Airlines

[DaKine]

Any problems getting HTs on? Extra charges?

[Blinky]

Welcome to Segway Chat, you can the answers to these questions in the Main discussion forum located here (LINK (http://www.segwaychat.com/forum/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=3)).



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[phantom1]

I have successfully transported my Segway HT on a commercial flight that went to three destinations. From my home to Oklahoma, from there to Manchester and then back home.

Before doing this, I checked with several airline chack-in desks to learn how to prepare the HT for transport.
1. Anything over 75 lbs is "overweight" and is charged $80 per destination. The I-model is 83 lbs w/o the bag.
2. The nickle/metal hydride batteries are considered hazardous material and must be removed from the device and all connectors wrapped with electrical tape, and reinstalled. Bring reinforced packaging tape to secure them to the Segway base as the mounting bolts will not work with the electrical tape over the connectors.
3. The Segway must be demonstrated to the Security officer(really) to prove that it is a functional piece of equipment (just like turning your cell phone on to prove functionality).
4. The Segway HT must be collapsed: handle removed, cables unplugged, etc. I used an adjustable strap to wrap around the duffle bag to prevent too much shuffling inside the bag.
5. The Segway HT must be containerized. I found a large duffle bag at a luggage store that worked well. $60
6. The 4mm allen wrench may not go along with you on the plane. Pack one with the Segway and one in your luggage.

The people who helped me at each airport were fascinated with the Segway HT and so were somewhat forgiving of some of the rules. At every destination, I learned that any pilot could refuse to transport the batteries due to their hazardous status. Whe I reached my final destination, I discovered that one of the fenders was cracked. I should have used heavy duty packaging foam around the fenders.

Lots of potential problems. After a long workday and a long flight it takes a lot of extra work to get the Segway from the luggage rack, unpack and re-assemble it, deal with everyone's questions and curiosities and ride it to the car or hotel.

Well, that was my experience. Let me know if you try this yourself. Its a lot of work. But, at least you will have your Segway HT with you at your destination.



ht_trainer@segway.us.com