Flying with a PonyTank

[cip]

I want to bring my 13 cf pony tank on my next trip to Turks & Caicos. TSA regs say it is ok to bring a compressed gas cylinder on an airplane so long as it is empty and not sealed. The regs say it can be checked in or carried on board. I read in the United Airlines web site that there is a $200 charge to bring a scuba cylinder on a plane. All the posts I have ever read from divers carrying pony's never mentioned being charged any additional fee. Has anyone ever actually been charged to carry a pony tank on an airplane? If I bring mine I will put it in my carry on.

 

[-hh]

I've carried a 13cf pony in my checked baggage ... but this was 12+ years ago, pre-9/11. The actual DOT CFR regulations technically say that the valve doesn't have to be removed and that there could be a small amount of residual pressure...under 41psia.

However ... that's DOT, not TSA, and they've chosen to exceed the DOT requirements based on terrorism risks, not HazMats.

Furthermore, Airlines are always looking for an extra buck to cover expenses and the like, hence the $200 fees you see listed. I generally assume that these are for full size tanks, and probably ones that aren't in suitcases ... I suggest a phone call to the airline to ask what the policy is for a small ("Spare Air") sized tank that is going to be included in your checked baggage (and part of your baggage weight restrictions) and see what they say.

FWIW, I'd suspect that a pony in a checked bag is going to cause less of a ruckus at TSA than one that's going through carry-on bags.

Hope this helps,


-hh

 

[herbdb]

I think you have more control of the situation carrying the empty bottle on board. In checked luggage you could just find a note that some uninformed TSA employee had confiscated it. If you are there, you can ask for a supervisor and show them a copy of the reg if necessary.

No one even blinked when we had empty bottles in carryon luggage to and from Bonaire in April.

 

[Para Goon]

For the last three years I've travelled with my 13cu-ft pony bottle in my checked baggage, and haven't had any problems. I've always removed the valve, and used gaffers tape to seal the opening to prevent any loose particles from getting inside. If you do carry it on, please let us know how it goes.

 

[Pullmyfinger]

I flew from Guam to Japan a couple of months ago. I bought an aluminum 40 while on Guam, and had it with me.
I checked it, with the valve removed.

Tape it up...TSA might be tempted to violate an opening.

This was a United flight.

-Mitch

 

[fdarden]

I too have traveled with a pony several times both in my checked luggage, and in my carry on. I have never been charged the tank fee, but I have been subject to many over 50 pound fees, which is why I try to carry it on with me in a carry on bag. I remove the valve, put it in a ziplock bag, and plug the tank with the plastic stopper that came with it. I also carry a small spot of o2 compatible grease to lube threads once I am at my destination if they need it. Oh yeah and I also have a look inside the tank before I replace the valve, just in case. As long as you remove the valve you should not have issues. If you cannot remove the valve do not bother bringing the tank.

 

[Scared Silly]

I have carried on and checked small bottles. The last year I carried on two bottles - no problems. Remove valve, plug and carry a copy of the TSA rules and you will be fine. If you do carry them on place the bottle in a tub by themselves so they are easy to look in case there are questions. The same with checked bags put them on top to prevent unnecessary pilfering.

 

[billgraham]

Take the valve out and put a clear piece of tape over it so they can look inside, no problem.

 

[Bhtmec2]

I have carried HP100's 40cf pony and a 19cf on AA airlines several times from FL to various islands in the Caribbean.
Just remove the valves I use the factory tank plugs and put them in my checked bag's. No problems and no extra fees. Last trip was May 2012. Good Luck with your trip.

PS: They never asked and I never said they were tanks. No Harm No Foul.