Carrying Pony Bottles on AmTrak Same Rules as Flying?

[jim T.]

I searched but...
Has anyone had recent experience carrying a pony bottle on an AmTrak train? Are the TSA rules for flying the same for train travel? (Empy w/ valve removed?)

I've looked on AmTrak's site but they apparently are having the same trouble with their site as with their train schedules:05:

Also, has anyone just rented an alum. 80 when on vacation as a bailout bottle if traveling with your 30 or 40 was too much hassle due to regulations and Carribean dive shops don't rent ponies?

Thanks.

 

[H2Andy]

from the Amtrack site:

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Prohibited Items

The following kinds of items are prohibited as both checked and carry-on baggage:

Any type of gun, firearm, ammunition, explosives, or weapon.

Incendiaries, including flammable gases, liquids and fuels.

Large, sharp objects such as axes, ice picks and swords.

Corrosive or dangerous chemicals or materials, such as liquid bleach, tear gas, mace, radioactive and harmful bacteriological materials.

Batteries with acid that can spill or leak (except those batteries used in motorized wheelchairs or similar devices for mobility-impaired passengers).

Club-like items, such as billy clubs and nightsticks.

Fragile and/or valuable items (including but not limited to electronic equipment).

Animals (except service animals).

Oversized and/or overweight items.

Please note: This is not an exhaustive list. Any item similar to those listed, even if not specifically mentioned here, is prohibited from being carried onboard or checked as baggage.

http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/Conte...opy_Page&c=am2Copy&cid=1080080553878&ssid=147

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i would call and check, as a tank may fall under the "oversize and/or overweight
items." also, uneducated personnel may think a scuba tank full of air is
"flammable."

 

[ThatsSomeBadHatHarry]

my pops works for amtrak, i just dropped him an email and will let you know as soon as i get a reply.

 

[Aquanautchuck]

When I go to the Caribbean I always take two regs. Several times doing deep shore dives I have taken a extra tank with my second reg as a safety tank. I use to carry my 19 pony but it can be a pain flying with it.

 

[jim T.]

Thats Some Bad Hat Harry, Thanks! Thank your pop for me.
H2 Andy , Thanks! I did see that list posted on the AmTrak site but no further elaboration. So I called and an no one I got transferred to
(repeatedly) could specifically tell me about scuba tanks so I posted here.

Aquanautchuck, Thanks for your reply and experience. I'm thinking of doing that after the last couple of disappearing tourist buddies I ended up with if traveling with a pony is too much trouble. Did you sling an 80 or use doubles bands a carry handle, what?

Thanks again guys.

 

[ThatsSomeBadHatHarry]

Jim T.
i just got a reply from my dad, he said that everything is a go as long as the tanks aren't holding any pressure, and are contained (i.e. duffle bag, box, etc).

plus, amtrak doesnt search luggage or x-ray or anything, so you should be good.

 

[Scared Silly]

Having traveled many times inside and outside the US with my pony bottles I would follow the TSA rules for flying when using any form of public transporation for travel. E.g. remove the valve and replace with the plastic cap it comes with from the factory with. Further I would take a copy of the rules with me. Sometimes it does help as the TSA realizes you know the rules and it saves them and you the hassle ... other times it does not because the TSA now knows that you know rules.

Here are the rules.

However these rules are in contradiction to several other anouncements such as this one. YMMV

 

[jim T.]

........Harry, Thanks very much. I appreciate you and your Pop going to the trouble on my (our/S.B.'s ) behalf. Do you mind my asking what job/position your Dad has with AmTrak?

Scared Silly, Thanks for the TSA lists. I've seen them regarding airlines but nothing for trains that have been as specific regarding scuba tanks.

We're booking a cruise next year and I'll maybe have our travel agent get some kind of written statement from AmTrak that is specific and relates directly to my ticket numbers.

What a great board this is!

 

[ThatsSomeBadHatHarry]

........Harry, Thanks very much. I appreciate you and your Pop going to the trouble on my (our/S.B.'s ) behalf. Do you mind my asking what job/position your Dad has with AmTrak?

no problem. I'm not sure what his official title is, but he is in charge of the Bridges and Structures Division for New England.

 

[jim T.]

Cool. Thanks TSBHH.