Pony bottle, TSA and Delta

[AdivingBel]

Dive Friends Bonaire @ Yellow Submarine will also rent them to you if they are not all being used in a Self-Reliant class already. Pretty sure they will rent theirs with the 1st and 2nd stage included.

I can confirm this. Did it in October. It was $13 per day including tank, hardware, & reg.

 

[EricTheDood]

Or bring @couv 's $3 version, which weighs less than an ounce.
Tank Equalizer for $2.50

Good idea!

Only caveat is that the HP spool and/or its o-ring can be damaged quite easily, resulting in a slow leak. Spools are cheap and weigh nothing, so it wouldn't hurt to have an extra or two in the save-a-dive kit.

 

[Wallin's of the Peninsula]

In the US annual inspections are not a law but an industry set standard. ...
....

Almost right. While law allows the industry to set the standard, law also requires the industry to follow that standard. (U.S. Code of Federal Regulations 49, section 180.205 (f) (1) The visual inspection must be performed in accordance with the following CGA Pamphlets...)

 

[Jersey]

Stopped traveling with pony just past 9/11. Returning from a week in SXM and Saba, ponies in checked bags, valves de-pressurized, but sitting in the tank, with a sticky note on them that the valves were lose, could be taken off for inspection if necessary. Sitting on the plane when our names were announced over the speaker. Escorted off the plane by military types, to the tarmac, our bags were produced, opened and ponies pulled out. Had to take the valves out, let inspectors look them over and repack them. Then allowed to return to plane and some interesting looks from fellow passengers. Haven't tried traveling with one since.

 

[tkaelin]

The posts have been fairly consistent and the TSA rules clear that the valve has to be off and tank open for visible inspection - no plugs, covers or tape. You were fortunate that they simply did not confiscate.

 

[DandyDon]

TSA rules clear that the valve has to be off and tank open for visible inspection - no plugs, covers or tape.

I always tape the valve holes to keep the tank clean. No problems. I have watched agents pull up one end to peek inside, then replace.

 

[tkaelin]

I always tape the valve holes to keep the tank clean. No problems. I have watched agents pull up one end to peek inside, then replace.

You too are lucky. Not sure where you travel where you can observe this as tanks can only be in check in unless I am mistaken.

 

[JohnN]

You too are lucky. Not sure where you travel where you can observe this as tanks can only be in check in unless I am mistaken.

Tanks (without a valve) can be put into your carry-on luggage Small Compressed Gas Cartridges

 

[Lorenzoid]

Tanks (without a valve) can be put into your carry-on luggage Small Compressed Gas Cartridges

Interesting wording. I would argue that clear tape, loosely applied, is not a "seal." Of course, there is no such thing as arguing with a TSA officer.

 

[tkaelin]

I stand corrected. Thanks.