Carrying tank on airliner...

[Externet]

Hi.
Has someone traveled with a tank inside a checked suitcase, no valve on it ?
-There is nothing illegal about it- ... I think.
And had problems or not ?
Miguel

 

[wedivebc]

Hi.
Has someone traveled with a tank inside a checked suitcase, no valve on it ?
-There is nothing illegal about it- ... I think.
And had problems or not ?
Miguel

It is not a problem as long as the tank is open. I have heard some security people will not even remove tape over the opening so it has to be open for inspection.
On my last trip I rented just because the tanks are so much extra weight I don't need.

 

[ryssyr]

I just got back from a trip to belize and had no problem with bringing my pony bottle.

 

[diveborg]

I've flown with my 19 cu.ft pony bottle in my carry on luggage with no problem. I didn't put in my checked luggage because of weight concerns.

 

[truck1]

With the smaller tanks there should be no problem on standard airliners.(Jet powered) however there may be an issue with finding somewhere to put it in the cabin in a smaller plane (prop)or if the tank is larger than say a 19 pony.

 

[NorthWoodsDiver]

I have read that passengers are no longer allowed to carry or check scuba cylinders even with valve removed. TSA rule I believe.

 

[DeepDiver36]

Quote from TSA.gov website

"Compressed gas cylinders are allowed in checked baggage or as a carry-on ONLY if the regulator valve is completely disconnected from the cylinder and the cylinder is no longer sealed (i.e. the cylinder has an open end). The cylinder must have an opening to allow for a visual inspection inside.

Our Security Officers will NOT remove the seal or regulator valve from the cylinder at the checkpoint. If the cylinder is sealed (i.e. the regulator valve is still attached), the cylinder is prohibited and not permitted through the security checkpoint, regardless of the reading on the pressure gauge indicator. Our Security Officers must visibly ensure that the cylinder is completely empty and that there are no prohibited items inside."

Seems like as long as the valve is removed and the tank is open then it would be no more dangerous then anything else on the plane.

 

[Externet]

Thanks... I wonder if the size of the tank in the baggage makes any difference to the robberish attempt to collect $100 per tank per trip by airliners, as far as I understand the regulation here :

Continental Airlines - Sports Equipment

Has anyone with a 80 cu ft tank done it without wringing the wallet ? The tank without the valve may in some cases not worth the imposed fee.
How someone moving overseas is supposed to take a scuba tank ? Put a Kidde extinguisher decal on it ?

Miguel

 

[NorthWoodsDiver]

yep that is what I found on the TSA site too but I remember a thread on hear about that changing recently but I have yet to locate it.

 

[ryssyr]

i just got back last week and didnt have a problem with TSA. also american did not charge any extra for the tank in my bags.