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How to Transport a Computer Monitor on a Plane

Lawrence Bonk Profile image

Written By:

Lawrence Bonk
Updated June 27, 2022

Occasionally, travelers will need to create a workstation at their point of destination. This may require flying with a computer monitor and related devices, leaving consumers wondering about the legality of flying with their favorite computer monitor, especially if you’ve invested into your monitor like the best monitor for eye strain. If one model may pose more travel challenges than you’d like, consider reading other computer monitor reviews to find a model you can transport more easily.

Bringing a Computer Monitor on a Plane

While it’s important to remember how to pack a computer monitor for moving before toting it with you on a plane, there are many other things to consider. It is important to remember that not all air carriers offer the same rules and regulations, but here are some general guidelines.

Warning: It is important to remember that not all air carriers offer the same rules and regulations, so some may have more restrictions for large models like curved monitors.

Tips for Traveling with a Computer Monitor or PC

The TSA and various air carriers do allow monitors and computer components on flights, though there are some general guidelines and tips to follow in order to ensure safe passage.

Checked Baggage Guidelines

You can fly with a computer monitor or PC as a checked piece of luggage, though there are some strict requirements to meet, which can typically be stricter than most criteria concerning renters insurance that covers computers. It’s always good to check the finer details, in any case.

  1. Airlines vary, but there is typically a maximum weight that a checked piece of luggage can be. Modern LCD panels are fairly light, so this should not be an issue in most cases. Still, you will want to check your airline’s website for clarification. Also keep in mind any accessories you’ll be bringing, like a dual monitor stand, webcam, additional cords, etc.
  2. Most airlines also have a maximum size requirement. In other words, ultra-large monitors may not be allowed on a flight, like the best curved gaming monitor. If you are packing the monitor in its original box, be sure that the overall dimensions once packed do not exceed this size requirement.
  3. In order to avoid accidental damage, be sure to mark your computer monitor as fragile before placing it into the hands of airline staff.

Carry-on Baggage Guidelines

Most airlines will allow a computer monitor as a piece of carry-on luggage, assuming it meets a number of requirements.

  1. The monitor should meet size requirements. In other words, make sure it can easily fit in an overhead bin or underneath the seat next to your feet. This rules out larger-than-average displays. A 19-inch display could easily fit underneath the seat, while a 27-inch monitor like the best 27 inch gaming monitors could not.
  2. Keep the monitor boxed up if you are using it as a piece of carry-on luggage. This will ensure that the monitor does not end up damaged mid-flight. It will also ensure that the display does not cause any damage to the luggage compartment. Winding up with a damaged monitor on the other end of your trip is never an ideal situation, especially if you use your monitor for work or hobbies, like the best monitor for video editing.
  3. You may have to run it by TSA security. In other words, be prepared to open up the monitor’s box and do whatever is required of you by TSA agents.

STAT:

It will likely cost anywhere from $100 to $200 to check a computer monitor as a piece of checked luggage on an airplane.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_monitor

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/desktop-computers#:~:text=Checked%20Bags%3A%20Yes,bin%20for%20X%2Dray%20screening.

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all-list

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0969699704000572

*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VHqI2u8AAA

Bringing a Computer Monitor on a Plane FAQ

Can I take a 30" LCD monitor as checked baggage on a plane?

Yes, though you will want to make sure it meets the airline’s size and weight requirements. The weight should not be an issue, as LCD panels are light, but the size could

What’s the best way to take an iMac on a plane?

Generally speaking, Apple iMacs may not fit in overhead storage compartments. You will have to bring it on as checked luggage. In that case, be sure to offer protection to avoid accidental damage, which your limited computer warranty likely won’t cover.

Can you bring a monitor on a carry-on bag?

Yes, providing that the bagged monitor will fit behind your feet or in an overhead storage compartment.
Lawrence Bonk Profile image
Lawrence Bonk
Lawrence Bonk is a copywriter with a decade of experience in the tech space, with columns appearing in Engadget, Huffington Post and CBS, among others. He has a cat named Cinnamon.