jxf6805@ritcv.UUCP (J Froehlich) (07/04/85)
Will my American-made Mac operate in Holland with a transformer or am I asking for trouble? Has anyone flown overseas with their Mac in hand? Any hassels from the airline?
warack@aero.ARPA (Chris Warack ) (07/10/85)
[Eat this line, gag and die] I've taken my Mac on flights with me a few times including once to my parents home in Honolulu. While that isn't international overseas, it was in a L1011 wide-body. I have the Apple carry case. The airlines haven't hassled over it as carry on luggage, BUT: 1) Security has a tough time with it. (I would suggest you don't let them X-ray your Mac). I once had to show a guard how it was plugged in before he believed it was a computer. In any case, you'll have to open the case and show them. (I've only had to take it out twice, though). 2) Only ONCE was I able to fit it in the space under the seat in front of me, and that was questionable. I had to really squeeze it in and it still stuck out a little. Twice I was able to put it in the overhead rack, instead. But, this always scares me, because its a bit precarious. The other three flights, (including Hawaii -- wide-bodies don't have overhead racks for most seats) I've had to give it to the flight attendants who have a) put it in a closet set aside for just that purpose; b) put it with the hang up bags; c) put it with her own bags (and it almost didn't fit there). In summary, if you have any other way of shipping it, you'd be better off using it. The flight attendants are USUALLY sympathetic but its not guaranteed. Try one of the padded chests currently on the market, and checking it ...? Bon Voyage, Chris Warack ARPA: warack@aerospace.ARPA UUCP: warack@aero.UUCP
olson@lasspvax.UUCP (Todd Olson) (07/22/85)
I spent the fall in England with a US Mac. I was unable to find a transformer in the US before I left. I tried, but no one seemed to have an honest transformer. I had no trouble however finding the transformer I needed once I got to England. Quite cheaply priced also (15pounds). A word to the wise, European outlets and plugs are different, so unless you know exactly what to expect at your destination, wait till you get there. (Also, just as the Apple documents indicate, I had no trouble with 50hz, (thanks Apple)). (I had only a Mac, no printer or hard disk). I did have a bit of trouble with the airlines though. On the way over I couldn't get it (in it's bag) under the seat, and it was really too heavy for the compartment over my head (so they put in a closet somewhere). On the way back they said that it was to heavy for carry on luggage, so I had to check it. (I did have a few books in the case with Mac, but even without I would have been over the limit.) It came through alright despite the fact that the (US) baggage people treated it rather casually. If I had it to do again I'd, pack it firmly (in a plastic bag) in a box, and ship with the luggage. Good luck, enjoy your trip. Todd Olson ----------