!!
 
Thanks :] All of you have great points... As in, why not buy the case if it's in between $100 vs. $1000 possible taxation. :/

As for wrapping it at a store... sounds great as long as I don't need to unwrap it for security :]

Thanks for all your help!!
 
I carry mine around in a large tote made for frozen food groceries. But mine is only 17". You might look at finding a padded tote and maybe modifying it by putting a slot in the bottom for the stand (if it is too small it fit). But honestly, you really need to just buy one of the totes made for it.

A quick look at the wheeled ilugger and AA carry on, looks like it will fly. AA is 45 linear inches and 40 lbs.
 
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I've carried a 20" iMac on as carry on before, but had to sweet talk the security guys a little as it was just over the size limit. If only you could take the foot off! Anyway, I had no damage, I used a shopping bag with a few bits of polystrene in to protect the screen.
 
mrfoof82 said:
You should use it inflight. Just ask for a reinforced tray table.
Click to expand...

Hahaha, that would be pretty epic. I'm actually not worried about the carry-on restrictions, as it is pretty large for international flights. My worry is the domestic connection that I always have trouble fitting my international-sized carryon bags in.

If only the stand was removable... :/ But I hear it's much too complicated to remove for it to be a practical alternative.

Thanks for all your help everybody :]
 
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luci216 said:
Actually, it looks like it's a little over the limit:

AA.com: "The maximum dimensions cannot exceed any of the following measurements: 22" long x 14" wide x 9" tall or 114cm (56 x 35 x 23 cm)."


Does anyone have any experience with the ilugger http://www.ilugger.com/product/detail.cfm?nid=1460&pid=40026 or this other carrying case? http://www.wheelsaway.com/index.html

They both seem small to me (as in, I can't see how the stand could fit given their product dimensions?)
Click to expand...

I noticed on one of the links you posted, it states "Not approved or recommended as checked baggage". I think you would have a serious risk of this bag NOT being allowed as a carry-on, then your precious iMac could be damaged in-flight if it was put in the hold. I would still consider taking it to a parcel packing store, where they could pack/pad it securely, and label it as "fragile". That way, if you arrive at the Airport, and they don't allow you to carry it on board, the iMac will have adequate protection.
 
Now coming back to this thread to be serious...

Ship it via UPS, Fedex, or another trusted carrier, and insure it for its full value.

It will arrive. It will be far less hassle for you (and everyone else) at the airport. It will be subjected to less abuse. You will be able to track its every move. It will be insured for its full value in the odd event it is damaged.
 
mrfoof82 said:
Now coming back to this thread to be serious...

Ship it via UPS, Fedex, or another trusted carrier, and insure it for its full value.

It will arrive. It will be far less hassle for you (and everyone else) at the airport. It will be subjected to less abuse. You will be able to track its every move. It will be insured for its full value in the odd event it is damaged.
Click to expand...

except it'll be barred by customs upon arrival :/ and/or risk being "lost" if checked.

When I got into college, even my Orientation Binder was blocked by customs and I had to pay $50 for it .. sigh. I guess it's a no-go unless the stand (in a perfect world) were easily removable.
 
Hi,

just got back from Singapore to Jakarta yesterday. It's a last minute decision to eventually bought the 21" mac since they bundle the imac with free ram, better exchange rate and GST Return (in total it is $200 cheaper).

I use a brown box as additional cover of original imac white box, and use a wrapping service in airport. Upon checking in, i mentioned that this box contain a computer (no, they won't let you bring as a carry on to cabin), and they put on a fragile sticker + ask a courier to handle the package to the plane cargo.

When i got home, unboxing the imac, I could say even with original imac box, it's relatively safe to transport in cargo since the Styrofoam hold the imac firmly without any gap.
 

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iLugger

I bought one to bring back a 20" ADC back to UK. I took it on as carry. No problems with check-in. I believe it is big enough for the iMac.
I went to Brazil this year and noticed how many passengers were taking up to 3 bags as carry-on. Don't know if it's a TAM waiver or they are just a little more forgiving.
For checking I'd only recommend a hard flight case, then wrapped in that plastic stuff.
 
Another way to do it is to reverse the white imac box so the labels are on the inside instead of the outside.
 
Whilst I can see how the 21.5" can possibly be taken, what about the 27"?
I'm planning to do that in February :eek:
 
"So, basically, I want to buy my parents an iMac when I go back home to Brazil next year"

This doesn't exactly answer your questions, but why not just buy them a well-equipped Mac Mini instead? MUCH easier to carry, you might be able to carry it on.

You can pack and carry a mouse and keyboard, as well.

The monitor might present a problem. But aren't halfway-decent monitors available in Brazil?

Just a suggestion....
 
Why not MacBook Pro and they can get their own display. Or you get keyboard separately?

mrfoof82 said:
You should use it inflight. Just ask for a reinforced tray table.
Click to expand...

I've brought a huge JVC boombox on a plane before.

The security people are just amused at the size.

And no, I didn't used it on the plane. Maybe next time.
 
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