There are endless reasons why you might need to carry your desktop computer or a tower when you travel, but can you take a desktop computer on a plane?.
Here is a short answer:
Yes, you can bring your desktop computer or a gaming PC (a tower and a monitor) on a plane in both carry-on and checked baggage.
You can carry them on almost any airline on domestic and international flights, just make sure that your desktop computer does not surpass your airline’s luggage size and weight limits.
In this post I will walk you through the rules of flying with a desktop computer and give some pro tips on how to pack and safeguard your desktop in both carry-on and checked luggage.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
- You can bring a desktop computer, tower, and monitor on a plane in both carry-on and checked luggage.
- Ensure the desktop meets your airline’s size and weight limits.
- TSA requires electronics larger than a phone to be screened separately.
- Full towers may be too large for carry-on, so checked luggage might be necessary.
- Protect your desktop with bubble wrap or clothing to prevent damage.
- Consider removing the hard drive for added safety.
- International flights generally follow the same rules, but check with your airline for any additional requirements.
Can You Take a Desktop Computer Through The Security Checkpoint?
According to the TSA, you are allowed to bring your desktop computer through the security checkpoint without any problem.
The TSA agent will request that you pull out your desktop computer and any other electronic component larger than a cell phone from your luggage and place it in a separate bin for further examination.
The TSA customer service confirmed to Sho that desktop computers are allowed in carry-on luggage.
“Remove it from its carrion case and sent it separately into the x-ray for addition screening” the AskTSA team added.
Take a Desktop Computer In Carry-On Luggage
As long as the TSA allows desktop computers through the security checkpoint, you can bring a desktop computer and monitor as carry-on, and you don’t have to worry about airport security.
The only point you should keep in mind is whether your desktop will fit inside your suitcase and stay within your airline’s carry-on size limits.
Most domestic flights have a carry-on size of 9 inches (width) x 14 inches (length) x 22 inches (height), and personal items of 9 inches (width) x 10 inches (length) x 17 inches (height).
You can easily detect the size by measuring the height, width, and length of your desktop computer case.
Here are the four common sizes on the market:
For example, if you are traveling with United Airlines and you want to place it inside your suitcase, your desktop size should not exceed 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (22 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm).
If you want to place it under the seat in front of you, the desktop dimensions should not exceed 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm).
A full tower can be too large to be transported in carry-on luggage on most airlines because it has more height than a mid, mini tower, or SFF.
So, as long as it fits the maximum dimensions, you can take it onboard.
Can You Bring Desktop Computer In Checked Luggage?
If you are traveling with a large desktop computer, a tower and a monitor, that won’t fit in your carry-on, it should be transported in your checked bag.
Most airlines have a standard checked luggage size of 62 linear inches (length + height + width = 62), so you do not have to worry about the dimensions.
Deedee asked the TSA if she can bing a tower and monitor in checked luggage, and the TSA replied, “Yes, a desktop computer tower and monitor are allowed in checked bags.”
Also, double check that your suitcase does not exceed your airline’s maximum weight limit.
Checked bags are always not handled carefully by luggage handlers and go through automated conveyor systems, which increases the risk of damage or even theft. Fragile items like your monitor, GPU, or hard drive are particularly vulnerable.
How To Fly With a Desktop Computer?
As you now know, you can bring your desktop computer, tower, and monitor in both carry-on and checked baggage.
It is normal to be concerned about its safety, so it is crucial to do some prior preparation to protect your items before heading to the airport.
Here are some tips to protect your desktop computer while traveling:
- If you pack your desktop in your bag, make sure to keep liquids or any other equipment away from it.
- Wrap your desktop in bubble wrap if available; if not, use a piece of cloth. This will help protect it if your suitcase is tossed at the airport.
- Make sure your desktop does not move around inside your suitcase. You can use items like shoes or clothes to secure it.
- If you are not sending your desktop computer in checked luggage, it is always recommended to remove the hard drive (the most valuable part). You can find instructions in the video below, and for other desktop models, there are plenty of YouTube tutorials.
Can We Carry Desktop Computers On An International Flight?
Yes, most airlines allow taking desktop computers on international flights as long as they are within the permitted size.
There’s no problem with taking your desktop on international flights in both carry-on and checked luggage.
However, just like on domestic flights, your desktop computer may be subject to further inspection if you take it in your carry-on baggage.
It’s better to check with your airline first to ensure they don’t have additional rules you can DM them or chat with customer support to avoid surprises at the airport.
Can You Bring a Monitor On a Plane?
Yes, a desktop monitor is part of the computer setup and is allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage on most airlines.
To keep your monitor safe during your flight, wrap it in your clothes and make sure it is not moving around inside your suitcase.
Since the TSA didn’t mention monitors on its website, I checked X ( Formerly Twitter) and found that they confirmed Jenny’s question: “Yes, desktop computers and monitors are allowed through the security checkpoint.”
Final Thoughts
You can take your desktop computer on plane carry-on and checked luggage, but it can be risky, especially in checked luggage.
It can result in your computer being damaged or stolen.
If you don’t have a choice if you are relocating or just got a new desktop, it is better to remove the hard drive and any accessories and take them with you onboard.
I hope this helps.
Happy travel.
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