External Hard drive on flight to US.. ok?

Emerson

Flying to the US tomorrow via Heathrow.
Want to bring my laptop and external hard drive.

I'm wondering is it ok to bring an external hard drive. I'm hoping the X-rays won't screw up the drive. It's a maxtor 200gig in a metal case.
I'm also hoping they don't think it looks dodgy and have it cause any problems. I presume putting the HDD through checked in luggage is best (amongst the cushion of clothes) and then bring the actual laptop on board..

Does checked in stuff get a more powerful xray? Brought my laptop on board a few times traveling in europe no problems, but it's probably a different machine, it goes through.


Anyone have any advice? I know how strict they must be these days for american flights...

rugbug86

i didnt think they xray checked luggage

DrIndy

yes they xray check and sniffer dog everything. I do not believe you have anything to worry about as many a laptop crosses those scanners undamaged. Hard drives store info magnetically, and x-rays are neutral radiation so there should be absolutely no problem if doses are small (which they are).....

The security checks getting on a transatlantic flight are over-rated and raved about in the news, its grand...... bring a big book and a comfy jumper to sleep on... and loads of food coz the muck they serve you is in tiny pathetic portions and I'm always starved afterwards......

remember not to take on simple things like nail files and nail clippers with you, but everything else including 12" daggers are ok so long as they are in your check in luggage.......

Sparky

i cant eat that flight food its crap, but as reguards laptops and HDD they should be ok, anyways you have nothing to hide anyway so dont be worried, if needs be you may have to show the system working for them, but usually once you put your laptop and that HDD in the tray, once it comes out the other end it will be ok.

rymus

i had wondered about the same thing. going to london next month and want to bring my camera, couple of lenses & psd (card reader with a laptop hard drive connected). I'll be bringing it on as hand luggage and dont really fancy the idea of losing a few gigs of photos on the return journey due to xraying. I suppose I can get DVD backups over there and see if the xrays destroy my pics

DrIndy

no problems - don't worry. You should always carry valuables with you in your hand luggage anyway as it is less likely to disappear. Unless your digital camera has a pointed 6" spear accesorising it, you can take it on board the plane. They are strict on stabbing implements and also xray your shoes - but apart from that are very civil.

You can take an AK-47 with you on american flights (between certain states!) so long as the ammunition is stowed separately and it is in your checked in luggage!

netwhizkid

Originally Posted by DrIndy
no problems - don't worry. You should always carry valuables with you in your hand luggage anyway as it is less likely to disappear. Unless your digital camera has a pointed 6" spear accesorising it, you can take it on board the plane. They are strict on stabbing implements and also xray your shoes - but apart from that are very civil.

Intelligent Americans huh ?

Regards netwhizkid

DrIndy

americans think differently. Here is it acceptable to own handguns to defend yourself and property, whereas we europeans have the attitude that an eye for an eye leaves people blind and the police should protect us instead........

just make sure you don't by accident have any sharp metal items in your luggage by mistake and all will be well.......

Third_Echelon

rugbug86 wrote:

i didnt think they xray checked luggage

No... because terrorists wouldn't think of putting a bomb in their checked luggage :rolleyes:

I had my 20 GB HDD MP3 player in my hand luggage and it went through the scanners etc and there was no damage to the data on the disc... perfectly fine.

Dont put anything valuable in your checked luggage...

Emerson

Thanks for the tips everyone!
Think I'll bring the HD in my hand luggage then.. Should be ok then..

Gonna bring a load of fruit I think for the flight.
Yuck. I hate microwaved to death, plane food. We get absorb enough gamma rays just being on the flight without that extra stress on our bodies.

Early start in the morning.. so good night folks!

Cheers..