Can Segways be taken on planes?

[RobbW]

While I was writing my last post about the goings on in San Francisco, the thought occured to me that if I were to try to take my Segway to the airport, I really have no idea if I could get on?

Would one be able to "carry-on" their Segway and stow it in an overhead compartment (assuming you feel like lifting 83 pounds over your head).

If not, how would you check it?

On a smaller note, I wonder if you would get stopped if you were trying to ride it through the gates or terminals? I mean, they let wheelchairs through and this is also a "personal assistive device"?

This could be BIG as I would totally see wanting to take my Segway HT along with me as I travel around on business a LOT. Any thoughts gang?

RobbW (sitting by the beach, sipping a margarita in sunny, tropical, Santa Clarita CA)

[Cube128]

You'll have to turn it on to prove it isn't a bomb.

I don't think the Segway will fold up small enough to fit into the overhead bin. I think you'll have to check it.

[Brooster]

You'd have to come up with some sort of padded bag and check it.

Brooster

[GlideMaster]

Rob Rob Rob, come on now. Let me see; I'm a terrorist and I want to take a Segway on the plane. I guess I cold take out one of the batteries and I think it will run since the systems are redundant. Then I could shape some plastics (you know the boom type) and shape it into a battery. Then I'm quite sure I could find a way that my Seg key would be the actuator switch. This would only be if they would let you take it into the passenger compartment. But we know that aint gonna happen. If they allowed you to take off the Control Shaft it would still be awkward in since and then it would probably be sniffed or scanned for explosives. But all shenanagens aside I would say no you would not be able to take it on a plain unless you broke it down into about five parts. The control shaft, handlebar, both wheels taken off, platform and base assembly and last but not least the two gearboxes would probably need to be disassembled and put in separate cases. They would probably call in bomb techs to check it out for approval. But I would be willing to bet you would not be able to take it on a passenger plain. I'm sure you could ship it on a cargo plane. Sorry. :(


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quote:Originally posted by RobbW

While I was writing my last post about the goings on in San Francisco, the thought occured to me that if I were to try to take my Segway to the airport, I really have no idea if I could get on?

Would one be able to "carry-on" their Segway and stow it in an overhead compartment (assuming you feel like lifting 83 pounds over your head).

If not, how would you check it?

On a smaller note, I wonder if you would get stopped if you were trying to ride it through the gates or terminals? I mean, they let wheelchairs through and this is also a "personal assistive device"?

This could be BIG as I would totally see wanting to take my Segway HT along with me as I travel around on business a LOT. Any thoughts gang?

RobbW (sitting by the beach, sipping a margarita in sunny, tropical, Santa Clarita CA)

[Brooster]

I'll have LadyBroo check into that one, Weskifm.

Brooster

[Blinky]

Weskifm writes,
quote:Rob Rob Rob, come on now. Let me see; I'm a terrorist and I want to take a Segway on the plane. I guess I cold take out one of the batteries and I think it will run since the systems are redundant. Then I could shape some plastics (you know the boom type) and shape it into a battery. Then I'm quite sure I could find a way that my Seg key would be the actuator switch. This would only be if they would let you take it into the passenger compartment. But we know that aint gonna happen. If they allowed you to take off the Control Shaft it would still be awkward in since and then it would probably be sniffed or scanned for explosives. But all shenanagens aside I would say no you would not be able to take it on a plain unless you broke it down into about five parts. The control shaft, handlebar, both wheels taken off, platform and base assembly and last but not least the two gearboxes would probably need to be disassembled and put in separate cases. They would probably call in bomb techs to check it out for approval. But I would be willing to bet you would not be able to take it on a passenger plain. I'm sure you could ship it on a cargo plane. Sorry.
Do airline companies make you take apart your wheelchair's?

I think you mentioned some good points of how they can let a Segway on a plane. I would have stopped there. :D It would be better leave this to the airliners security team to determine if it allowed or not.

If allowed or disallowed, it will be interesting to see what the justification for that decision would be.

[Brooster]

Okay, here's the deal. LadyBroo, who just arrived from Paris, tells me that any sort of large batteries--even in checked luggage--are considered a big deal. In each and every instance, carrying a Segway aboard an airliner would require cockpit approval ... at least as it stands right now. So perhaps Weskifm was on the right track with his comments.

Brooster

[Brooster]

Blinky, by the way, I'm not qualified to say just why batteries are an issue ... nor is LadyBroo ... she's a flight attendant. But my dad (DaddyBroo?) is a recently retired 767 Captain. I'll get an answer for you in the next day or two.

If I had to venture a guess, I'd say it's probably because anything that has even the slightest potential to cause a spark in the belly of an airliner is not a good thing.

Brooster

[JohnM]

FWIW
Most dosmetic US flights charge around $75 dollars each way for boxed bicycles. If you don't have a box that meets their standards, they sell you one for an extra $20 or so. Policies and costs are poorly defined and you may get different stories from the booking agents and the baggage check-in clerks. (There is an on-line database of bicycle travel horror stories: http://www.bikeaccess.net/airlines.cfm) If part of your trip will involve small planes, forget it all together. Only the big jets can take bikes. What will they charge for Segways? If its $75 for a 25lb bike, then the skys the limit on 80lb Segways.

I've given up on the airlines. When I went out to Moab UT for vacation I shipped my bike FedEx to a local bike shop for $45 each way, in a box of my own choosing.



Runnin' with the Big Dogs

[Blinky]

JohnM writes,
quote:FWIW
Most dosmetic US flights charge around $75 dollars each way for boxed bicycles. If you don't have a box that meets their standards, they sell you one for an extra $20 or so. Policies and costs are poorly defined and you may get different stories from the booking agents and the baggage check-in clerks. (There is an on-line database of bicycle travel horror stories: http://www.bikeaccess.net/airlines.cfm) If part of your trip will involve small planes, forget it all together. Only the big jets can take bikes. What will they charge for Segways? If its $75 for a 25lb bike, then the skys the limit on 80lb Segways.

I've given up on the airlines. When I went out to Moab UT for vacation I shipped my bike FedEx to a local bike shop for $45 each way, in a box of my own choosing.
How about the airport baggage handlers ride your Segway onto the airplane for you and park it in the planes luggage compartment like car parking valets do? You can tip later on! $2 bucks doesn't sound as bad as nearly $75 plus.

Maybe this would only exist in my world :D But its an idea.

[RedKey]

I've done quite a bit of research on this topic......

Don't count on your Segway being allowed past the security check-point, regardless of the fact that it would never meet carry-on requirements. It can't be compared with a medical device (wheelchair), the Segway is not FDA approved as a medical device and for liability reasons Segway specifically states the Segway is NOT a medical device. So forget about taking it past security- you MUST check the Segway.

US Air's policy can be found at:
http://www.usair.com/customers/travel_policies/baggage/index.htm#Baggage%20Embargo

The Segway exceeds the free bagage allowance but it's weight and boxed dimensions are within the range allowed to be checked for an extra charge.
It appears it would be possible to check the Segway in it's box.

I didn't consider the batteries in my earlier research. I'm not sure if the airlines have a policy restricting big batteries, I'll call and find out.

Here's a little problem I have with our units... All of our recent units were shipped in a larger box with the Segway fully assembled. This box is almost chest height (if anyone wants specific dimensions, let me know). This box will be very inconvenient because it won't fit in most vehicles- although it IS within the airline's requirements. I would rather have the smaller box being sent to the early adopters.

I need to build a road case to better protect the Seg and to allow easy packing/unpacking. Trouble with a roadcase though is weight. US Air has a 100lb limit on checked baggage, a roadcase would weigh about 30lbs, so the Seg in a roadcase will obviously be over the limit. I suppose the batteries could be pulled, that would reduce the weight significantly and they could be checked in a seperate box (within the free baggage limit).

Any additional thoughts?

RedKey

[BBBix]

As far as I know, there is no restriction on batteries. I have carried large 12v 7ah gel-cells onto palnes several times both before and after Sep. 11th.

Bill B.

[GlideMaster]

Hi BBBix, could you please tell me what airline allowed you to carry a 12v battery on the plane since 911? No other questions!

quote:Rob Rob Rob, come on now. Let me see; I'm a terrorist and I want to take a Segway on the plane. I guess I cold take out one of the batteries and I think it will run since the systems are redundant. Then I could shape some plastics (you know the boom type) and shape it into a battery. Then I'm quite sure I could find a way that my Seg key would be the actuator switch. This would only be if they would let you take it into the passenger compartment. But we know that aint gonna happen. If they allowed you to take off the Control Shaft it would still be awkward in since and then it would probably be sniffed or scanned for explosives. But all shenanagens aside I would say no you would not be able to take it on a plain unless you broke it down into about five parts. The control shaft, handlebar, both wheels taken off, platform and base assembly and last but not least the two gearboxes would probably need to be disassembled and put in separate cases. They would probably call in bomb techs to check it out for approval. But I would be willing to bet you would not be able to take it on a passenger plain. I'm sure you could ship it on a cargo plane. Sorry.

quote:Originally posted by BBBix

As far as I know, there is no restriction on batteries. I have carried large 12v 7ah gel-cells onto palnes several times both before and after Sep. 11th.

Bill B.

[BBBix]

It was American. I am a ham radio operator, and I brought a couple of batteries along with radios and antennas (not to mention miles of cable). The hardest part was convincing security that all of the equipment was not to detonate a bomb. Just make sure that the batteries are labled 'sealed' (not ones where you can add electrolyte).

Bill B.

[RedKey]

Anyone know someone/someplace that builds custom roadcases affordably?
&lt; $300 for the dimensions required?

[Blinky]

Brooster writes,
quote:Blinky, by the way, I'm not qualified to say just why batteries are an issue ... nor is LadyBroo ... she's a flight attendant. But my dad (DaddyBroo?) is a recently retired 767 Captain. I'll get an answer for you in the next day or two.

If I had to venture a guess, I'd say it's probably because anything that has even the slightest potential to cause a spark in the belly of an airliner is not a good thing.
Great Brooster, I don't want you to go to far out of your way to find out. Your interest is much appreciated.

Thanks buddyBroo! ;)

[Brooster]

No problem Blinky, here's your answer:

The big concern is with lead-acid batteries. At altitude, because of the pressure differences, the acid can boil up and out of the batteries and literally eat through the aluminum of the airplane.

NiMH batteries (which the Segway has) would not be a concern. However, because airlines don't yet have policies in place regarding Segways, my Dad feels it would be a dumb idea to even try it. As of now, it would still require cockpit approval; some Captains may approve it, others may not. In other words, you may get it there, but you may not get it home.

Hope this helps shed some light on the issue.

Broo

Brooster

[Brooster]

BTW, my dad retired prior to 9/11, Blinky. LadyBroo tells me that they've cracked down even harder since that time ... now, they won't even allow certain electric wheelchairs onboard.

Brooster

[flashgoirl]

Redkey - I know a great company in Seattle that builds custom cases - Titan Case. I went on a road show last year and they built four custom cases for me that rocked! Very professional and nice folks to work with. Tell them Beth from the mobile experience tour in the Lincoln Navigator sent ya!

"When buying dog toys one must always consider the delicate balance between fluff and squeak." - pt

[Deviant]

RedKey, I've never used them but http://www.bigdealcases.com/ claims they have a FiberLex case that is half the weight of others.

[RedKey]

Thanks for the info on Roadcases!
I'll check it out.

RedKey

[paulding]

if you would take a seg in two separate check-in luggage, i would like to known how much the main unit weigh w/ or w/out the battery. can you take out the battery and what is the weight of the handle. the maximum weight for a check-n luggage is 70 lbs, anything over is $100 to 400 extra fee.

thanks;)
paulding

poster #644

[RobbW]

See my answer to this question in my "Report from TTR-LA...thread.

RobbW (from the suburbanite, cookie-cutter, HOA administrated, master-planned community of Santa Clarita CA!)

[Brooster]

I do suspect that they obtained pre-clearance from the airline, don't you? Or did the person say they just showed up?

Brooster

[RedKey]

I spent some time with a Segway tech today....

You can check the Segway in a container with the batteries removed to get below the 70lb limit. Check the batteries in another container.

The NIMH batteries are not a problem.

RedKey

[RobbW]

quote:Originally posted by Brooster

I do suspect that they obtained pre-clearance from the airline, don't you? Or did the person say they just showed up?

Brooster


I didn't ask if they called in advance, but they made a point to say that at the airport in New Hampshire, everyone is used to Segways coming and going...

LOL,

RobbW

P.S. I'm sure they probably called the airline, not because they were transporting a Segway, but because they were transporting multiple Segways and probably had to check for cargo space I would presume. ;)

[Brooster]

Well, in any case, good info Robb. Thanks!

Brooster