Flying with sofnolime

Genesis · 21st January 2006, 18:54

Lying is a bad idea - these days you never know what the TSA might do if you're in the US at the time. They have nearly-unlimited power to at minimum cause you to miss your flight and can probably dream up some federal charge if you're deceptive.

But - the stuff IS legal to transport. I'd probably vac-pack it and stick labels on it identifying what it is (copied from the label) and stick that along with the clearance for it to be on board an airplane in with the bags.

Only problem I can see is that some overzealous agent might think its actually some from of narcotic, and insist on ripping open one or more of the packages to inspect it more closely. Bring some gallon ziplocks so you can reseal them if that happens......

Gadget · 23rd January 2006, 09:48

Quote: (Originally Posted by Genesis)

Only problem I can see is that some overzealous agent might think its actually some from of narcotic, and insist on ripping open one or more of the packages to inspect it more closely......

Id love to see that especially when he chops out a big fat line. go for the really powdery stuff it will make it more interesting, Dont know what reaction you get from sofna lime up the nose.

The tsa are a bunch of muppets and should all be shot.

**wedivebc** · 23rd January 2006, 15:12

I am flying out wednesday, I'll know soon. I have my sodalime in double zip-lock bags with MSDS sheet between the bags.
Here is an excerp from Continental Airlines web site

An empty dive tank or up to 3 rebreather tanks will not be included in determining the Free Baggage Allowance and will be subject to a service charge of $80/125 CAD from travel to/from USA/Canada/Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. The service charge to/from international destinations is $100/151 CAD.

The empty dive/rebreather tank must have the regulator valve completely disconnected form the tank. The tank must not be sealed (i.e. the tank has an open end). The tank must have an opening to allow for a visual inspection by a TSA Security Screener.

Note for Rebreather Equipment: Soda lime that is 4% Sodium Hydroxide or less will be accepted in checked baggage. Soda lime that is 4% Sodium Hydroxide will not be accepted in checked baggage.

An item of SCUBA equipment consists of one empty SCUBA tank, up to 3 rebreather tanks or one dive bag containing equipment used in the scuba-diving sport. The empty scuba/rebreather tank and a separate dive bag containing SCUBA equipment will be charged as two separate pieces.

ROB DAVIE · 23rd January 2006, 22:03

Quote: (Originally Posted by Genesis)

Only problem I can see is that some overzealous agent might think its actually some from of narcotic, and insist on ripping open one or more of the packages to inspect it more closely. Bring some gallon ziplocks so you can reseal them if that happens......

Excellent suggestion!

Mdemon · 25th January 2006, 09:41

I'd keep the Molecular Products safety sheet quiet unless really needed. They went mental when they saw the word "corrosive", despite the fact the scrubber was empty... (In my hand luggage)

There were two fills sealed in plastic bags in the checked suitcase with safety sheets stuck to them. They got through OK.

jhaaja · 25th January 2006, 13:03

Thanks for info everyone!

I am flying tomorrow morning and I have 8 bags of sofnolime that weight around 10kgs compined. Tomorrow I will see what happens at the safety inspection...

JH
Finland

silent running · 26th January 2006, 04:15

Quote: (Originally Posted by wedivebc)

An empty dive tank or up to 3 rebreather tanks will not be included in determining the Free Baggage Allowance and will be subject to a service charge of $80/125 CAD from travel to/from USA/Canada/Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. The service charge to/from international destinations is $100/151 CAD.

The empty dive/rebreather tank must have the regulator valve completely disconnected form the tank. The tank must not be sealed (i.e. the tank has an open end). The tank must have an opening to allow for a visual inspection by a TSA Security Screener.

Note for Rebreather Equipment: Soda lime that is 4% Sodium Hydroxide or less will be accepted in checked baggage. Soda lime that is 4% Sodium Hydroxide will not be accepted in checked baggage.

An item of SCUBA equipment consists of one empty SCUBA tank, up to 3 rebreather tanks or one dive bag containing equipment used in the scuba-diving sport. The empty scuba/rebreather tank and a separate dive bag containing SCUBA equipment will be charged as two separate pieces.

This is very confusing, do they mean a loose scuba/Rebreather cylinder that doesn't fit in the 2 bags you're allowed will be charged as extra? Surely they don't charge you if your gear fits in the right sized bag and comes in under 50lbs...
And which kind of sorb has more than 4% sodium hydroxide?
Anybody have any recent experience dealing with Continental, say at JFK? I'm going to Roatan on Sat. I hope they aren't going to charge me to bring my 2 19 cufts or this will be my last trip to Roatan... -Andy

TordoffR · 26th January 2006, 12:37

Quote: (Originally Posted by silent running)

This is very confusing, do they mean a loose scuba/Rebreather cylinder that doesn't fit in the 2 bags you're allowed will be charged as extra? Surely they don't charge you if your gear fits in the right sized bag and comes in under 50lbs...
And which kind of sorb has more than 4% sodium hydroxide?
Anybody have any recent experience dealing with Continental, say at JFK? I'm going to Roatan on Sat. I hope they aren't going to charge me to bring my 2 19 cufts or this will be my last trip to Roatan... -Andy

Actually, some of the airlines will charge you for scuba gear period. Even if it is within your allowed baggage limits. Now, when they ask whay is in my bag, I just say beach toys.

PeteS · 26th January 2006, 18:01

Quote: (Originally Posted by silent running)

This is very confusing, do they mean a loose scuba/Rebreather cylinder that doesn't fit in the 2 bags you're allowed will be charged as extra? Surely they don't charge you if your gear fits in the right sized bag and comes in under 50lbs...
And which kind of sorb has more than 4% sodium hydroxide?
Anybody have any recent experience dealing with Continental, say at JFK? I'm going to Roatan on Sat. I hope they aren't going to charge me to bring my 2 19 cufts or this will be my last trip to Roatan... -Andy

Just remember you are not a passenger, you are "self loading cargo".

ROB DAVIE · 27th January 2006, 02:38

Quote: (Originally Posted by silent running)

This is very confusing, do they mean a loose scuba/Rebreather cylinder that doesn't fit in the 2 bags you're allowed will be charged as extra? Surely they don't charge you if your gear fits in the right sized bag and comes in under 50lbs...
And which kind of sorb has more than 4% sodium hydroxide?
Anybody have any recent experience dealing with Continental, say at JFK? I'm going to Roatan on Sat. I hope they aren't going to charge me to bring my 2 19 cufts or this will be my last trip to Roatan... -Andy

Andy,

Unscrew the valves, and put threaded plastic plugs in the necks. Put your 19's in your bag. Don't describe your stuff as scuba gear.

If your gear is inside a bag that fits the limits (LxWxH=62 inches), and weighs 50lbs or less, there should be no questions. The only ones who will see the tanks are the TSA guys, and they don't really talk to the airline folks about what's in them.

21st January 2006, 18:54	#11 (permalink)
Genesis Bubbless Box of Death Current Rebreather/s: Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Home Build Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Sunny Florida Posts: 1,394	Re: Flying with sofnolime Lying is a bad idea - these days you never know what the TSA might do if you're in the US at the time. They have nearly-unlimited power to at minimum cause you to miss your flight and can probably dream up some federal charge if you're deceptive. But - the stuff IS legal to transport. I'd probably vac-pack it and stick labels on it identifying what it is (copied from the label) and stick that along with the clearance for it to be on board an airplane in with the bags. Only problem I can see is that some overzealous agent might think its actually some from of narcotic, and insist on ripping open one or more of the packages to inspect it more closely. Bring some gallon ziplocks so you can reseal them if that happens......
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23rd January 2006, 09:48	#12 (permalink)
Gadget Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon rEvo Dolphin Home Build Other Rebreather/s: rEvo Dolphin Home Build Join Date: May 2005 Location: Hoddesdon, Herts. Posts: 162	Re: Flying with sofnolime Quote: (Originally Posted by Genesis) Only problem I can see is that some overzealous agent might think its actually some from of narcotic, and insist on ripping open one or more of the packages to inspect it more closely...... Id love to see that especially when he chops out a big fat line. go for the really powdery stuff it will make it more interesting, Dont know what reaction you get from sofna lime up the nose. The tsa are a bunch of muppets and should all be shot. __________________ Si Lawrence www.divehdi.com
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23rd January 2006, 15:12	#13 (permalink)
wedivebc FIGJAM Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Inspiration Classic Sport Kiss Other CCR Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Vancouver Island BC Canada Posts: 1,410	Re: Flying with sofnolime I am flying out wednesday, I'll know soon. I have my sodalime in double zip-lock bags with MSDS sheet between the bags. Here is an excerp from Continental Airlines web site An empty dive tank or up to 3 rebreather tanks will not be included in determining the Free Baggage Allowance and will be subject to a service charge of $80/125 CAD from travel to/from USA/Canada/Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. The service charge to/from international destinations is $100/151 CAD. The empty dive/rebreather tank must have the regulator valve completely disconnected form the tank. The tank must not be sealed (i.e. the tank has an open end). The tank must have an opening to allow for a visual inspection by a TSA Security Screener. Note for Rebreather Equipment: Soda lime that is 4% Sodium Hydroxide or less will be accepted in checked baggage. Soda lime that is 4% Sodium Hydroxide will not be accepted in checked baggage. An item of SCUBA equipment consists of one empty SCUBA tank, up to 3 rebreather tanks or one dive bag containing equipment used in the scuba-diving sport. The empty scuba/rebreather tank and a separate dive bag containing SCUBA equipment will be charged as two separate pieces. __________________ Cheers, Dave.... Man is the only animal burdened with the knowledge he will eventually die
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23rd January 2006, 22:03	#14 (permalink)
ROB DAVIE Administrator Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: HOUSTON, REPUBLIC OF TEJAS Posts: 1,120	Re: Flying with sofnolime Quote: (Originally Posted by Genesis) Only problem I can see is that some overzealous agent might think its actually some from of narcotic, and insist on ripping open one or more of the packages to inspect it more closely. Bring some gallon ziplocks so you can reseal them if that happens...... Excellent suggestion!
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25th January 2006, 09:41	#15 (permalink)
Mdemon SiegeEngine II Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Home Build Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: SWUK Posts: 1,904	Re: Flying with sofnolime I'd keep the Molecular Products safety sheet quiet unless really needed. They went mental when they saw the word "corrosive", despite the fact the scrubber was empty... (In my hand luggage) There were two fills sealed in plastic bags in the checked suitcase with safety sheets stuck to them. They got through OK. __________________ www.southwestmafia.com "Once the agenda-monkeys and perfect-worlders have moved on, perhaps we can do some diving?"
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25th January 2006, 13:03	#16 (permalink)
jhaaja Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Finland Posts: 883	Re: Flying with sofnolime Thanks for info everyone! I am flying tomorrow morning and I have 8 bags of sofnolime that weight around 10kgs compined. Tomorrow I will see what happens at the safety inspection... JH Finland
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26th January 2006, 04:15	#17 (permalink)
silent running Mature mouth breather Current Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: U.S.A. Brooklyn, New York Posts: 1,813	Re: Flying with sofnolime Quote: (Originally Posted by wedivebc) An empty dive tank or up to 3 rebreather tanks will not be included in determining the Free Baggage Allowance and will be subject to a service charge of $80/125 CAD from travel to/from USA/Canada/Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. The service charge to/from international destinations is $100/151 CAD. The empty dive/rebreather tank must have the regulator valve completely disconnected form the tank. The tank must not be sealed (i.e. the tank has an open end). The tank must have an opening to allow for a visual inspection by a TSA Security Screener. Note for Rebreather Equipment: Soda lime that is 4% Sodium Hydroxide or less will be accepted in checked baggage. Soda lime that is 4% Sodium Hydroxide will not be accepted in checked baggage. An item of SCUBA equipment consists of one empty SCUBA tank, up to 3 rebreather tanks or one dive bag containing equipment used in the scuba-diving sport. The empty scuba/rebreather tank and a separate dive bag containing SCUBA equipment will be charged as two separate pieces. This is very confusing, do they mean a loose scuba/Rebreather cylinder that doesn't fit in the 2 bags you're allowed will be charged as extra? Surely they don't charge you if your gear fits in the right sized bag and comes in under 50lbs... And which kind of sorb has more than 4% sodium hydroxide? Anybody have any recent experience dealing with Continental, say at JFK? I'm going to Roatan on Sat. I hope they aren't going to charge me to bring my 2 19 cufts or this will be my last trip to Roatan... -Andy
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26th January 2006, 12:37	#18 (permalink)
TordoffR Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 115	Re: Flying with sofnolime Quote: (Originally Posted by silent running) This is very confusing, do they mean a loose scuba/Rebreather cylinder that doesn't fit in the 2 bags you're allowed will be charged as extra? Surely they don't charge you if your gear fits in the right sized bag and comes in under 50lbs... And which kind of sorb has more than 4% sodium hydroxide? Anybody have any recent experience dealing with Continental, say at JFK? I'm going to Roatan on Sat. I hope they aren't going to charge me to bring my 2 19 cufts or this will be my last trip to Roatan... -Andy Actually, some of the airlines will charge you for scuba gear period. Even if it is within your allowed baggage limits. Now, when they ask whay is in my bag, I just say beach toys. __________________ Rich "It's better to burn out, than to fade away."
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26th January 2006, 18:01	#19 (permalink)
PeteS Consent Issued! Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Inspiration Vision Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: New Zealand Posts: 515	Re: Flying with sofnolime Quote: (Originally Posted by silent running) This is very confusing, do they mean a loose scuba/Rebreather cylinder that doesn't fit in the 2 bags you're allowed will be charged as extra? Surely they don't charge you if your gear fits in the right sized bag and comes in under 50lbs... And which kind of sorb has more than 4% sodium hydroxide? Anybody have any recent experience dealing with Continental, say at JFK? I'm going to Roatan on Sat. I hope they aren't going to charge me to bring my 2 19 cufts or this will be my last trip to Roatan... -Andy Just remember you are not a passenger, you are "self loading cargo". __________________ Pete S. http://www.steggle.co.nz Every silver lining has a cloud
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27th January 2006, 02:38	#20 (permalink)
ROB DAVIE Administrator Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: HOUSTON, REPUBLIC OF TEJAS Posts: 1,120	Re: Flying with sofnolime Quote: (Originally Posted by silent running) This is very confusing, do they mean a loose scuba/Rebreather cylinder that doesn't fit in the 2 bags you're allowed will be charged as extra? Surely they don't charge you if your gear fits in the right sized bag and comes in under 50lbs... And which kind of sorb has more than 4% sodium hydroxide? Anybody have any recent experience dealing with Continental, say at JFK? I'm going to Roatan on Sat. I hope they aren't going to charge me to bring my 2 19 cufts or this will be my last trip to Roatan... -Andy Andy, Unscrew the valves, and put threaded plastic plugs in the necks. Put your 19's in your bag. Don't describe your stuff as scuba gear. If your gear is inside a bag that fits the limits (LxWxH=62 inches), and weighs 50lbs or less, there should be no questions. The only ones who will see the tanks are the TSA guys, and they don't really talk to the airline folks about what's in them. __________________ [SIZE=2]"CC Rebreathers will become a viable part of tech diving [U]WHEN PIGS FLY[/U]!!"--GI3[/SIZE]
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