Vex Robot Transport

[Josh Adelson]

Our team is considering options for transporting our robot when we fly to Atlanta. Robot dimensions exceed carry-on regulations. That seems to leave us with the options of partially disassembling and packaging the robot, packaging it whole and checking it as luggage, or a combination of the two.

I'm reluctant to 'check' the robot, since luggage tends to get thrown around, and if it were lost that would be devastating. On the other hand I worry that carry-on will cause hassles with airport security.

I wonder if other forum members can comment on strategies they've employed, and how it's worked out. Thanks,
Josh

Josh Adelson, Mentor
FVC Team 78

[Rick TYler]

Our team is considering options for transporting our robot when we fly to Atlanta.

Pack it carefully and ship it UPS or Fedex. You can also pack it carefully and check it as luggage, but in my experience you can expect TSA to either steal everything or at least damage it. You are much safer shipping it ahead to your hotel than trying to carry it with you. I would also not even think about taking it as carry-on luggage. Air travel stinks.

[GeorgeTheEng]

See if there are other teams in your vicinity (FVC, FLL, or FRC) who are traveling via bus or sending a van to Atlanta. Ask them nicely if they would consider taking it down.

Definitely keep it out of the belly of the plane. As a carry on someone might see all those wires and metal and think something bad is happening...

[KathieK]

Contact your hotel first before arranging to ship - many hotels will not receive packages for guests.

[Rick TYler]

Contact your hotel first before arranging to ship - many hotels will not receive packages for guests.

Good advice from Kathie, always call ahead to the hotel before shipping. I've shipped things ahead to hotels for business meetings lots of times, but I always arrange it before I ship. Maybe Courtyard just likes me.