Melissa, Greg, Alan and I flew with two TravelScoots on Continental from New Orleans to San Francisco, changing planes in Houston. On each leg of the trip we followed the same procedure. We checked our baggage either at the curb or at the counter inside, then proceeded through security on the TravelScoots. Once we got to the metal detector we each got off and walked through. This makes it easier for them to check us AND the TravelScoot. They pull it through a different gate and swab it, then give it back. Melissa was traveling with one regular lithium ion battery and I was traveling with two regular lithium ion batteries.
After security we made our way to our gate, and stopped at the counter there to ask for gate check tags. The pictures above are of these tags. (We actually ended up moving our tags so they were attached much lower on the scoot.) When we got the gate check tags we also asked to pre-board, which we were able to do for all four flights. Our husbands pre-boarded with us.
We drove our scoots to the door of the plane then detached the handlebars, dropped the handlebars down, and covered them with a protective bag. I used the TravelScoot travel bag. Melissa and I both chose to take the lithium ion batteries on the plane with us. You could also leave the batteries with your scoot, but we both felt more comfortable keeping them with us. This keeps any airline employee from riding the scoot and protects the battery from mishandling. Hardy Huber has written more detailed instructions which are at http://mytravelscoot.blogspot.com/2009/05/new-and-easier-way-of-airline-travel.html.
Three of the times we exited the plane our scoots were waiting at the door. On our very last flight we had to wait a few minutes for them. We reassembled them there and rode them into the airport.
The Continental staff was professional, friendly and helpful. We had no problems on any of our flights.
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I remove my single regular Li-ion battery, and put it in the travel bag that comes with the 'Scoot. Sometimes, I loop the handles over the post of the seat and then replace the seat; other times, I just give them the bag separately . I do ask for a second gate check tag for the bag.
ReplyDeleteMost of the time, I forget to disconnect the handlebars. I just lower the whole handlebar and check it like that. No problem so far, after 12? flights, other than a lost micro-bungee cord. (I keep extras in the travel bag.)
I love how appreciative gate check personnel are of how super light weight my TravelScoot is (especially compared to "regular" scooters), and always ask them to "take good care of my baby." So far, they have.
Travel well, scooters!
AmpleHugs & SunflowerSmiles,
-Anne
Anne, did you see the picture Dean sent in? It's at http://mytravelscoot.blogspot.com/2010/07/us-airways-flight-92.html.
ReplyDeleteAfter seeing that I would never leave my handlebars unprotected or extended. It's also important to protect the throttle and the box that holds the on/off switch. I wouldn't want them throwing my battery either, which is a possibility when it's in a bag by itself, unattached from the scoot.
It's great that you haven't had a problem yet, and I hope you never do, but I really recommend to anyone who is reading this that they follow Hardy's recommendations for airline travel.
Well, I learned from my own pictures. I drop the handlebars, cover them, and take the battery with me as I saunter into First Class. On the other end, it comes quickly and off I go. Sometimes they have to push me up the ramp if it is steep but most times not...just let it rip and bounce up the ramp. Dean
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