Flat Monitor Luggage Question

I have to get a large flat TFT monitor (we're talking 24" widescreen" here, across to the US, and I've got a hard-case suitcase. What do you think of my chances of getting it across to the US in one piece in such a suitcase? Also, how would I get it across to Europe, given the lower baggage allowances?

It costs an arm and a leg to rent one of these for a week - we're talking hundreds of £££'s, (and I can buy one for £400 and be done with the rental charges etc) or perhaps normal shipping is the answer? It weighs 10KG on its own without any packing case.

Cheers.

I would go down the route of buying one out there, the chances for this monitor to be damaged are very high

Either that or send it by DHL and if its broken get them to pay for a new one

[Decker]

You sound like a man after my own heart I've got a padded jacket which I frequently take to the US with me. I'd wrap it in that then sandwich it between shirts and jeans... personally I'd risk it.

Agree with Alan - I'd order one from a US supplier and have it delivered to your hotel or other before arrival - you may want to consider purchasing a UK power adaptor here for when you return and since the pressure is on to have it there I'd risk the return rather than the out). Alternatively - why not simply ring Virgin and ask them if there's a special scheme to take it along? If you're in UC you could try asking them to put it in the wardrobe?

Guess DHL or Fedex or UPS would be expensive unless you work for a company with a corporate account?

I took a TFT with me to Florida last time I went, admittedly only 15", but if your case is big enough for the 24" then it's no real difference. Do what Decker says - sandwich it between soft clothing and ensure its packed all round the edge to protect it if your case is dropped onto a corner/side hard.

Mine got there in one piece, i'm confident yours will too .

[fozzyo]

Package it well, mark it clearly as fragile and tell them at check-in. Take it down to the over-size baggage bit so it doesn't go around conveyor system.

I don't think they'd be a problem with it getting there in one piece. Though may be wise to check with VS and your travel insurance firm the deal ... just in case so you are fully prepared incase the worst does happen.

Foz xxx

I took a 17" to Antigua only last month and all I did was put it in a box a bit bigger than the screen and put a LOT of bubble wrap around it and wrote fragile all over the box. It worked out fine, when you think about it, if you really wrap it tightly it is highly unlikely to get damaged.

Hi,

I often travel around europe with specialist computer equipment and generally the way to go is have a proper flight case made and then pay the excess baggage! However if this is an apple monitor that we are talking about, then you may be OK with the original packaging. I frequently check an apple 20" widescreen TFT in its original box (which is so damm good it is almost a real flight case!) and have never had any problems. If you do do this follow the advice above, and mark fragile over it, also take it to the oversize luggage drop and ask for it to be loaded by hand. you can sometimes get to keep hold of it until the gate and for it to be taken from you there and loaded by hand, it should then be offloaded at the gate for you on arrival.

Hope this helps.

Neil.

Also, the USA uses a different transmitting system, the UK and most of the world uses PAL and the USA uses NTSC, so you TV wouldn't work over there anyway..

Originally posted by Odessey
Also, the USA uses a different transmitting system, the UK and most of the world uses PAL and the USA uses NTSC, so you TV wouldn't work over there anyway..

I've assumed we're talking about a computer monitor here, in which case the difference in broadcasting systems won't be relevant.

[preiffer]

Originally posted by Odessey
Also, the USA uses a different transmitting system, the UK and most of the world uses PAL and the USA uses NTSC, so you TV wouldn't work over there anyway..

Not necessarily.

Most modern flat-screens are able to accept both NTSC and PAL signals (and the PSU's tend to be auto-sensing 120/240v too). Probably won't be an issue.

I would check out Pelican cases to transport it in. If you can find one of the right size these things probably offer the best protection possible. They are built to military spec and capable of having a truck drive over them without damage. They come with removable foam of you can just wrap the monitor yourself.

http://www.waterproof-cases.co.uk/

I use these cases for many applications and they really are the business.

Graham

I work for an airline that is part of the Delta Air Lines system, and you'd be amazed the number of people that check laptops in checked baggage. Personally I wouldn't do it, having seen what can happen to luggage, but if you must check it, as others have said... wrap it tightly, in a hard sided case, and mark it fragile. Remember that 90% of the time the airline is not liable for it, as it is an item of value, which you are recommended by the airline, through the contract of carriage, to not pack in checked baggage. So if something does happen, the airline is usually not responsible, although I believe VS has an option for purchasing extra insurance on your bag? Can someone confirm?

Is carrying it on, like in a laptop bag out of the question? And just packing the PSU and power cord?

[mitchja]

I would say as long as it's well packed and for your own security and peace of mind not obvious what it is from the outside of the box it should be OK going as checked luggage.

Regards