Flying with sorb

[mr_v]

Howdy folks,

So I splurged a bit for the first class and have 70lbs / bag allowance. Given sorb prices in distant places, I am thinking of packing at least one load of my sorb. Has anyone done that? If that's not an option, can I bring sorb as a carry on?

Thank you!

 

[Para Goon]

Howdy folks,

So I splurged a bit for the first class and have 70lbs / bag allowance. Given sorb prices in distant places, I am thinking of packing at least one load of my sorb. Has anyone done that? If that's not an option, can I bring sorb as a carry on?

Thank you!

I have traveled with sorb three times, but only as a checked bag. I also included in the bag a letter detailing my flights, contact information, MSDS, a statement that it is an unopened container, and what it is used for. I know the TSA inspected it every time as there was a TSA flyer in the bag upon arrival. I wouldn't want to travel with it as a carry-on.

 

[grantctobin]

Checked cheap duffel bag, MSDS label taped on the side. No issues.

 

[stuartv]

I have not done it, but I've seen posts here (IIRC) that suggest to just take a factory-sealed keg of sorb, tape the MSDS to the outside (completely covered in clear tape, to protect it), and check it as-is. No need to put it inside a bag that you check.

 

[mr_v]

Has anyone flow with sorb in a unit? It is not like you can see it on x-ray and I'll slap a sticker saying that "don't open the unit w/o me" or something like that. The unit will be sealed as I have the loop outlet plugs.

 

[GiraffeMarineSalvage]

I have traveled with sorb three times, but only as a checked bag. I also included in the bag a letter detailing my flights, contact information, MSDS, a statement that it is an unopened container, and what it is used for. I know the TSA inspected it every time as there was a TSA flyer in the bag upon arrival. I wouldn't want to travel with it as a carry-on.

This is definitely the way to do it, but it's worth having a backup plan just in case someone in the process doesn't understand or it gets delayed. Probably doesn't hurt to have some piece on non-essential dive gear like an extra mask and snorkel plus a rebreather magazine for immediate context..
I've flown with sorb once domestic without issue, but I've also once had a heck of a time checking a backpacking stove without any fuel because the check in attendant had the hardest time ever understanding it was allowed in checked baggage since it was NOT a "backpacking stove with fuel." Took awhile but finally was able to get a supervisor on the phone able to understand the difference, but I think the same difficulties could easily happen flying with sorb especially if for some reason someone didn't choose to believe your paperwork...

 

[Tracy]

This is how I do it, and it works for me. No guarantees, but I have never had any issue.
I buy a $10 suitcase at goodwill. I put a keg of sorb inside, I put all the paperwork for it inside, msds, general letter of what it is for, and the TSA letter saying it is ok to fly with inside of the bag. I close the bag and check it. I don't mention it, I just check the bag. Everytime, it winds up where I am going. I throw the bag in a dumpster when I get there and leave the leftover sorb with somebody that can use it in whatever place I have landed.

 

[Para Goon]

Has anyone flow with sorb in a unit? It is not like you can see it on x-ray and I'll slap a sticker saying that "don't open the unit w/o me" or something like that. The unit will be sealed as I have the loop outlet plugs.

I have not and wouldn't recommend it. I don't want to complicate my travels due to the TSA inspection. My RB container has always been inspected as well. Just like the sorb, I provide the same traveler information and a couple of pertinent pages from the manual. A couple of times I have gotten a nice personal note from the agent written on the TSA flyer; I recall the first one being "wow, looks like fun!".

 

[formernuke]

A couple of times I have gotten a nice personal note from the agent written on the TSA flyer; I recall the first one being "wow, looks like fun!".

Nice, once with my can light the tsa women had to ask her supervisor about it. He was jealous and wanted to come with me.

Other than that following as a future ccr diver.

 

[makar0n]

As mentioned by others - print out a short letter with your flights, contact info, and short explanation (hi i am travelling for diving, this is used to scrub CO2 - keep it simple, any complicated terms might scare customs), MSDS (material safety data sheet), manufacturer air transport statement (manufacturer provides one for both 797 and 812) and technical data sheet. All can be downloaded from sorb manufacturer site.

I normally put them in a plastic pouch then tape it to the box of sorb (4.5kgs only, not taking 20kgs). Additionally I put a paper tape across the pouch opening - basically a little gimmick, so i know if somebody actually took it out, as most likely they will rip that tape
I would not take it as hand baggage, walking around with a box of white powder might get you unwanted attention...I do not mention it at check in neither, unlikely they will know what is it but sure they will make a fuzz.

Also, I put a sticker with my name/address/mobile right on those lovely corrosive labels on each keg


From recent travels (last 3 months or so):
Germany to Mexico via Canada, only way out:
2x 4.5kg in checked baggage, no issues whatsoever. Nobody checked anything.

Germany to Indonesia via Taiwan, then local Bali-Komodo, both return, as had some unused sorb:
1 x 4.5kg in checked baggage, on the Germany to Indonesia leg zero issues. My 2nd checked bag was inspected (found security note inside) but that one had o2 cylinder. Also came back to Germany with one box (used less than expected and still had weight allowance), zero issues.
2x 4.5kg plus another 2.2kg in the rebreather itself - on the way out Bali to Komodo ther was huge fuzz about o2 cylinder (Citilink are known for that) but zero efs given about sorb.
Way back from Komodo to Bali, still had some unused sorb, initially it was fine but after 20 mins heard my name being butchered on the loduspeaker system. Had to go back for a chat with security, they were very interested in the cases of white powder, but upon seeing all the paperwork (as above) with the official company letterheads/signatures etc they calmed down, though still opened and stuck finger inside then just took copies of the paperwork and sent me on my merry way (well had to do a selfie with a security girl xD)