Seg on a plane

[Sven]

This may be a "done that" for Segway oldtimers, but I recently took my Segway with me on a flight from Houston-Hobby to Portland. For me, there were a series of new experiences: gliding through the remote parking lot to a shuttle and wrestling the Seg aboard (the driver helped), trying to keep the Seg from rolling around in the crowded bus, wrestling the Seg off the shuttle (again, the driver helped), gliding to the ticket counter where the Seg was tagged, gliding through the security-line maze and through the security check itself (the security guy wanted to ride the Seg!) gliding through the terminal to the gate and, at preboard, gliding down the ramp to the door of the plane where the Seg was checked.

I was asked what kind of batteries I had at the ticket counter. I said NiMH (I have a letter from my dealer attesting to this but was not asked to verify my answer). I have a copy of my handicap sticker on the front of the Segway, which may have suppressed further questions throughout my boarding journey. I followed Tarkus' advise on how to pad the Seg to minimize damage when it was stored in the baggage compartment.

Southwest personel were very helpful on both legs of my trip and I have written a letter to the carrier complimenting them on their accomodation. Bottom line for any fellow/sister newcomers to the forum who need their Segway when they travel, as long as you do not have Li-Ion batteries, go for it.

[Tarkus]

Originally Posted by Sven

This may be a "done that" for Segway oldtimers, but I recently took my Segway with me on a flight from Houston-Hobby to Portland. For me, there were a series of new experiences: gliding through the remote parking lot to a shuttle and wrestling the Seg aboard (the driver helped), trying to keep the Seg from rolling around in the crowded bus, wrestling the Seg off the shuttle (again, the driver helped), gliding to the ticket counter where the Seg was tagged, gliding through the security-line maze and through the security check itself (the security guy wanted to ride the Seg!) gliding through the terminal to the gate and, at preboard, gliding down the ramp to the door of the plane where the Seg was checked.

I was asked what kind of batteries I had at the ticket counter. I said NiMH (I have a letter from my dealer attesting to this but was not asked to verify my answer). I have a copy of my handicap sticker on the front of the Segway, which may have suppressed further questions throughout my boarding journey. I followed Tarkus' advise on how to pad the Seg to minimize damage when it was stored in the baggage compartment.

Southwest personel were very helpful on both legs of my trip and I have written a letter to the carrier complimenting them on their accomodation. Bottom line for any fellow/sister newcomers to the forum who need their Segway when they travel, as long as you do not have Li-Ion batteries, go for it.

Great isn't it !

I remember the first time I flew with the Seg, right to the plane door. Got to love it.
Not to mention being able to work through the airport like the old days.

Whats the name of that group that worked on getting the Segway accepted for air travel....?


It reminds me of all I took for granted the first time I flew with the Segway.

DRAFT, a volunteer "group" of 2 or 3 at the time funding the operation out of their own pockets, and getting results. Some things remain the same.........


http://www.draft.org/draft3/Portals/...0Complaint.pdf


If you look at the time frame from Jerry complaint to resolution you will see how long and hard they worked on this issue. At the same time they were working on other issues Buses , Trains etc.


Not to mention setting up the "Self Advocacy" information on the DRAFT website so others could use their experience to each of our benefit.

Things take time, sometimes more time then it should take. But they are being worked on.

I had it easy in many places, DRAFT had laid the groundwork.



I'm so happy for you.

Be Big,
Alan

[X-man]

My only uncomfortable part of flying with my machine is on my return from Ireland on USAir. I had a window seat and watched the baggage handlers bounce the Segway down the steps from the door of the plane where they took possesion of it
No damage was done - thank God.
BTW On riding buses (or trains)- try to place the wheel axis at right angles to the direction of travel. It's a lot easier to control side to side sway.

[Tarkus]

Originally Posted by X-man

My only uncomfortable part of flying with my machine is on my return from Ireland on USAir. I had a window seat and watched the baggage handlers bounce the Segway down the steps from the door of the plane where they took possesion of it
No damage was done - thank God.
BTW On riding buses (or trains)- try to place the wheel axis at right angles to the direction of travel. It's a lot easier to control side to side sway.

I hear you. Thats why I NEVER look out the window until we roll, I'm a wimp !

Be Big,
Alan

[polo]

Hmmm...as I remember, they ask you to turn your cell phones off as you roll away from the gate, right? If so (and you have a snazzy cell phone that does movies), film the baggage handler's treatment of your segway. You'd have excellent evidence of how it was damaged. The airline's insurance people might even pursue action against that specific handler (making him accountable, eh?).

[gbrandwood]

Segs on a plane? Not unless Samuel L Jackson is there!

The SegFest DVD which had Jerry Kerr's speech on Disability Rights was truly inspirational. He talks about getting on planes with his Seg and the obstacles that he had to overcome - and it seems it's now much easier for folk. That's great. We just need to get around the li-ion issue...

[Sven]

Thanks for reminding all of us that the rights we now enjoy didn't just happen. I salute those who made it possible for me to take my Seg on a plane.

[Sal]

Originally Posted by gbrandwood

Segs on a plane? ...

Brings new meaning to "mile high club."

-Sal

[nolegs]

I've flown a few times w/my segway, and I love it. I only wish I could fly w/the lithium battery.

I'll tell you one thing, though I'm always the first to board the plane, and the last to get off. (Since I have to wait for a straight back chair) I still beat everyone to the baggage claim. I love it!

Nolegs

[joe]

Originally Posted by X-man

BTW On riding buses (or trains)- try to place the wheel axis at right angles to the direction of travel.

I'm sure you meant "axis towards the direction of travel".

--
Johannes