Traveling with a rebreather?

mbelair · 27th November 2007, 02:06

Do any of you take special precautions for traveling, not as far as packing and such but for registering the machine to avoid hassles with the security people.

We will be leaving Canada for Mexico next spring and are just a bit worried by horror stories of rebreathers being seized because they are "Military" equipments.

Gilles · 27th November 2007, 03:47

Last July I travelled with my Meg and all my gear from Canada to Cancun, with a couple stops in the US.

Very PITA.

Make sure that you have something like 4 hours between any connections.

My passport if filled with stamps from Brunei/Malaysia/Indonesia, etc and I was ineterrogated a couple times, delaying picking up of gear from the baggage carousel, then it getting confiscated as unaccompanied baggage, then needing inspection from a special agricultural inspector, who was away on his lunch break.....then finally starting the normal TSA inspection, blah, blah, blah.....

The privilege of traveling to the US, you can have it. (No offence)

decoweenie · 27th November 2007, 04:01

Quote: (Originally Posted by Gilles)

The privilege of traveling to the US, you can have it. (No offence)

It used to be great having an US connection as part of your itinerary since it meant more luggage allowance (i.e. 2 x 70-lb bags) so I could bring/buy more dive gears.

But now, with the reduced luggage allowance (for tourist class) and hassles from TSA, it is a debate if I just save my sanity and just courier them.

Shawn · 27th November 2007, 04:11

I would like to hear more on this subject from those who have traveled from within the US....

Friday I plan on catching a flight from KC to Chicago with my head and plenum, and than back to KC Saturday. The last thing I need is for my Meg to get siezed for some Dumb a$$ reason...

Any advise on this would be great!!!

Thanks

Mixaddict · 27th November 2007, 04:20

I have flown dozens of times across the US, out of the US and into the US with multiple different types of breathers. I have never had a single problem. The one thing I usually do if possible, is to ask to stand there while they check my baggage so that I can answer any questions they might have. If that is not convenient, I will leave a note on top of my breather telling them what it is, my name, and to page me if they have any questions. Sometimes the gear is turned upside down, but I have never had it not show, miss the flight, or go missing. Obviously, don't put any locks on the crate.

Regards,
Randy

AD_ward9 · 27th November 2007, 05:10

In kit that we took to DEMA (350kg of it split across three people, all as baggage - no excess charges coming back: print out the "diving equipment" pages from their web sites), the only problem was the TSA. But there are worse ...

A brand new 30" nice Apple monitor (for exhibitions) in a original packaging was removed from its packing by the TSA and badly damaged: clearly not damage in transit, only damage on the TSA desk with a very heavy score on the top of it.

A camera system was stolen from the baggage on the way in. Shipped in aluminium trunks, secured with cable ties so TSA can open it, TSA put new ties on it fixing the lock completely open so lid was just flapping open. The brains in the TSA can't even work a cable tie, so the US defined "terrorist" is clearly not going to have any problems at all.

Carrying on a rebreather, even a commercial rebreather, was not a problem. 25kg in carry on. Just keep a few diving pictures with you and they are all fine.

However, TSA are far better than security at Amsterdam. Chap in front at Amsterdam last week made a polite comment that "Not a very good place this for elderly people: nowhere to sit to put shoes back on." got met with Amsterdam security response "Shut up and get on the fcuking plane". Elderly passenger behind me complained about their language so they threatened the chap with being a terrorist, then when I butted in and told them I would go to the police if they try that on him, they changed tack to one that we three would have to wait so the complaint could be checked and miss our planes (last of the day). Told them where to go and got on the plane anyway (they are not too good at blocking people). None of the security thugs at Amsterdam carry any names or ID numbers, not even supervisors (only a picture on their badge). They can fondle what they like, take anything they like, do anything they like and no comeback. Jobs for bullies and sexual deviants have never been better - join the security service at Amsterdam! At least it might put them all in one place, so we can use another airport.

Alex

decoweenie · 27th November 2007, 05:20

The last time I flew from the US with the Meg was last November.

I had 2 cans (full, mini), 4 scrubber inserts (2 axial, 2 radials) and 1 head all packed inside 2 pieces of checked luggage.

I printed out the ISC website pages showing that it is a scuba diving equipment, and placed on top of the equipment inside the luggage.

No problem encountered...

Gilles · 27th November 2007, 07:41

Your fate is made more simple if you're carrying an American passport. My problems were a result of poorly coordinated scrutiny process.

I guess the staff at Minneapolis and Memphis don't get too many foreign globetrotters, carrying nearly 50Kg of gear. I certainly have visas and other stamps of countries on the "watchlist".

Shawn · 27th November 2007, 23:23

Thanks for the replies everyone, this take a lot of the worry off of me...

I plan on taking my Meg via carry on with just the head, hose, and plenum...

mbelair · 27th November 2007, 23:27

Quote: (Originally Posted by Shawn)

Thanks for the replies everyone, this take a lot of the worry off of me...

I plan on taking my Meg via carry on with just the head, hose, and plenum...

Let us now how things go.

27th November 2007, 02:06	#1 (permalink)
mbelair New Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Montreal Posts: 81	Traveling with a rebreather? Do any of you take special precautions for traveling, not as far as packing and such but for registering the machine to avoid hassles with the security people. We will be leaving Canada for Mexico next spring and are just a bit worried by horror stories of rebreathers being seized because they are "Military" equipments. __________________ Marc
(Offline)

27th November 2007, 03:47	#2 (permalink)
Gilles Worship the feminine Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Den Haag (Netherlands) Posts: 761	Re: Traveling with a rebreather? Last July I travelled with my Meg and all my gear from Canada to Cancun, with a couple stops in the US. Very PITA. Make sure that you have something like 4 hours between any connections. My passport if filled with stamps from Brunei/Malaysia/Indonesia, etc and I was ineterrogated a couple times, delaying picking up of gear from the baggage carousel, then it getting confiscated as unaccompanied baggage, then needing inspection from a special agricultural inspector, who was away on his lunch break.....then finally starting the normal TSA inspection, blah, blah, blah..... The privilege of traveling to the US, you can have it. (No offence) __________________ Gilles http://www.dirrebreather.com
(Offline)

27th November 2007, 04:01	#3 (permalink)
decoweenie Crash Test Dummy Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Cairo Posts: 5,509	Re: Traveling with a rebreather? Quote: (Originally Posted by Gilles) The privilege of traveling to the US, you can have it. (No offence) It used to be great having an US connection as part of your itinerary since it meant more luggage allowance (i.e. 2 x 70-lb bags) so I could bring/buy more dive gears. But now, with the reduced luggage allowance (for tourist class) and hassles from TSA, it is a debate if I just save my sanity and just courier them.
(Offline)

27th November 2007, 04:11	#4 (permalink)
Shawn New Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other CCR RB80 / Clone Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR RB80 / Clone Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Kansas City Kansas Posts: 94	Re: Traveling with a rebreather? I would like to hear more on this subject from those who have traveled from within the US.... Friday I plan on catching a flight from KC to Chicago with my head and plenum, and than back to KC Saturday. The last thing I need is for my Meg to get siezed for some Dumb a$$ reason... Any advise on this would be great!!! Thanks __________________ WWW.DiveOne.net
(Offline)

27th November 2007, 04:20	#5 (permalink)
Mixaddict Always Learning! Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Evolution Other CCR Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other CCR Dolphin Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Draper, Utah USA Posts: 407	Re: Traveling with a rebreather? I have flown dozens of times across the US, out of the US and into the US with multiple different types of breathers. I have never had a single problem. The one thing I usually do if possible, is to ask to stand there while they check my baggage so that I can answer any questions they might have. If that is not convenient, I will leave a note on top of my breather telling them what it is, my name, and to page me if they have any questions. Sometimes the gear is turned upside down, but I have never had it not show, miss the flight, or go missing. Obviously, don't put any locks on the crate. Regards, Randy __________________ Randy Thornton (MixAddict) Inspiration, Evolution,Hammerhead & Sentinel CCR Instructor
(Online)

27th November 2007, 05:10	#6 (permalink)
AD_ward9 So much more to learn Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Scotland Posts: 1,551	Re: Traveling with a rebreather? In kit that we took to DEMA (350kg of it split across three people, all as baggage - no excess charges coming back: print out the "diving equipment" pages from their web sites), the only problem was the TSA. But there are worse ... A brand new 30" nice Apple monitor (for exhibitions) in a original packaging was removed from its packing by the TSA and badly damaged: clearly not damage in transit, only damage on the TSA desk with a very heavy score on the top of it. A camera system was stolen from the baggage on the way in. Shipped in aluminium trunks, secured with cable ties so TSA can open it, TSA put new ties on it fixing the lock completely open so lid was just flapping open. The brains in the TSA can't even work a cable tie, so the US defined "terrorist" is clearly not going to have any problems at all. Carrying on a rebreather, even a commercial rebreather, was not a problem. 25kg in carry on. Just keep a few diving pictures with you and they are all fine. However, TSA are far better than security at Amsterdam. Chap in front at Amsterdam last week made a polite comment that "Not a very good place this for elderly people: nowhere to sit to put shoes back on." got met with Amsterdam security response "Shut up and get on the fcuking plane". Elderly passenger behind me complained about their language so they threatened the chap with being a terrorist, then when I butted in and told them I would go to the police if they try that on him, they changed tack to one that we three would have to wait so the complaint could be checked and miss our planes (last of the day). Told them where to go and got on the plane anyway (they are not too good at blocking people). None of the security thugs at Amsterdam carry any names or ID numbers, not even supervisors (only a picture on their badge). They can fondle what they like, take anything they like, do anything they like and no comeback. Jobs for bullies and sexual deviants have never been better - join the security service at Amsterdam! At least it might put them all in one place, so we can use another airport. Alex
(Offline)

27th November 2007, 05:20	#7 (permalink)
decoweenie Crash Test Dummy Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Cairo Posts: 5,509	Re: Traveling with a rebreather? The last time I flew from the US with the Meg was last November. I had 2 cans (full, mini), 4 scrubber inserts (2 axial, 2 radials) and 1 head all packed inside 2 pieces of checked luggage. I printed out the ISC website pages showing that it is a scuba diving equipment, and placed on top of the equipment inside the luggage. No problem encountered...
(Offline)

27th November 2007, 07:41	#8 (permalink)
Gilles Worship the feminine Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Den Haag (Netherlands) Posts: 761	Re: Traveling with a rebreather? Your fate is made more simple if you're carrying an American passport. My problems were a result of poorly coordinated scrutiny process. I guess the staff at Minneapolis and Memphis don't get too many foreign globetrotters, carrying nearly 50Kg of gear. I certainly have visas and other stamps of countries on the "watchlist". __________________ Gilles http://www.dirrebreather.com
(Offline)

27th November 2007, 23:23	#9 (permalink)
Shawn New Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other CCR RB80 / Clone Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR RB80 / Clone Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Kansas City Kansas Posts: 94	Re: Traveling with a rebreather? Thanks for the replies everyone, this take a lot of the worry off of me... I plan on taking my Meg via carry on with just the head, hose, and plenum... __________________ WWW.DiveOne.net
(Offline)

27th November 2007, 23:27	#10 (permalink)
mbelair New Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Montreal Posts: 81	Re: Traveling with a rebreather? Quote: (Originally Posted by Shawn) Thanks for the replies everyone, this take a lot of the worry off of me... I plan on taking my Meg via carry on with just the head, hose, and plenum... Let us now how things go. __________________ Marc
(Offline)

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