Quote: (Originally Posted by silent running)
Thanks for the tip Rob. I always take the valves off so they look pretty for the xray. Just got off the phone with a Continental rep and they took the vague wording to mean that any loose cyls that can't fit in the bags will be charged as excess. I hope she's right. I've never flown Continental before and I will not volunteer any info as per your recommendation. I have traveled far and wide and always had good luck, even with dinky 3rd world carriers. Let's hope my luck holds out. I hate the way the airlines always manage to make me feel like I'm doing something wrong traveling with my CCR and sorb... -Andy
I flew through the states on Continental last year on the way to Palau with 14 close friends. Between us we had 2 rebreathers 3 20kg tubs of Sofnolime and the OC guys had 6 or so 3lt ponys.
I can confirm that if the clyinders are in your bag they don't get charged as extra. We took valves out as directed, however, as I had a debris tube broken (even though I had protected it) on advice from the TSA inspector we just loosened them for the trip back. Stay with your baggage until it is x-rayed and opened, twist off the valve to show the clyinders are empty and then screw the valve on again. I have now done this several times without hassle, even if they open the bag again they don't need tools to unscrew the valve so it shouldn't be a problem.
The lime was no problem after I went back stage with an airline rep to show him his web site! I did have printouts, but they just wanted to check.