carry my mac mini on airplane

It used to be with electronics that you had to be in a position (if requested) to power them up an show they were functional devices, not a front for something else. I don't know if this is still the case since I have never traveled with a computer.

I routinely transported my old Powerbook through those wretched x-ray machines at least a hundred times. Still works.

You ought not to have to remove your Mini from your carry-on luggage as I believe the TSA security goons only require that of laptops.

I have traveled with my MacBook Pro many times recently and although I leave it in sleep mode for quick startup in case they want to see it working, no one has ever asked me to turn it on.

Although this is not official, I believe it should be fine to take a Mac mini through security. For example, I also pack my backup hard drive and other random electronics in my carry-on luggage and no one wanted to see those hooked up either. From that experience, I can (again, unofficially) guess that they won't hassle you about the mini.

You definitely could do it because I have done it several times. I sometimes do pre-sales and travel to customer sites for demos:

I would carry it in one of my carry on luggages. It is small enough to but in a backpack. Make sure to take it out and put on a tray or the TSA workers will most likely ask you to step aside to perform additional screening.

Sometimes the TSA will still ask you to follow them and then they will wipe some cotton swabs to detect chemical residue used in bomb making devices or something. They won't just wipe it on the computer but also on your hands and around the inside of the luggage.

I would not put it in my 22" roller because they will again, most likely perform additional screening on you.

Also, I would not put it in my checked baggage because they will open it when they detect your mac mini, then check the device, search your luggage, all not in front of you. You will then find a sticker on your luggage stating your luggage was opened and additional screening was done. Click here for more info: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/customer/claims/pack.shtm

They're really inconsistent about the "turn on the laptop" practice. I've been traveling in and out of the US, and they only occasionally ask inside the US. Traveling around Europe, no one has asked me to turn it on at all.

Also, keep in mind that no matter how carefully you pack your electronics in your checked luggage, they will NOT be that careful when they pop your bag after it's been checked in. I had an XBOX360 that I'd carefully bagged and cushioned while traveling to Afghanistan, where it's extremely dusty/dirty. When I arrived in Belgium en route, I opened my bag to do some gaming in the hotel and the plastic bag had been ripped open and placed on top of the XBOX. Now, the plastic bag hadn't been taped or sealed in any way so it could simple have been slipped off (and slipped back when the inspection done).

When I complained to a friend who works TSA at LAX she replied, "I don't get paid enough to repackage what I pull apart." So.... I'd say if it's important to you, electronic, and you want it protected, carry it on and as mentioned, have it handy to pull out during screening.

haoran wrote:

thanks guys, but the mac mini doesnt have its own batteries, so how can i put it into sleep mode for in case they tell me turn it on? and my wireless mouse is not a problem right?

Part of what I wrote in my post was to say that I don't think this is a big deal. As I said, I have traveled numerous times with my MacBook Pro and have never been asked to turn it on. And I carry on my external backup hard drive—which does not have batteries, just like a Mac mini—and no one ever asks me to power it up.

I'm not saying they never would, I'm just saying it might not be something to agonize over.

And if they do ask you? So what...as long as you packed the power cord, plug it into the nearest electrical outlet at the security checkpoint and turn it on.

Your wireless mouse is not a problem in the same way that the phones everyone takes on planes (with multiple wireless transmitters—cellular, wifi, and Bluetooth) are not a problem. I also carry a Bluetooth mouse for my MacBook Pro onto airplanes and no one ever asks about that either.

I can't think of a reason why they wouldn't let you take it but if I were you I'd just ship it to where I'm going to avoid any unpleasant surprises at the airport.

I would wrap it up with some extra padding (bubble wrap, tee shirts or whatever) put it in the middle of a sturdy suit case and just sent it along with the rest of my luggage.