Taking computer component on board flights

[apex2000]

Firstly, I apologise if this is the wrong section of the forum to ask this question, but I could not find anywhere that was suitable.

Some time this year, I am planning to return to the UK after 25 years in the Land of Smiles. I have an almost new computer that I built myself and would like to take its innards back to the UK in my baggage.

The parts that I would like to take are the mainboard (complete with CPU, M.2 SSD and RAM), an internal SSD drive and an external hard drive.

Is there any restriction on carrying these components on both domestic Thai flights and international flights for other airlines? And should they be packed in carry-on or checked baggage?

I cannot find a specific answer for computer components anywhere, and I'm assuming that it is permissible to take computer components on flights, and that they can be in either carry-on or checked baggage.

Does anyone have any conflicting information, or any information that confirms my thoughts?

Thanks.

[Jdietz]

Not a problem. The more it looks like a bomb the less likely it is one.

I would pack carry-on as I don't like my HDDs to drop several meters during "handling"

Edited April 21, 2016 by Jdietz

[WhizBang]

I have taken computer components on flights, including a motherboard, mainly in my checked baggage without issue. Hard drives however, I do prefer to take in my carryon.

I don't think I would worry about it.

[BritManToo]

Not a problem. The more it looks like a bomb the less likely it is one.

I would pack carry-on as I don't like my HDDs to drop several meters during "handling"

It can't hurt a SSD.

[Jdietz]

You haven't seen the way they handle luggage...

Also: "an internal SSD drive and an external hard drive."

[apex2000]

Thanks for your replies, guys. One further question: do customs and immigration (Thai and UK) check what is on the HDs/SSDs (e.g. for downloaded movies)?

[lostinisaan]

it's easier than "carrying' a vibrator that suddenly starts guzzling and moving...

[lostinisaan]

Thanks for your replies, guys. One further question: do customs and immigration (Thai and UK) check what is on the HDs/SSDs (e.g. for downloaded movies)?

Considering how many pedophiles there are your drives can get checked what's on it. Also pirated software can be a problem.

P.S. The chances are very slim, but it can happen. Don't worry about downloaded movies if it's not underage porn.

Once you take the internal drive out, it can suddenly become an external drive. Be warned.

Edited April 21, 2016 by lostinisaan

[black beard]

they made me take the dead flat lithium battery out of my defunct laptop which i had in the checked in luggage. had to put it into carry on. battery was clip into the outside case so quite easy to remove. thing is it a heavy bar with multiple sharp edges, just holding it by one end makes it feel like a weapon. and they are more worried about bottled water.

[Myran]

You haven't seen the way they handle luggage...

Also: "an internal SSD drive and an external hard drive."

HDD's are in a parked state when not in use and much harder to damage than people think. A HDD in a suitcase surrounded by some clothes would be very difficult to damage even if you tried. You are more likely to suffer ESD damage than mechanical damage.

[johng]

I've taken my computer parts motherboard,PSU,RAM,DVD rom in a suitcase with the hard drives in carry on bag with no problems.

Yes the manufactures say hard drives in parked state can stand up to 500g's that's many times more than the human body can withstand

however when they are spinning just a small jolt can render a hard drive useless as I found out with a Western Digital "Mybook" 1 TB drive that was stood up like a book and fell over on the shelf

whilst copying files to it...dead dead dead.

[wpcoe]

I flew BKK-NRT-IAH-MID (Merida, Mexico) and return with a motherboard, HDD, SDD, RAM and 17" LED screen in my carry-on suitcase. At NRT security checkpoint, they insisted I remove the motherboard and screen from the suitcase to be scanned separately. In BKK, IAH and MID it was no issue.