TSA Courtesy Notice

[Mattom]

Didn't read the rest of the thread, but here is mine.

Have fun...!

View attachment 603319

This is probably best, explaining the item and giving a way to contact you with questions.
Understand that the TSA Officer only cares about whether or not the item is prohibited on the flight or in the cargo holds.

 

[wnissen]

I am grateful for this thread. You all have saved me a ton of money. I was leaning away from rebreathers for safety reasons, but the idea that you have to go to that amount of trouble just to get the thing on a plane is a total dealbreaker. I was irritated enough passing through security several times in Salt Lake with my open circuit gear, since the TSA folks there don't see dive gear much so it was always a production. But I didn't have to worry about them taking my reg apart, you know? In all sincerity, this was illuminating.

 

[rddvet]

I am grateful for this thread. You all have saved me a ton of money. I was leaning away from rebreathers for safety reasons, but the idea that you have to go to that amount of trouble just to get the thing on a plane is a total dealbreaker. I was irritated enough passing through security several times in Salt Lake with my open circuit gear, since the TSA folks there don't see dive gear much so it was always a production. But I didn't have to worry about them taking my reg apart, you know? In all sincerity, this was illuminating.

1). I used to think rebreathers weren’t as safe as oc. I learned the error of my ways.
2) I’ve traveled all over the place to dive oc and not as many but quite a few places cc. Travelling with a rebreather is not that big of a deal. I have yet to have any issue whatsoever. The most issues I’ve ever had was over an hid can light

 

[rjack321]

1). I used to think rebreathers weren’t as safe as oc. I learned the error of my ways.
2) I’ve traveled all over the place to dive oc and not as many but quite a few places cc. Travelling with a rebreather is not that big of a deal. I have yet to have any issue whatsoever. The most issues I’ve ever had was over an hid can light

Same
HID lights and the associated li -ion battery which is crazy dense and "looks" like a bomb should look on Xray cause 99% of my problems

 

[SouthernPine]

Funniest thing I've read all day. May have to use that one.

I'm not sure if it was TSA, the shipping company, or some other Men in Black. But I once had a piece of equipment shipped that arrived damaged, apparently by a clueless inspection. Security bands on a pelican case busted, oil-filled housing improperly pried open, mineral oil spilled everywhere. I get how oil-compensated electronics housings probably look terrifying on an x-ray, but this was pretty clearly a non-threatening piece of oceanographic gear. And even if it wasn't, for god sake don't go disassembling unknown high-tech spooky looking pressure housings without knowing what they are!

Back to the original subject:
On planes I've always kept heavy/valuable/unusual/electronic items as carry-ons and never had a problem explaining them.

I have left notes in with equipment before, or at least a big label like "harmless underwater photography equipment - no lithium batteries - call (cell number) with questions" but I don't think they ever pay attention to anything like that. Nobody has ever called. Something like "underwater critical life support equipment - do not tamper" might help, maybe. The idea of including pictures and a manual or product brochure isn't bad. But again they probably don't care to look at any of that.

Notes never work the best thing to do is claim anything they cant identify as a "sexual aid". works every time. ( no I don't need sexual aids I just like seeing TSA get uncomfortable for a change).

 

[Manatee Diver]

Funniest thing I've read all day. May have to use that one.

I'm not sure if it was TSA, the shipping company, or some other Men in Black. But I once had a piece of equipment shipped that arrived damaged, apparently by a clueless inspection. Security bands on a pelican case busted, oil-filled housing improperly pried open, mineral oil spilled everywhere. I get how oil-compensated electronics housings probably look terrifying on an x-ray, but this was pretty clearly a non-threatening piece of oceanographic gear. And even if it wasn't, for god sake don't go disassembling unknown high-tech spooky looking pressure housings without knowing what they are!

Hey it could be worse, one TSA agent damaged nine airplanes in a single night using the TAT probe as a handhold to see if the cockpit windows were open.

 

[rsingler]

Well, through TSA without much hassle.
Of course the head got inspected, but the agent kindly let me direct how to unpack without damaging the counterlungs. She was replaced midway thru the inspection by a second agent, who started to scrunch up the counterlungs after the explosive check came back negative. But she was happy to let me finish packing.
Neither even looked at my new TSA notice taped to the lid. I pointed it out after, and asked if notices even matter, and she said no. They have to evaluate based on x-ray. But as others have commented, saying the magic words "scuba equipment" lowered their thoroughness after the wipedown.

To my surprise, five first stages made it thru without a secondary inspection.
Of course, not being rushed seems to improve their attitude.
On the whole, no complaints. Just wasted a bit of time and effort on my carefully thought out notice. Thanks to all for your suggestions.
I think I'll make a new one that's much simpler:
TSA in big red letters,
then "Scuba Equipment" and "No compressed gases" with my name and phone number.
If my canister and backplate got opened, I'll report back.

 

[doctormike]

Do you have a hard sided checked luggage suitcase? I put counterlungs in that, along with loop, wing and can. I put head, all regulators and NERD/controller in carry on.

 

[rsingler]

Yeah, I used a Pelican 1637 so I could put the whole can in with the wing. But trying to pack the backplate, hoses, wing and clothes got me to 60+#, so I had to redo things. I think I should have gotten the 1607, and just unscrewed the stand. There would have been less dead space for stuff to rattle around.
I put my plate and hoses in a second hard sided bag (luckily with United I get two). Carried head, loop and counterlungs in a Pelican Air 1535 for the overhead bin, and my regs in a small case that fits under the seat with personal items. My plan was to switch the head to my small case if my overhead bag was forced to check at the gate, and risk the regs and loop in the Pelican.
Don't know what I'll do when I carry empty 3l's. I may be happier with the 1637 then. I've got to plan this out better when I get home with the new toys.

 

[doctormike]

Clothes? There's your problem. I never bring those on dive trips!

I have flown with my JJ a good bit, never took tanks with me. You must be planning some real adventures!