Game Systems and Airports

[SoulBlazer]

I'm leaving Tuesday to go home to see the folks for a week. I'd like to bring a game system with me to help pass the time, since I know I'll have a couple free days.

In 2002 when I went home I made the mistake of not packing my PS2 carefully enough and it was damaged on the way back. I had to send it in to Sony and pay for repairs to get a new DVD drive put in.

In 2003 I brought home a GameCube, also in a checked bag. This time it was carefully enough protected.

Now I want to bring home the XBox, since I have the most games I was working on for this sytem. But rather then chance it in a checked bag this time, I planned to put it and everything assocated with it into my old school backpack and bring it on the plane with me.

Has anyone done this? Any problems with Security doing this? I would'nt think so, but I'd hate to be told I have to check it, since I also plan to have two checked bags, fully loaded.

[Sniderman]

I once had a Vectrex in my carry-on (brought to CGE 2003) and I didn't have any problems.

On the way out (Cleveland airport sercurity), I was asked, "Do you have a TV in your suitcase?" "Nope, it's a videogame system with a built-in monitor." Went through without opening the case.

On the way home (Las Vegas security), same question. "Nope, it's a videogame system with a built-in monitor." The security guy said (I kid you not) "Holy crap, is that a Vectrex?" (Turns out he had one as a kid.) He had me open my suitcase to look at it, but only because he hadn't seen one in years. We also got to BSing about CGE.

Anyway, this time of year, I'm sure MANY folks have game systems in their carry-ons as gifts and such. An Xbox is pretty common, so I wouldn't see any problems as a carry-on. You may have to show it, but that's about it. If an uncommon Veccy didn't raise an eyebrow, I can't see an Xbox, GC, or PS2 being any different.

[dreams]

We went through with a Duo (I think ^^; ) in our carryon on our way to CGE. We didn't want to risk it being damaged.

It got flagged and they had to open the bag it was in. They ran a cloth over it that was then analyzed for explosives. When it came back negative, we were given the go ahead.

I don't think it'll be a problem at all to take the xbox.

[dreams]

stupid double post... sorry

[Mayhem]

I've not had a problem bringing a multitude of computer related items through Customs and Security when either visiting QoF or going to CGE. I've had my bag opened once to examine the C64GS I was taking, but that's about it.

Even the copious amount of DS units I brought back last month went unnoticed LOL

[punkoffgirl]

I brought my PS1 with me to CGE last year. I called the airport I was leaving from ahead of time, and asked them if they'd have any problems with it being in my carry-on. They told me I was more than welcome to bring any video game system. I ended up putting it in my checked luggage after all, but it came through safe and sound.

[bargora]

One time they asked me to turn my Game Boy Advance on, I guess to make sure I wasn't setting them up the bomb.

Also, once when I brought a metal flask of whiskey they made me take a sip.

[Felixthegamer]

I've carried an Xbox on and never had a problem at all. They just asked what it was and I answered a video game system. They did not even look at it

[Captain Wrong]

This is "On-Topic" so I'm moving it there.

(boot)

[Flack]

Every time I fly (which isn't often) I always take my laptop bag with me, which includes (but is not limited to):

Laptop
GP32
Palm Pilot
Lots of spare CDs
Lots and lots of spare cables

When I went to Vegas in August, the screeners didn't take a second look at my laptop bag, but did give my CPAP machine (http://www.sleepapnea.org/cpap.htm) the once over, just because they hadn't seen one before.

[tonyvortex]

once when i flew to NY i brought along my xbox and my psone and everything went just dandy.they did of course do a luggage search on me since i had an xbox in there,im sure when it went through the xray it looked like a warhead or something.

[XxMe2NiKxX]

I brought a genny with a sega cd and 32x driven into it on my carry-on, they thought it was a VCR....

[robotriot]

Speaking of Xbox and xray, is it possible that the harddrive could be damaged if it were exposed to xrays over a prolonged period of time?

[maxlords]

When I went to CGE, every time my bags went thru the machine they did double takes. They were loaded down with obscure electronics (Nomad, PCBs, assorted weird things). Lots of really weird stuff. EVERY single airport opened and searched my luggage that had the PCBs. Apparently large bare circuit boards are threatening. Go figure.

I also routinely get swept for explosives at the airport, as well as questioned about what I'm carrying. But I've never been stopped for more than 5-10 minutes and never had anything seized. I also play all my electronics during takeoff, just to spite the stewardesses. :D

[tholly]

Speaking of Xbox and xray, is it possible that the harddrive could be damaged if it were exposed to xrays over a prolonged period of time?

well, xrays are just another form of radiation, and we are all exposed to radiation....~360 millirem per year, then i doubt a little extra will hurt if it and all other harddrives can withstand radiation all year

...radiation is higher when you are on a plane, but since plane electronics dont get messed up after all of the flights, i doubt one or two quick trips and a few xrays would hurt anything

[robotriot]

well, xrays are just another form of radiation, and we are all exposed to radiation....~360 millirem per year, then i doubt a little extra will hurt if it and all other harddrives can withstand radiation all year

...radiation is higher when you are on a plane, but since plane electronics dont get messed up after all of the flights, i doubt one or two quick trips and a few xrays would hurt anything

Well, I worked in a hospital once, and the nurses in the xray section weren't exactly keen on staying next to the patient, but they hid behind a wall. Of course it just depends on the dosis you get, but at least xraying in a hospital isn't very healthy in the long run :)

[tholly]

well, xrays are just another form of radiation, and we are all exposed to radiation....~360 millirem per year, then i doubt a little extra will hurt if it and all other harddrives can withstand radiation all year

...radiation is higher when you are on a plane, but since plane electronics dont get messed up after all of the flights, i doubt one or two quick trips and a few xrays would hurt anything

Well, I worked in a hospital once, and the nurses in the xray section weren't exactly keen on staying next to the patient, but they hid behind a wall. Of course it just depends on the dosis you get, but at least xraying in a hospital isn't very healthy in the long run :)


yea, the yearly average dose of radiation that a person gets is equal to something like 5 or 6 xrays....so if you were exposed to like 100 xrays a year, you wouldnt be doing too good, but a couple wouldnt hurt you

[Sniderman]

Every time I fly (which isn't often) I always take my laptop bag with me, which includes (but is not limited to):

Laptop
GP32
Palm Pilot
Lots of spare CDs
Lots and lots of spare cables

When I went to Vegas in August, the screeners didn't take a second look at my laptop bag, but did give my CPAP machine (http://www.sleepapnea.org/cpap.htm) the once over, just because they hadn't seen one before.

Heh, I have just the OPPOSITE problem. (Apnea guy myself.) My CPAP machine has never been unpacked or inspected. But my friggin' GBA gets taken out, turned on, and bomb-dusted EVERY SINGLE TIME. The big bulky unusual machine gets ignored, but the GBA - which they must see HUNDREDS of every day - gets looked at. :roll:

[Flack]

When I went to CGE, every time my bags went thru the machine they did double takes. They were loaded down with obscure electronics (Nomad, PCBs, assorted weird things). Lots of really weird stuff. EVERY single airport opened and searched my luggage that had the PCBs. Apparently large bare circuit boards are threatening. Go figure.

I went on a trip for work once to an office to completely rewire it. Afterwards, they said I could keep anything I wanted. As my suitcase was completely jammed full, I cramed about 20 network cards along with a bunch of extra cable into my backpack. Apparently it looked a lot like a bomb because when it went through airport security the conveyer belt stopped and they all began looking at it.

I walked over to explain what it was and I heard someone behind me say, "step away from the machine, sir." I took another step and the security guy slammed me directly into the machine, pressing my face into the side of it, until they removed the backpack and searched it. It was the fourth hardest I've ever been hit.

By the way, for those keeping track -- The five hardest times I've been hit are:

5th - Knocked out in Karate.
4th - Slammed against X-Ray machine in Atlanta airport.
3rd - Fell on ice getting into my car, knocking myself out.
2nd - Slammed against car by police office who thought I had a gun.
1st - Hit by a truck doing 70mph while walking down the side of the interstate.

[tholly]

When I went to CGE, every time my bags went thru the machine they did double takes. They were loaded down with obscure electronics (Nomad, PCBs, assorted weird things). Lots of really weird stuff. EVERY single airport opened and searched my luggage that had the PCBs. Apparently large bare circuit boards are threatening. Go figure.

I went on a trip for work once to an office to completely rewire it. Afterwards, they said I could keep anything I wanted. As my suitcase was completely jammed full, I cramed about 20 network cards along with a bunch of extra cable into my backpack. Apparently it looked a lot like a bomb because when it went through airport security the conveyer belt stopped and they all began looking at it.

I walked over to explain what it was and I heard someone behind me say, "step away from the machine, sir." I took another step and the security guy slammed me directly into the machine, pressing my face into the side of it, until they removed the backpack and searched it. It was the fourth hardest I've ever been hit.

By the way, for those keeping track -- The five hardest times I've been hit are:

5th - Knocked out in Karate.
4th - Slammed against X-Ray machine in Atlanta airport.
3rd - Fell on ice getting into my car, knocking myself out.
2nd - Slammed against car by police office who thought I had a gun.
1st - Hit by a truck doing 70mph while walking down the side of the interstate.



hmmm.....hit #1........ i dont know what else to say about that....its amazing your still here...unless your ghost knows how to type

[vulcanjedi]

Back in 1995 I took my game gear with master gear converter and Phantasy star 1 to the airport to kill some time while I was waiting for someone.

My save games were gone after it went through the xray machine. They had been OK just before because I was playing it on the ride to the airport.

:(

vj

[XxMe2NiKxX]

YES. That's what happens a lot, though not all the time; I haven't noticed it with anything but SMS games.

Anyway, every single time I've brought my gamegear, they've done the whole bomb inspection thingey, mainly when travelling to third-world countries.

[Nature Boy]

I'd *never* put a console in with my checked in luggage, but then again I'm anal enough I don't like putting my books in their either (the covers can get wrecked! And yes I'm serious! :) ).

I find it's easier if you have all your electronic stuff out in the open before you go through security (as they like to scan it on it's own and not inside some bag - at least in Toronto they do). So I pull my PocketPC/GameBoy and Laptop out just before getting there to get through the line quicker.

[SoulBlazer]

Well, I'm off to the airport in 40 minutes. I'll let you guys know how I made out. Have both my XBox and GBA SP in my backpack. :)

[Mr.FoodMonster]

A few weeks ago I had my GBA SP, IPod, millions of cords and the such, plus like 3 pairs of headphones on carry on. They didn't even ask to see them...

[Achika]

Easiest thing to do (since security lines are different) is while you're waiting in line, ask the person that's standing by shovelling your things through the machine if they want your videogame system out. Some have told me yes, just to make it quicker, some have told me no, there's no need.

Lemme see if I remember this correctly about flying, the atmosphere, your body, and film, it's important to photographers to know about Xrays.... a trip from Michigan to California is equal to one chest Xray, a round trip is two. A trip from Michigan to China is two chest Xrays, a round trip if four.

Although the machines at the airport may not fog film, it can happy just by flying. One of my instructors had their film fogged during his many trips to China.

[Chronodriftersx]

When I went to CGE, every time my bags went thru the machine they did double takes. They were loaded down with obscure electronics (Nomad, PCBs, assorted weird things). Lots of really weird stuff. EVERY single airport opened and searched my luggage that had the PCBs. Apparently large bare circuit boards are threatening. Go figure.

I went on a trip for work once to an office to completely rewire it. Afterwards, they said I could keep anything I wanted. As my suitcase was completely jammed full, I cramed about 20 network cards along with a bunch of extra cable into my backpack. Apparently it looked a lot like a bomb because when it went through airport security the conveyer belt stopped and they all began looking at it.

I walked over to explain what it was and I heard someone behind me say, "step away from the machine, sir." I took another step and the security guy slammed me directly into the machine, pressing my face into the side of it, until they removed the backpack and searched it. It was the fourth hardest I've ever been hit.

By the way, for those keeping track -- The five hardest times I've been hit are:

5th - Knocked out in Karate.
4th - Slammed against X-Ray machine in Atlanta airport.
3rd - Fell on ice getting into my car, knocking myself out.
2nd - Slammed against car by police office who thought I had a gun.
1st - Hit by a truck doing 70mph while walking down the side of the interstate.

So I take it no apology from the 4th grade intellect with badges? SInce I'm the second to ask we'd all want to hear more about hit one too, can you enlighten how this happend?

[SoulBlazer]

Flack talked about that accident in a off topic thread.

Well, it was hardly a issue. I put the backpack on the scanner, was asked "is there a laptop in there?", said "no, it's a Xbox and Game Boy" and that was it. Never opened or anything.

Today did remind me of why I hate going through Washington-Dulles, though..... :/