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CO2 cartridges and air travel in the US

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existentialsailor
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1180 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/06/2006 : 04:42:28

A recent clarification:

It became apparent that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was causing consternation for boating travelers, either confiscating the C02 cylinders for Inflatable PFD's at the security checkpoints, or
confiscating them when bags were checked-through. This left the boater
with an Inflatable PFD with only the manual option usable (blow it up by
breath), voiding any automatic inflation at their travel destination.
Many have found that replacement CO2 cylinders are not available.

A request to the TSA found that the TSA had a policy in place that
effectively banned the carriage of CO2 cylinders through security
checkpoints or baggage screening. The TSA was advised that their policy
was not in concert with the other branches of the Homeland Security
Department, particularly the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and that boater's safety was at
issue. It was pointed out that the FAA has already done their due
diligence on the subject and it would be helpful if the TSA adopted the
FAA wording. Within one week the TSA agreed, and put the change both on
their website, and notified all TSA Security Officers who have informed
the TSA Screeners.

Additionally, the TSA advised that if a TSA Screener tells a boater
carrying their Inflatable PFD that the CO2 cylinder can not pass the
checkpoint, that the boater is to ask for a TSA Supervisor who will
verify that the CO2 cylinders can pass through. Boaters are reminded
that each airline determines if the CO2 cylinders are acceptable on
their aircraft, or not, and boaters must make sure that the airline, and
connecting airlines, allow them on board their flights.

Here’s the precise TSA wording and links to two places where it can be
found on their website:

"Note: There is a compressed gas cylinder exception for both carry-on
and checked baggage that allows 2 compressed gas cylinders fitted into a
self-inflating life-jacket and 2 spare cartridges with the approval of
the aircraft operator."

http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1188.xml

Rick

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britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 04/06/2006 : 07:38:55

Nice research!

Paul

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djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Response Posted - 04/06/2006 : 09:04:28

Hi Rick, thanks for the reseach. That is suprisingly fast adoption of policy by the TSA. Cheers.

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.