Getting FLL robot through TSA security
 

We are traveling from Boston to ATL for the championships via Delta. We plan on carrying our FLL assembled robot on board. Any advice for getting our robot through security in one piece? thanks!

Re: Getting FLL robot through TSA security
 

TSA usually wouldn't make exceptions, even for educational toys. If they do let you take it on board, I believe you are required to take the battery out.

Better option would be to just FedEx it or call your airline ahead of time since this is a security issue and question them directly.

Re: Getting FLL robot through TSA security
 

When we had questions about this, we contacted the TSA directly. If you haven't done that, go to the TSA website and grab their phone.

They were pretty helpful about whether or not our robot parts are ok.

Re: Getting FLL robot through TSA security
 

Akash,
I'm not really sure what you mean by "exceptions". No part of an FLL robot should be an item that appears on the TSA Prohibited Items list.

The only prohibition regarding batteries is that you must not travel with loose Lithium batteries in checked baggage.

I would agree with the suggestion to contact your airline (or TSA as the post above me suggests) if no one posts here that has done this with an FLL, FTC or Vex robot. My guess is that you just send it through the X-Ray scanner in a separate tray just like a laptop.

Re: Getting FLL robot through TSA security
 

I just meant the batteries.

Re: Getting FLL robot through TSA security
 

Lithium-Ion batteries of the size used in the NXT battery pack are allowed in carry-on baggage.

Packing recommendations for spare batteries (not installed in the robot) can be found here:
http://safetravel.dot.gov/tips.html

Re: Getting FLL robot through TSA security
 

May I ask what robots parts you spoke with them about?

I have an Aluminum frame that's about 9" x 9" x 5" that I need to bring with me and I'm wondering if I'll get hassled.

Re: Getting FLL robot through TSA security
 

Best to call TSA.

We brought our driver systems controls (old IFI controller) which folded into a box with lots of wires in it. 2 Large 90 tooth sprockets. Pneumatic cylinders to replace broken ones and extra leak proofed clippard tanks, gauges and regulators. We took some on carry on and checked some in.

Re: Getting FLL robot through TSA security
 

I think I will on Monday once I get a better idea of how weapon-like this frame's going to look.

Judging by what you've taken in the past, I think I should be okay, but I'd rather not get held up in line.

Re: Getting FLL robot through TSA security
 

Two years ago we had a nasty little TSA experience taking VEX robots to the FTC championship in Atlanta.

No problem getting on the plane here in Vancouver, but after transferring in Dallas, the robots, shipped as checked luggage in 18"x18"x18" shipping crates were nowhere to be found. The airline, at first, didn't know where they were, either.

Not good when your matches start the next morning. (And, as one would expect at a FIRST event, we had several offers from other teams at our hotel to help out with spare parts and whatever was needed to rebuild a machine from scratch that night.)

After repeated calls to the airline, they eventually said that it WAS a TSA delay, and they delivered the robots to our hotel at about 3:00am.

One of the brilliant TSA inspectors seemed to have had some problem putting the robot back into the shipping crate, and appeared to have solved the problem by sitting on the lid of the crate. Not sure how else they would have bent the C-channel.

I know all that story does is add to your worries, and doesn't offer any helpful advice on how to avoid the problems, but the end results was a happy one... the teams made the elimination rounds and had a good time. And if you ever do "get stuck" without your batteries, robot, or parts... ask around. Emergency robot rebuilds from donated spare parts are classic FRC examples of GP. Can't see why it wouldn't work the same for FLL or FTC (as it very nearly ended up doing, for us).

Good luck!

Jason

Re: Getting FLL robot through TSA security
 

note: What follows is meant to be a joke, you accept all consequences of your actions when trying this.

I know what to do. Put the robot on the ground and drive it through the feet of the security workers.

In all seriousness it is in your best interest to check them. Southwest allows two checked luggages per person free of charge. Check if any of your mentors or nearby teams are flying that way.

Re: Getting FLL robot through TSA security
 

You can't have batteries in checked luggage.

Re: Getting FLL robot through TSA security
 

I travelled with an FLL team from Iowa to the European Open Championship in Bodø, Norway in May 2007. I was chosen to be the one to carry the precious robot and had no problem at all taking it as carry on. We placed it with some bubble wrap around it in a plastic toolbox that I had around. We left the rechargeable battery pack in it.

Re: Getting FLL robot through TSA security
 

According to the FAA, you are incorrect: http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/..._batteries.pdf

Remember, the TSA is only concerned with security threats, while the FAA is concerned with all aspects of flight safety.

Re: Getting FLL robot through TSA security
 

I'm sorry, I can't resist.
Will it fit in your underwear? :ahh:

Re: Getting FLL robot through TSA security
 

The NXT battery pack is Li-Ion and thus prohibited from checked luggage per the document you linked to.

Re: Getting FLL robot through TSA security
 

Just a warning about bubble wrap. I have heard horror stories about teams putting robots packed in bubble wrap arriving at their destinations bent and crushed. What happens is when the robot is put in the cargo compartment of the plane the lower pressures at high altitude cause the bubble wrap to expand (with some umph behind it) enough to bend a pretty solid vex chassis into a nice "C" shape

~DK

Re: Getting FLL robot through TSA security
 

It depends on how it is carried. I posted the link so people could see the actual rules and not keep relying on Delphi posts. For example, a Lithium Ion battery installed in an NXT would be legal in checked luggage, while one carried loose would not be. Someone reading your post, and not the actual rules, wouldn't know that.

Re: Getting FLL robot through TSA security
 

Touche.

I have seen what they do with checked luggage and do not trust any electronics in it regardless of the hassle it may cause me unloading things into separate trays to pass through security.

Re: Getting FLL robot through TSA security
 

Thanks to everyone! All very helpful, (and humorous)!

My husband, and coach of the team spoke, with TSA. They said that the robot will be treated like any other computer or electronics device. We can demonstrate it if that will help. we can show them the letter that FIRST provided us explaining the competition we are participating in. The TSA agent will have the final say. Our back up is to have the other coach, who flies down the next night, on standby to take the bot and ship overnight FedEx, but we hope to be able to get through security successfully.

The robot will be carried in a small tool box that is lined with layers of thin foam mat'l.

please keep the feedback coming if you have any other new ideas.

The Roboknights, Team 749 from MA, thank you!

Re: Getting FLL robot through TSA security
 

wanted to give you all an update. we packed our bot in a small toolbox, batteries installed. we approached TSA and told them what we were carrying and they escorted us through security, put the bot through xray, and they also did a visual inspection. we had no problem. they recommended that you always approach TSA proactively when carrying items like this rather than getting them flagged during xray.

thanks again for all the advice.

Team 749, The Roboknights from Newton, MA