Talk:Transporting Builds
Check-in vs carry-on
I have had zero experience in flying for invites, so flying with builds is something I am not familiar with ... I wouldn't know where to start when dealing with large builds like the Gravity Vehicle ramp, a Scrambler launcher, or a large Sounds of Music device. (Context: I built a huge (~0.5m x ~0.5m x ~0.8m) chime system for 2019 Sounds, but I guess it shows that many events can have large builds.)
That being said, I have experience flying cross country with a bunch of personal belongings, and I know for certainty that there is general advice for putting anything important inside carry-ons or personal items rather than checked-in bags. Ignoring TSA restrictions, including dimension and weight restrictions (because all things must comply with TSA at the end of the day), things inside your carry-on and personal item will always travel with you, so you can rest assured that those items will be with you when you land at your destination. While I personally have not experienced this, checked-in bags can get damaged due to negligent handling and can get lost (it can be very common due to connecting flights), and it's an absolute pain to get them back. If you are not prepared, it can affect your stay greatly. There have been many cases, from vacationers not having access to their clothes to even esports players not having their peripherals with them for their tournament the next day because they put it in their checked bag instead of their carry-on. It might take days to get your suitcase or box back finally, and if your trip is only for a few days (as is for SciOly invites), you aren't guaranteed to get your suitcase back.
Albeit, teams are sorta forced into that because some builds will be larger than a carry-on, but my point in all of this is to suggest adding a section on ways to reduce the number of checked bags and how to prepare before this ends up happening. This would include stuff like making sure the tag is secure and the extra ID stickers are placed around the checked item, not panicking when the issue does arise (like literally write "don't panic"), working with the airline to see if you can resolve the issue swiftly, and if it is not possible to get your build/suitcase back in time prior or for competition day, then learning to accept the result is the only remedy (and is a life lesson you can try to learn from, but it is a good thing to point out that some things are out of your control. (My two cents: it's ok to be mad about it for the day; let it out. But do not let it dwell into the next day. "Woe is me" is not a good mindset and will not set you up for success.)). Again, I have no experience with flying for invites, so I do not feel as qualified to give a full perspective on it, but feel free for anyone else to take a crack at it.