taking GPU on a plane

[asteldian]

Hey all, wondering if anyone has experience taking computer parts on a plane. I have a couple gtx 970s I am bringing back from US and was deciding whether to pack in suitcase and check them or bring in carry on bag.
I would prefer carry on to ensure they are treated with care, but unsure if security may have issues. Anyone have any experience with this sort of thing?

 

[Gregster]

I would put them in a suitcase. Wrap them in clothes or something soft and hope customs don't see them.

 

[Tephnos]

Can't really say from experience, but I couldn't trust them in luggage in the event it got 'lost'.

Don't see much in them for it to be a problem with security. People carry electronics all the time, just chuck it in antistatic bags and separate it as you would a laptop so they can clearly see it, lest they ask for you to open up your bag after it goes through the x-ray. Depends if you're willing to run the risk to be honest.

Also if you're bringing them back from the US, you might get busted by customs if it is in hand luggage.

 

[Marine-RX179]

I think so long as you are not carrying them new and sealed in the retail boxes, but bubble-wrap the physic cards themselves on their own it should be fine? You could unfold the boxes flat and put them into your lugguages.

 

[ibbreezy]

I've brought home graphics cards about 2-3 different times when I go Hong Kong, with and without boxes. I just put them in my suitcase in between clothes. Not had a problem before, but haven't been stopped by Customs either.

 

[V4FRP]

I carried a Titan back from the US in my hand luggage. Was still in the box and had no problems at all

 

[asteldian]

thanks for the input guys. I may try put in luggage. If they lose that my insurance can cover it anyway

 

[Sencha]

Strap it to your body with a clock so you can make sure its safe and keep track of time!

 

[nightrider1470]

^ This

 

[mraerosmith1981]

Strap it to your body with a clock so you can make sure its safe and keep track of time!

This and hope we see you on border control ??

 

[sieze2]

I have done this before. Just put it in middle of main suitcase surrounded by clothes (still in box).

 

[Rroff]

I've taken PC components both ways in hand luggage and never had a problem, though explaining what a LAN party was once to an official who had an only so so grasp of the English language took some doing.

 

[BluD]

Strap it to your body with a clock so you can make sure its safe and keep track of time!

I heard US customs have a good sense of humour, they will like that.

They might just treat it like they do drinks and get you to eat a bit just to be sure.

 

[mcast]

Strap it to your body with a clock so you can make sure its safe and keep track of time!

Wrapped in a pretty black flag with some arabic writing...

 

[ALXAndy]

Take them out of the boxes and tell customs they're second hand and your belongings.

I used to live in the USA and when I came back I made sure I bought up before I did, so Alienware PC, headphones etc.

I just said they were my belongings from living there, no customs duty. I had two suitcases full of hardware lol..

 

[Marine-RX179]

Strap it to your body with a clock so you can make sure its safe and keep track of time!

I heard US customs have a good sense of humour, they will like that.

Could wear a GTX980 such as this:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-040-IN&groupid=701&catid=1914&subcat=1812
as belt buckle, and should the custom question just say it is a device that will allow you to transform into a superhero should there be a need for you to protect the plane and passengers from terrorists/hi-jackers

 

[ginjaninja]

wow a 970 costs £217 in usa which costs £290 here...which graphic cards companies support uk direct with manufactuer RMAs in the unlikely event of a problem?
even if you cant get someone to bring one back for you...with the import tax it would still be less..

 

[ALXAndy]

I heard US customs have a good sense of humour, they will like that.

That's a joke yes?

Many years ago when I actually got on a plane I was stopped by US Customs in Philadelphia who said, and I quote - You seem too happy and are sweating profusely.

I tried to explain to them that -

1. I was terrified of flying so was in an elated mood that I was alive and
2. It was the first time I had ever gone through customs, so I was a little nervous.

In the end I was held for about six hours. I got the last laugh though, 'cause in one of my suitcases were about 300 condoms. My cousin was working on a pub and emptied the condom machine.

They fell out all over the floor, but even that did not raise a smile. They're like concrete and metal machines those customs officers.

 

[Gregster]

I took a Snake on a plane once....

 

[8 Pack]

Hey all, wondering if anyone has experience taking computer parts on a plane. I have a couple gtx 970s I am bringing back from US and was deciding whether to pack in suitcase and check them or bring in carry on bag.
I would prefer carry on to ensure they are treated with care, but unsure if security may have issues. Anyone have any experience with this sort of thing?

I carry four way in my hand luggage!! give them nothing to break as they will. Its 100% fine. I carried CPU's RAM GPU's MBs all in hand luggage before.