Warning: TSA Confiscated Cylinders

PacketSniffer

Oh, the funny (kinda but not really) thing is that if my claim goes through, WE get to buy my cylinders back.

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MHD

Yep it does, it clearly statest that cylinders should be able to be visually inspected internally wihtout anything in the valve neck at all. Any cylinder with any sort of item blocking the neck that needs to be removed will be confiscated. We have used clear plastice held with a rubber band with no problems in the past (and we have had every other sort of problem with TSA), but now we just leave them open to save ourselves any form of grief


Removed previously posted material (should read all the posts before typing :-) )


Matt

USSMEG

I have traveled a number of times with my cylinders including twice this year, and I remove the valves and put clear packing tape over the end so they can see inside. No problems at all.

I think they are just being carefull with the plugs in them. With the world as it is today, I wouldn't open them if they had plugs in them.

Paul

RebreatherNut

Fellas,
I have traveled numerous times with tanks in my checked suitcase and I always wrap my tanks into shopping bags. Of course, tanks empty and valve removed. Mostly, at the destionation, I find the usual TSA Love note, and the tank back in the plastic bag and in its place.

I also attach with a rubber band a print out from the TSA web-site with the exact rules and regulations about transporting tanks on planes.
I do this just in case there is a new newbie insptector who has never come accross tanks.....

my 2 cents.

RBN

PS: Sorry about your tanks

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Explorer

Good idea. A big clear plastic bag is good enough for a baby stroller......

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REALLY FRICKIN' TRAIN WRECKED.....

what2be

Just goes to show, you never know when your going to get the disgruntled TSA employee. I traveled 3 times last month (hawaii, cozumel and Turks $ caicos, and of those 3 trips, (all out of california) 2 were through houston and I didnt have any problems. I had both my 2l tanks in my checked bag with my sofnolime and had clear plugs in both my bottles, but just screwed in a few turns. Never had any problems, but ALWAYS have the TSA love note inside.

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tamorgen

I guess I lucked out. I went to Florida in April, and I was told my LDS just to put one of the shipping plugs in. I did that, put my bail out bottle (13 cu ft) in my pelican case with my Dolphin, and they didn't even inspect it).

n2diving

As a destination for rebreather divers, we've heard a variety of stories and when asked our recommendations here is what I say...

1) No matter what you do, what rules you follow, or what attempts you make at following the rules... your cylinders may be confiscated/stolen by someone somewhere who is rummaging through your baggage. Better to assume it will happen and plan for it. The odds are on about 1 out 10 trips you will lose your cylinders.

2) Try to find a way not to travel with your cylinders. Pay whatever it costs to ship them ahead if need be. If that's not practical, arrange to purchase a set at the destination and just travel with your valves. Think of it as a form of 'trip insurance'.

3) If you are going to try to travel with them... remove the valves.... do not plug or tape or seal the ends or in anyway obstruct the openings. NOTHING. The inspector must be able to pick them up and shove whatever he likes inside without any obstacle to his doing whatever he pleases. If you don't like that, don't travel by air.

4) When you arrive at your destination... the cylinders that travelled with you are no longer suitable for oxygen service. You have no idea what nasty device they stuck in your cylinder to inspect it or what they wiped it down with during the explosives test. Have a plan for how you are going to deal with this at the other end.

5) See #2 above. Most people don't think about #4, but it's not the fault of the dive shop so don't get upset with them if they won't fill your oxygen cylinder because it's not o2 clean.

bgpartri

On our last trip, they held our luggage because of the tanks in it. They paged us at the gate. We explained to them that there were no tanks in our luggage. After talking to various people it became clear that they were talking about the Classic KISS and Meg rebreathers.

Well, they are cylindrical I guess.

They asked for permission to take them apart, and then passed them.

But after inspection, they just threw the pieces of the rebreathers back in. They didn't re-assemble or repack them. When we arrived, we had a bunch of repairs to do to get them diveable again.

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chunter

I now bring my tanks on as carry on. I am sure to bring the TSA notice from their website showing that I am allowed to bring them into the cabin. I have had brief arguements with some of the "TSA Monkeys", but when their superiors join in, they quickly realize that I am within my rights to bring them with me.

Carrying them on allows me to put tape over the valve, and remove it for inspection.

Aloha,
Charlie

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