Airplane trip with your robot?

[Gort]

I am going to fly to the robot games in San Francisco in June. I am wondering how hard it will be to carry on my robonova. I have it in one of those metal camera/brief cases that everyone else uses.

[Humanoido]

It depends if everything is at orange level or not. Plus, do not fly through Detroit, just my personal recommendation, or it's possible they will strip down your robot, throw it on the floor, and say it was drug paraphernalia and even retain you with a felony charge. The best way to get it there is to ship it ahead of time. Last time I transported my robot by plane in my luggage, homeland security told me if they don't like the looks of the electronics, they will take it out and blow it up as disposal. I asked about labeling it and they said no use, everything is at their discretion. That made me very worried as I had thousands of hours in my robot. It made it to destination ok, but with some rough handling had some bent and broken mechanics, though easily fixed. If you put it in a carry-on, it will likely be held or confiscated, or seriously delay the trip. They can handle a camera, cosmetics, some meds, a cel, mpg player, clothes, even cd payer. But a robot will look like a bomb to them. Maybe other people had better luck in traveling with robots, but just relaying what I know about such situations. I also tried traveling with the robot by stripping it down to the basic parts and pieces, putting that in a plastic zip lock bag, but when the robot arrived in the luggage, it was missing parts.

humanoido

[bauermech]

Every time I've flown I've carried on my robot. The security was more fascinated w/ how cool it looked more than anything. Actually at one point he drew large numbers of guards who wanted to see it move ...kinda' made me wonder who was watching the gates!

I have yet to have a problem flying from Detroit, San Francisco, or Chicago. I wouldn't pack your Li-Poly's... They're on the allowed list last I knew, but if anything would get confiscated for being dangerous, it's those... well, also your screwdrivers and RoboGames medals (their sharp edges). Servos, micro controllers, brackets etc. were fine... even at level orange. But, it's like Humanoido said, it's ultimately at their discretion - so shipping it to the event is probably the best idea (if you have an address), but carrying it on the plane would be my second choice. I would NOT put it in your checked luggage!

I've got Rook's Pawn's waist assembly w/ me now... we'll see is London's airport has a problem w/ it on Sunday.

Speaking of... If anyone's knows of any good pubs in the Oxford, UK area, drop me a line! mattalternate@hotmail.co.uk Maybe we can get a beer and talk robots over a pint.

[Humanoido]

Bauermech, so did you put on a demo for the guards? Ultimately where did you keep the polyLI batteries? Glad you had all good luck experiences. I wonder what airline you flew? When you went through Detroit, were you arriving internationally or domestically? Maybe this makes a difference. What do I know? I figure after going through Detroit, you're going to need a good pub and a stiff one.

humanoido

[bauermech]

The first time, I kept the Li-Polys w/ the robot on my cary-on... after that, I've been checking them just in case. ...Flights were both international and domestic. The guards wanted a demo, but had to decline due to lack of batteries...

[Humanoido]

These tips are appreciated, and I can imagine the curiosity when they opened up the small case to find a little mechanical man in there.

humanoido

[bauermech]

Humanoido:
I can imagine the curiosity when they opened up the small case to find a little mechanical man in there.

I know - right?

Yeah, I gess I should have noted that my bot was a bi-ped/humanoid... You might have problems if your robot is larger and/or more combat oriented.

[gdubb2]

The combat folks have a whole new can of worms to deal with.
Big dangerous machines
Compressed gas tanks
Big battery packs
Some wild looking electronics.

Most ship, but some with smaller bots go with checked bags. Lots of information on what things are, batteries disconnected with the lead ends taped off, all gas cylinders empty and if possible the valves removed. Parts in separate bags. etc.

It's not all directed at flying either. I was driving back from a combat event in Canada last year. At the border when they figured out what I had, they all wanted to see it go. By the time they decided to just let me go, we had traffic backed up halfway to Calgary.

Getting into Canada was easy, getting home more difficult.

Gary

[Humanoido]

gdubb2: combat folks have a whole new can of worms to deal with. Big dangerous machines, Compressed gas tanks. Big battery packs, Some wild looking electronics.

Well said. Immediately, the guy who posted a movie showing a robot with the big sword in hand comes to mind! And one of our own frequent posters here at Robosavvy had the RN hand replaced with a power circular saw! Here's an example:

Dangerous modification to a Hitec Robonova-1.
http://www.techtakeaway.com/vids_rn1saw.php

humanoido

[srobot]

Matt did you make it out of the UK, or are you in the "slammers" ? Let us know what thay said, did, etc.!

--Scotty

[Toughbeard]

I flew with the bioloid box in hand from St Louis to Chicago, from chicago to frankfurt then Frankfurt to Istanbul. Then I placed the box in the luggage not to take to much attention from the customs agent

I had no problems at the gates. The security guys eyed it on the terminal but they smiled and let me go I guess they got used to it from you guys

Best option is to have a strong case to carry the robot and the equipment in just in case the security wants it to be checked in.

I usually take my RC cars and equipment with me in an aluminium case if I have to fly. Plus you need to clear them from customs going out of your country if you want to bring them back with out problems. Then at the door of the airplane I check it in to be taken to the cargo hold.

With the over charge I pay extra for the weight, they do what ever I want basically.

cheerz

Serdar

[Humanoido]

Toughbeard: I had no problems at the gates. The security guys eyed it on the terminal but they smiled and let me go Smile I guess they got used to it from you guys.

If you guys keep taking all your humanoids through the gates, I should have smooth going next time. Thanks for all the useful info!

humanoido

[Gort]

Thanks, All this is good to know (So I am good to go!):D

[StuartL]

I'm going to be in SF by coincidence that weekend. I'm pretty sure I'm going to go. Who else from here is going? Do I need to buy tickets in advance or can I get them on the door? Looking at the map the event may even be walkable from the hotel!