Getting FLL robot through TSA security

[rsaitz]

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!

[Akash Rastogi]

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.

[Vikesrock]

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.

[Akash Rastogi]

Originally Posted by Vikesrock

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.

.

I just meant the batteries.

[Vikesrock]

Originally Posted by Akash Rastogi

I just meant the batteries.

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

[kevin.li.rit]

Originally Posted by rsaitz

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!

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.

[thefro526]

Originally Posted by Coffeeism

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

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.

[kevin.li.rit]

Originally Posted by thefro526

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.

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.

[thefro526]

Originally Posted by Coffeeism

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.

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.

[dtengineering]

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

[ATannahill]

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.

[Nawaid Ladak]

Originally Posted by rtfgnow

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.

You can't have batteries in checked luggage.

[Rick TYler]

Originally Posted by Nawaid Ladak

You can't have batteries in checked luggage.

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.

[gvarndell]

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

[Vikesrock]

Originally Posted by Rick TYler

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.

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