Rebreathers on airplanes

[FW]

Anyone travel with a rebreather? What sort of issues do you have with airlines? Can you take sorb? Tanks?

[Kelly Jessop]

Anyone travel with a rebreather? What sort of issues do you have with airlines? Can you take sorb? Tanks?
Side question,I wonder if TSA will want the MSDS for the sorb?

[Attchoum]

I travel with my rebreather... I take it with me in carry on. It's automatic that they will ask you to open it, and show them what it is. Apart for spending 20 minutes everytime without my shoes and my belt, it is not a problem.

Tanks need to be open with no valve, and in my own experience, need to be check in. When I travel with tank, I always print the sheet from TSA website that say that it safe to carry a tank.

Once in the airport of curacao, they ask me if it was a parachute:rollguy

[FW]

...Once in the airport of curacao, they ask me if it was a parachute:rollguy
You should have just said "yes", then you wouldn't have to explain anything else :-D

[RebreatherPro.com]

Here's an article on the subject from my blog in 2008: http://www.rebreatherpro.com/2008/03/traveling-wit-1.html

[sea2summit]

It's not too bad. They always want to swab it but other than that they never know what to do with it. Valves have to be off the tanks but that's too easy. I always put sorb in one gallon ziplock bags with the MSDS sheet taped to it and I sways have a nice note from TSA saying they searched my bags but so far have never lost any.

I got turned away from TSA one time in Seattle because the rebreather was "too heavy to inspect or be put in an overhead bin" but I think that TSA inspector didn't like males. I went to another TSA gate and got through no problem and I have never had any issues from the air carriers.

[FW]

Here's an article on the subject from my blog in 2008: http://www.rebreatherpro.com/2008/03/traveling-wit-1.html
Great advice, thanks!

[kwinter]

There's plenty of info on RBW as well. Yes, put the MSDS with the sorb if you bring any. It also pays to have it translated into whatever your destination language will be unless you have no intention of bringing any back with you. I got stopped in Mexico for over an hour because they had no idea what it was and couldn't read the MSDS in English.

I repectfully disagree with Etienne about tanks. If you can, check the valves but bring the tanks as carry on. Put PVC plugs in the necks that have a small hole drilled so they can't hold pressure. Carry the TSA regulations with you about tanks being allowed on the plane so you can show the TSA agent and remove the plug. If you check the tank, you can not have anything in the neck or even have tape over it. So anything can get in the tank. Also, if the TSA agent isn't completely familiar with the regulations, he might just remove the tank as contraband and never tell you about it even if you have your cell number plastered on the tank. I would rather put the rebreather in a checked bag than the tanks.

Also there were reports of long needle probes being used and puncturing wings and CLs, but I've never seen that.

Ken

[RN]

Someone this weekend mentioned usually not having issues. However, on one occasion the TSA wouldn't let him take the sorb or lithium batteries with him. Fortunately, it was to a US territory and easily shipped. He had the MSDS with it. So, apparently, it depends on who you get at the security gate.

Although, Forrest, I think you would have more issues with getting your rebreather on the airplane than anything else... ;)

[dgschott]

Anyone travel with a rebreather? What sort of issues do you have with airlines? Can you take sorb? Tanks?

We travel quite often with our rebreathers, tanks and Sofnolime. We prefer to ship it all via FedEx when possible, but we haven't had any problems either way. Just make sure valves are off tanks, Sofnolime is well marked with the MSDS, and I also put in a notice for TSA in every case.

4835

4836

[dgschott]

We have them laminated, with both of our business cards on the back side.

4833 and

4834

[skip]

Anyone travel with a rebreather? What sort of issues do you have with airlines? Can you take sorb? Tanks?

Where are you going?

skip

[deepdiverbob]

Where are you going?

skip

Cow Crap

[FW]

...Although, Forrest, I think you would have more issues with getting your rebreather on the airplane than anything else... ;)
Ha Ha! However, it wasn't me that was wondering.

[Dsix36]

Make sure to have the sorb concealed inside of another container. They get kinda pissy when you just sit the jug on the scale, even with the MSDS sheet attached. I have to leave mine at baggage claim until my return. This was not TSA, but the counter person working for the airlines that refused it.

[Art Greenberg]

Forrest,

I suppose its going to depend on the particular airline and TSA personnel you get to deal with, the temperature and the phase of the moon. Really. As you can see by the responses so far, treatment is inconsistent which means its a crap shoot.

FWIW, my only time flying with CCR was four years ago, three KISS divers on Continental, EWR to GCM. CCRs packed in "fish totes" along with clothes, spares and tools. Sofnolime in original unopened containers with luggage tags attached. Airline counter check-in was no issue, although a Continental supervisor got involved due to concern that TSA would reject the lime. I offered an MSDS, and it was rejected: "Not for nothing, you might have printed this on your computer." After putting the stuff on the luggage belt, said supervisor called over a TSA supervisor, who took me to a door with combo lock and asked me to wait while he checked to see if the lime was OK to go. It was.

Everything arrived in GCM without issue. Return from GCM with one partially empty container was also no issue (THAT was a shock, honestly).

Good luck.

--
Art

[Attchoum]

TSA wouldn't let him take the sorb or lithium batteries with him.

Lithium batteries are hard to travel with... specificly when you leave your dive computer with them...
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e18/attchoum/IMG_0395.jpg

[tj]

It would be just my luck that my carry on scuba stuff just fell into place, just like that, as I emptied it for TSA... :)

[dgschott]

I have heard of people taking the lithium (li-ion / li-po) stickers off of their batteries, and even writing nimh on them ;-).... In all reality, we have checked bags with 20+ Switronix XP battery packs, and never had a problem. It's better if you can 'dock' the batteries into something (why that makes it 'safer' is beyond me). We tape the contacts, and bag them in 5 mil ziplock bags. That's for video gear. As for dive lights, one of the great things is that they usually don't have a label on them. I have put mine through the x-ray, been pulled over for it, and after a quick explanation, no problems. I once had a TSA guy ask me if I had a few minutes, as he wanted to show all the other agents what it looked like in the x-ray. Did a little class for everyone....

[Attchoum]

I normally take my light canister and the head of my light with me as a carry on. Once I had to plug and turn the light on. The TSA agent did a OHHHH! sound and let me pass.

[FW]

I normally take my light canister and the head of my light with me as a carry on. Once I had to plug and turn the light on. The TSA agent did a OHHHH! sound and let me pass.
I offered to do that once, and the agent said not to touch it. It looked too much like a bomb :-D

[Merlin Rhoda]

I used to use a 10w Sartek hid and you couldn't make that thing look more like a pipe bomb if you tried (ok, maybe by wrapping a dive computer around it). It's an aluminum tube with screw on ends, a cord coming off to a small "controller" (light head) and a white heat shrinked brick that goes in the tube.

The SO finally got tired of waiting for me in the security line and said "why don't you just put a dive magazine in the bag open to a Sartek ad?". Worked like a charm - first the agent sees the ad, then they pick it up and see the light. Problem solved.

[FW]

I used to use a 10w Sartek hid and you couldn't make that thing look more like a pipe bomb if you tried (ok, maybe by wrapping a dive computer around it). It's an aluminum tube with screw on ends, a cord coming off to a small "controller" (light head) and a white heat shrinked brick that goes in the tube.

The SO finally got tired of waiting for me in the security line and said "why don't you just put a dive magazine in the bag open to a Sartek ad?". Worked like a charm - first the agent sees the ad, then they pick it up and see the light. Problem solved.
A copy of the instruction manual works too.

[DaveP]

Some airlines (Jet Blue for example) have a policy of no scuba tanks at all (even with the valve out - I asked).

[Merlin Rhoda]

I flew with an old SCR down to San Diego a while back. I took the valves off the tanks and packed everything carefully. I will never forget the TSA employee holding the tank up, looking through the open end where the valve would go, turning to me, and asking "is it empty?". It was everything I could do not to say "No, it has 14.7 psi of a mixture containing 21% oxygen".

The only thing that stopped me was the cold hard look from the girlfriend as she contemplated us missing our flight.

[Dsix36]

I flew with an old SCR down to San Diego a while back. I took the valves off the tanks and packed everything carefully. I will never forget the TSA employee holding the tank up, looking through the open end where the valve would go, turning to me, and asking "is it empty?". It was everything I could do not to say "No, it has 14.7 psi of a mixture containing 21% oxygen".

The only thing that stopped me was the cold hard look from the girlfriend as she contemplated us missing our flight.

What comes to my mind is to say "No, it is full of air! Here's yer sign"

[tj]

I flew with an old SCR down to San Diego a while back. I took the valves off the tanks and packed everything carefully. I will never forget the TSA employee holding the tank up, looking through the open end where the valve would go, turning to me, and asking "is it empty?". It was everything I could do not to say "No, it has 14.7 psi of a mixture containing 21% oxygen". The only thing that stopped me was the cold hard look from the girlfriend as she contemplated us missing our flight.

Merlin,

So you actually were able to pack the tanks into a carry on? Backpack or what? What size were the bottles? I'm contemplating an overseas trip with my CCR... I've flown with everything else, ie: regs, lights, batteries, computers, etc... and that is always a hassle... :smt102

[Merlin Rhoda]

Merlin,

So you actually were able to pack the tanks into a carry on? Backpack or what? What size were the bottles? I'm contemplating an overseas trip with my CCR... I've flown with everything else, ie: regs, lights, batteries, computers, etc... and that is always a hassle... :smt102

At the time they were adding new security procedures to the Reno airport and had xray machines for checked luggage in the lobby area. Since I was concerned that there might be an issue I waited until my luggage cleared the machines. When they started going through my bags I offered to answer any questions they had, and that's when the "is it empty?" question came up.

Having had a 3lb tail weight confiscated last year from my girlfriends carry on (they said it could be used as a sap), I don't think I would risk carrying tanks on, valves or no.

[gschaut]

Some airlines (Jet Blue for example) have a policy of no scuba tanks at all (even with the valve out - I asked).

Airlines are "common carriers". Their rules regarding cargo, and Hazmat are set by Federal Law. D.O.T. and F.A.A. Their "policy" is worthless. The only problem is that the majority of airline and TSA employees are untrained monkeys, and have no idea whatsoever what rules they are REQUIRED to obey. So they just make up their own rules, as they go along...

[DaveP]

"Their policy is worthless" ?

I have worked for a few different airlines for the last 18 years and was surprised by the Jet Blue policy of NO scuba tanks even if the valve is removed. I had more than one CSR look in the Jet Blue computer and they said the same thing (no scuba tanks!). Their policy is more restrictive.

From the Jet Blue website "Scuba tanks (neither full nor empty tanks are accepted)":

http://help.jetblue.com/SRVS/CGI-BIN/webisapi.dll/,/?St=375,E=0000000000046853808,K=5616,Sxi=13,Case=o bj(632)





Airlines are "common carriers". Their rules regarding cargo, and Hazmat are set by Federal Law. D.O.T. and F.A.A. Their "policy" is worthless. The only problem is that the majority of airline and TSA employees are untrained monkeys, and have no idea whatsoever what rules they are REQUIRED to obey. So they just make up their own rules, as they go along...

[kwinter]

Merlin,

So you actually were able to pack the tanks into a carry on? Backpack or what? What size were the bottles? I'm contemplating an overseas trip with my CCR... I've flown with everything else, ie: regs, lights, batteries, computers, etc... and that is always a hassle... :smt102

I flew with 2 steel 27s, my can light and a bunch of other heavy things in a carry on to keep my checked bag under 50 pounds. The carry on weighed 80 pounds, but they never checked that. If they decide at the gate that your carry on looks too big, they will gate check it for you and I've never been charged for it. I made sure to put the bag in the overhead over someone else's head, just to be safe.


Airlines are "common carriers". Their rules regarding cargo, and Hazmat are set by Federal Law. D.O.T. and F.A.A. Their "policy" is worthless. The only problem is that the majority of airline and TSA employees are untrained monkeys, and have no idea whatsoever what rules they are REQUIRED to obey. So they just make up their own rules, as they go along...

Very true. Its a fine line between arguing (nicely) with them and showing them TSA regulations, and getting yourself sent into the little room for a body cavity search.

[DaveP]

If you do not tell Jet Blue that you have a scuba tank (with valve removed of course) in your check bag it will probably make it on the airplane. TSA will most likely just look to see that the tank is empty then allow it on the aircraft. (I'm not recommending this, and it is not something I would do).

Some rebreather info from the United Airlines website:
Allowed:
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. United is not liable for damage to scuba diving equipment.

The empty dive/rebreather tank must have the regulator valve completely disconnected from 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 4.1% Sodium Hydroxide will not be accepted in checked baggage.

[amphipod06]

We flew to and from Chuuk a couple of years ago without any trouble. The tanks were checked in a cooler (AKA Micronesian Samsonite), we had a note inside the cooler similar to what Dave and Becky have, with Gorilla tape in it to retape the cooler. No issues, the valves were definitely off.

I had my meg in my rollerboard bag and it was not an issue either. Coming back htrough Guam it was funny as **** when the nice agent asked me what the can was, I explained it was a rebreather and he gave me a puzzled look, then asked "Where is the Yellow Box?".... We (Scott was right behind me) had a good laugh and then explained that not all rebreathers are yellow.... ;-)

The agents there (in Guam and Chuuk) were very nice, a few of them are divers and all of them understand that a lot of divers come through to dive Guam and other islands.

The only hiccup I had was in Hawai'i, on the way back at that! They confiscated my loop disinfectant tabs....MSDS included...eegits... so it does depend on the agent....or what side of the bed he/she got out of bed..... I really did not mind that too much.

Dive safe,

Celia

[jj1987]

"Their policy is worthless" ?

I have worked for a few different airlines for the last 18 years and was surprised by the Jet Blue policy of NO scuba tanks even if the valve is removed. I had more than one CSR look in the Jet Blue computer and they said the same thing (no scuba tanks!). Their policy is more restrictive.

From the Jet Blue website "Scuba tanks (neither full nor empty tanks are accepted)":

http://help.jetblue.com/SRVS/CGI-BIN/webisapi.dll/,/?St=375,E=0000000000046853808,K=5616,Sxi=13,Case=o bj(632)
Here's exactly what the JB employee has access to within our internal documentation system

Sporting equipment accepted on JetBlue Flights


Scuba Equipment
Regulators, Buoyancy Compensators, masks, snorkels and fins are all acceptable as either checked or carry-on baggage.

Neither full nor empty compressed gas cylinders (scuba tanks) are allowed in checked or carry-on baggage.

There is no additional charge for scuba equipment as long as the items are within size and weight limitations.


I have a meeting with corporate publications this week about some software upgrades we're working on with them, I'll try to ask the manager if he knows why/when this was changed...


Very true. Its a fine line between arguing (nicely) with them and showing them TSA regulations, and getting yourself sent into the little room for a body cavity search.
Email Rob Maruster or Dave Barger...jetblue is still a small enough airline that if you write them complaining about this policy that they can have it reviewed. Debating with hourly ticket checkers isn't going to make much progress :)

[gschaut]

"Their policy is worthless" ?

I have worked for a few different airlines for the last 18 years and was surprised by the Jet Blue policy of NO scuba tanks even if the valve is removed. I had more than one CSR look in the Jet Blue computer and they said the same thing (no scuba tanks!). Their policy is more restrictive.

From the Jet Blue website "Scuba tanks (neither full nor empty tanks are accepted)":

http://help.jetblue.com/SRVS/CGI-BIN/webisapi.dll/,/?St=375,E=0000000000046853808,K=5616,Sxi=13,Case=o bj(632)

A Common Carrier, by law, is required to transport passengers, cargo, freight, mail, ect according to the rules and regulations set forth by the Dept. of Transportation, and (in Jet Blue's case) the F.A.A.

For a common carrier (Jet Blue) to state "we don't carry SCUBA tanks". That is the same as Woolworth stating "this lunch counter is for Whites Only".

There actually ARE some "company policies" that are illegal. And discriminating against empty SCUBA tanks IS one of them.

The only difference, is that we let them get away with it.

[FW]

I couldn't find email for the above mentioned individuals, but I did find the complaint contact info:

http://www.jetblue.com/help/contactus/help_contact_problems.aspx

I just asked, "why doesn't Jet Blue allow scuba tanks, most other airlines do".

[Slüdge]

A better question might have been, "Why don't you allow scuba cylinders if the FAA and TSA say they're okay?"

[FW]

A better question might have been, "Why don't you allow scuba cylinders if the FAA and TSA say they're okay?"
So go to the link, and ask them yourself :-D

[gschaut]

A better question might have been, "Why don't you allow scuba cylinders if the FAA and TSA say they're okay?"

Weight on an aircraft = additional fuel burn.

Jet Blue is trying to force passengers with heavy (but legal) luggage to go elsewhere.

This is why we have common carrier rules in the first place.

[jj1987]

Jet Blue is trying to force passengers with heavy (but legal) luggage to go elsewhere.

This is one of the dumbest statements I've read on here in a long time. If it was a fuel issue, we'd simply charge more, which we already do for certain items.

[gschaut]

This is one of the dumbest statements I've read on here in a long time. If it was a fuel issue, we'd simply charge more, which we already do for certain items.

Be Polite! This forum does not exist for personal attacks by JetBlue employees on fellow divers.

P.S.- I'm also EAA, so I am "a bit" familiar with the concept of fuel burn calculations.

[Merlin Rhoda]

A 50lb bag is a 50lbs, regardless of whether it contains rebreather tanks or that stuff our spouses acquire every time they travel. I don't for a moment think this is financially motivated.

[jj1987]

P.S.- I'm also EAA, so I am "a bit" familiar with the concept of fuel burn calculations.
Could you explain to me how a 50lb scuba tank (not allowed) costs the airline more to ship than a 50lb bag (allowed)? I'm not an expert, so I look forward to your explanation.

Thanks!

[Down4fun]

Anyone travel with a rebreather? What sort of issues do you have with airlines? Can you take sorb? Tanks?

we have traveled with our RB's to Grand Cayman via MIA. We took the tanks off and had cover that fits over the rEvo and carried them on like back packs. I got stopped multiple times throughout security and asked to take the cover off, the scrubber cover off, the scrubber cassettes out so they could see inside the RB. But they let me thru. Put it in the overhead compartment, no prob. We didn't take tanks or sorb so cant advise there.

we also had can lights and video lights, we printed all the data sheets on the lights as well as the current TSA regs on lights but never got questioned on the lights.