Flying with cylinders

paronix · 24th October 2006, 09:17

Hi,
I've got a flight with American Airlines and they say on their flight that you are allowed 1 cylinder and the valve must be removed.
Has anyone flown with American and left the valve on. Also have they been anal and said you are only allowed one cylinder. Obviously most of us have two with most rebreathers.
Can anyone comment on this,
Thanks,
Nick..

Gibbon · 24th October 2006, 09:36

Quote: (Originally Posted by paronix)

Hi,
I've got a flight with American Airlines and they say on their flight that you are allowed 1 cylinder and the valve must be removed.
Has anyone flown with American and left the valve on. Also have they been anal and said you are only allowed one cylinder. Obviously most of us have two with most rebreathers.
Can anyone comment on this,
Thanks,
Nick..

Presuming that you are using 3L / 19cft or similar size cylinders, two will be fine the one cylinder is for "OC" 12L/80cft cylinders...

Regarding the valve - failure to remove the valve can(and has) result(ed) in confiscation of the cylinder as it needs to be inspect-able and not capable of holding any pressure... security officers are not trained in handling high pressure cylinders - so it is unreasonable to expect them to apply common sense - besides it would be an easy item to booby-trap if that was one's intention.

That said I do not know any specifics for AA.

mik · 24th October 2006, 09:54

I flew with a cylinder on QANTAS and British Airways in 2003. I flew with QANTAS first and all that they required was that the cylinder be empty and the valve open. I put the cylinder in a plastic bag (provided at check-in and left the valve out so that the 'chuckers' could check it. I got a bit of static from BA but told them that what QANTAS required and that the cylinder was empty and they eventually let me check it in. Worth checking with the airline before hand but there should not be a problem with doing it this way.

paronix · 24th October 2006, 10:36

My flight is a two legged affair. First leg BA, second leg AA (ran as a BA flight). BA have informed me that their international rules and regulations hold for both flights, so the BA rules override the AA ones. Luckily the BA ones are that the cylinder just be empty, the valve can stay on.

Gibbon · 24th October 2006, 11:06

Quote: (Originally Posted by paronix)

My flight is a two legged affair. First leg BA, second leg AA (ran as a BA flight). BA have informed me that their international rules and regulations hold for both flights, so the BA rules override the AA ones. Luckily the BA ones are that the cylinder just be empty, the valve can stay on.

good luck with that! let us know how you get on!

***jradomski*** · 24th October 2006, 13:26

Quote: (Originally Posted by paronix)

My flight is a two legged affair. First leg BA, second leg AA (ran as a BA flight). BA have informed me that their international rules and regulations hold for both flights, so the BA rules override the AA ones. Luckily the BA ones are that the cylinder just be empty, the valve can stay on.

The airline rules don't make a bit of difference if you are using a US controlled airport.. the TSA are the people who decide how things are handled not the airlines themselves.. Their rules are clear about cylinders.. The valve MUST NOT be attached, or the cylinder sealed in any way.. If the baggage is able to be transferred directlyyou MIGHT get away with it,but if you are landing in the US (or one of its territories), you collect your bags, go trhough customs and then then bags get rechecked... AT this point they are inspected by TSA agents..

The airlines determine the number of bags and fees, but what is allowed in the bags is at the discression of the TSA..

Explorer · 24th October 2006, 14:28

Quote: (Originally Posted by jradomski)

Their rules are clear about cylinders.. The valve MUST NOT be attached, or the cylinder sealed in any way..

When flying with airlines, I have been removing the valves COMPLETELY and have had no problems. When checking in, the airline will ask what is in the bag and tell them it's dive gear and there are tanks inside but the valves have been completely removed. They seem happy with this. A smile does go along way also.

RebreatherNut · 24th October 2006, 15:38

Well, last year I traveled with a 4 liter steel and a 13 cu. f. alu. tank in my suitcase. The valves need to be detached, and the tanks can not be plugged with a plastic cap, the end needs to be open. So I put each tank in a plastic bag, so no fuzzies from my clothing would end up in the tank. ANd everything went just fine.

Look-see here:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...essed_gas.shtm

cheers,
RBN

jqn · 24th October 2006, 18:01

I just returned from Asia. You need to completely remove the valves. Put them in a zip lock and leave then you can put your tanks in your luggage. I had 2 13 cu ft and 1 6 cu ft. Two in one bag and one in the other.

In the US TSA is the only one to look in your luggage and the airline does not care once TSA has had a look.

Jerry

mattmexico · 27th October 2006, 09:43

yo

Just came home last night with KLM from Hannover to Amsterdam and then Martin Air from Amsterdam to Cancun. Two alm 19 cft, valves in and open, they asked me if they are empty and that was that.

As well there was a thread earlier here somewhere with CCR travel. On the same trip last night I had my Meg as carry on with both batteries inside and connected. Only thing I do lately is not to carry any liquids, creams or gels in the carry on luggage.

In my check-in luggage I had a primary light with battery disconnected and removed, but ritght next to the light, and two backup lights with batteries inside and connected.

I had one piece of luggage extra, total of 3 pieces for 125 Euro, and both regular pieces where over 32 kilo/70lbs with a 23 kilo/50 lbs limit, and that cost me 25 Euro extra ... as I remember that poor fellow who had to pay over $ 4000 usd extra some time ago ...

All of it no problem.

It seems there is a large fluctuation in what airlines allow and what not and it makes a lot of sense to shop around not in the sense of pricing but what they allow to carry and what not.

Another point for me when shopping around for airlines, trans-atlantic especially is the fact that I am not a U.S. citizen. With many trips to Europe in the past using a U.S. carrier, usually AA I just had to change at some point due to the fact that in the U.S. you have to clear customs and Imigration even if you just change plane, and leaving the country, not even the terminal ... again you have to go through the stringent TSA procedure when checking in again ... and that is a little to much for me when doing it frequently ... and if you guys have been in Amsterdam Airport then you probalby agree that changing a plane there is a breeze and pleasure ... well, as much a pleasure flying can be ...

On the other hand we all know why TSA is doing what they do and I do apreciate it .. I am just missing the times when they had a transit lounge for people passing through and not doing the whole Enchilada ...

greetings
Matt

24th October 2006, 09:17	#1 (permalink)
paronix Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Evolution Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: UK Posts: 102	Flying with cylinders Hi, I've got a flight with American Airlines and they say on their flight that you are allowed 1 cylinder and the valve must be removed. Has anyone flown with American and left the valve on. Also have they been anal and said you are only allowed one cylinder. Obviously most of us have two with most rebreathers. Can anyone comment on this, Thanks, Nick..
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24th October 2006, 09:36	#2 (permalink)
Gibbon Southern Monkey Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: East Devon Posts: 226	Re: Flying with cylinders Quote: (Originally Posted by paronix) Hi, I've got a flight with American Airlines and they say on their flight that you are allowed 1 cylinder and the valve must be removed. Has anyone flown with American and left the valve on. Also have they been anal and said you are only allowed one cylinder. Obviously most of us have two with most rebreathers. Can anyone comment on this, Thanks, Nick.. Presuming that you are using 3L / 19cft or similar size cylinders, two will be fine the one cylinder is for "OC" 12L/80cft cylinders... Regarding the valve - failure to remove the valve can(and has) result(ed) in confiscation of the cylinder as it needs to be inspect-able and not capable of holding any pressure... security officers are not trained in handling high pressure cylinders - so it is unreasonable to expect them to apply common sense - besides it would be an easy item to booby-trap if that was one's intention. That said I do not know any specifics for AA.
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24th October 2006, 09:54	#3 (permalink)
mik New Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sydney North Posts: 59	Re: Flying with cylinders I flew with a cylinder on QANTAS and British Airways in 2003. I flew with QANTAS first and all that they required was that the cylinder be empty and the valve open. I put the cylinder in a plastic bag (provided at check-in and left the valve out so that the 'chuckers' could check it. I got a bit of static from BA but told them that what QANTAS required and that the cylinder was empty and they eventually let me check it in. Worth checking with the airline before hand but there should not be a problem with doing it this way. __________________ It just fell apart in my hands, Chief!
(Online)

24th October 2006, 10:36	#4 (permalink)
paronix Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Evolution Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: UK Posts: 102	Re: Flying with cylinders My flight is a two legged affair. First leg BA, second leg AA (ran as a BA flight). BA have informed me that their international rules and regulations hold for both flights, so the BA rules override the AA ones. Luckily the BA ones are that the cylinder just be empty, the valve can stay on.
(Offline)

24th October 2006, 11:06	#5 (permalink)
Gibbon Southern Monkey Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: East Devon Posts: 226	Re: Flying with cylinders Quote: (Originally Posted by paronix) My flight is a two legged affair. First leg BA, second leg AA (ran as a BA flight). BA have informed me that their international rules and regulations hold for both flights, so the BA rules override the AA ones. Luckily the BA ones are that the cylinder just be empty, the valve can stay on. good luck with that! let us know how you get on!
(Offline)

24th October 2006, 13:26	#6 (permalink)
*jradomski* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Sport Kiss Optima rEvo Other CCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Evolution Megalodon Classic Kiss rEvo Other CCR Home Build Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: "Da" Bronx Posts: 2,796	Re: Flying with cylinders Quote: (Originally Posted by paronix) My flight is a two legged affair. First leg BA, second leg AA (ran as a BA flight). BA have informed me that their international rules and regulations hold for both flights, so the BA rules override the AA ones. Luckily the BA ones are that the cylinder just be empty, the valve can stay on. The airline rules don't make a bit of difference if you are using a US controlled airport.. the TSA are the people who decide how things are handled not the airlines themselves.. Their rules are clear about cylinders.. The valve MUST NOT be attached, or the cylinder sealed in any way.. If the baggage is able to be transferred directlyyou MIGHT get away with it,but if you are landing in the US (or one of its territories), you collect your bags, go trhough customs and then then bags get rechecked... AT this point they are inspected by TSA agents.. The airlines determine the number of bags and fees, but what is allowed in the bags is at the discression of the TSA.. __________________ Joe Radomski CCR Trimix Instructor Trainer ANDI Instructor Trainer Director #10 All posts are personal opinions and DO NOT reflect any affiliated agency unless specifically stated.
(Online)

24th October 2006, 14:28	#7 (permalink)
Explorer Be vewy vewy quiet.... Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 748	Re: Flying with cylinders Quote: (Originally Posted by jradomski) Their rules are clear about cylinders.. The valve MUST NOT be attached, or the cylinder sealed in any way.. When flying with airlines, I have been removing the valves COMPLETELY and have had no problems. When checking in, the airline will ask what is in the bag and tell them it's dive gear and there are tanks inside but the valves have been completely removed. They seem happy with this. A smile does go along way also. __________________ TRAIN WRECKED.....
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24th October 2006, 15:38	#8 (permalink)
RebreatherNut Rebreather World Greeter Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Ray Other Rebreather/s: Ray Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bremerton, WA Posts: 675	Re: Flying with cylinders Well, last year I traveled with a 4 liter steel and a 13 cu. f. alu. tank in my suitcase. The valves need to be detached, and the tanks can not be plugged with a plastic cap, the end needs to be open. So I put each tank in a plastic bag, so no fuzzies from my clothing would end up in the tank. ANd everything went just fine. Look-see here: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...essed_gas.shtm cheers, RBN __________________ "One minute to go, Luck-meister! Then I'll be down on you like a buzzard on a gut wagon." - ALF
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24th October 2006, 18:01	#9 (permalink)
jqn New Member Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: May 2005 Location: So. California Posts: 71	Re: Flying with cylinders I just returned from Asia. You need to completely remove the valves. Put them in a zip lock and leave then you can put your tanks in your luggage. I had 2 13 cu ft and 1 6 cu ft. Two in one bag and one in the other. In the US TSA is the only one to look in your luggage and the airline does not care once TSA has had a look. Jerry
(Offline)

27th October 2006, 09:43	#10 (permalink)
mattmexico Rebreather World Writer Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Classic Kiss Optima RB80 / Clone Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Evolution Prism Topaz Sport Kiss RB80 / Clone Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Mexico, Q.Roo, Playa del Carmen Posts: 696	Re: Flying with cylinders yo Just came home last night with KLM from Hannover to Amsterdam and then Martin Air from Amsterdam to Cancun. Two alm 19 cft, valves in and open, they asked me if they are empty and that was that. As well there was a thread earlier here somewhere with CCR travel. On the same trip last night I had my Meg as carry on with both batteries inside and connected. Only thing I do lately is not to carry any liquids, creams or gels in the carry on luggage. In my check-in luggage I had a primary light with battery disconnected and removed, but ritght next to the light, and two backup lights with batteries inside and connected. I had one piece of luggage extra, total of 3 pieces for 125 Euro, and both regular pieces where over 32 kilo/70lbs with a 23 kilo/50 lbs limit, and that cost me 25 Euro extra ... as I remember that poor fellow who had to pay over $ 4000 usd extra some time ago ... All of it no problem. It seems there is a large fluctuation in what airlines allow and what not and it makes a lot of sense to shop around not in the sense of pricing but what they allow to carry and what not. Another point for me when shopping around for airlines, trans-atlantic especially is the fact that I am not a U.S. citizen. With many trips to Europe in the past using a U.S. carrier, usually AA I just had to change at some point due to the fact that in the U.S. you have to clear customs and Imigration even if you just change plane, and leaving the country, not even the terminal ... again you have to go through the stringent TSA procedure when checking in again ... and that is a little to much for me when doing it frequently ... and if you guys have been in Amsterdam Airport then you probalby agree that changing a plane there is a breeze and pleasure ... well, as much a pleasure flying can be ... On the other hand we all know why TSA is doing what they do and I do apreciate it .. I am just missing the times when they had a transit lounge for people passing through and not doing the whole Enchilada ... greetings Matt __________________ N 20' 37.617' W 87' 04.693' www.andreaswmatthes.com
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