How to transport tanks in plane

[CAPTAIN SINBAD]

I have been told that TSA lets you fly any and all tanks as long as valves have been removed. Can someone explain what equipment / technical know how goes into removing and installing valves from tanks? Thanks.

 

[tdchandl]

Travel regularly with 19cf in carryon with my regs + valve. Tank taped across top. Tsa generally look and question but don't create issues. When arrive at dive location I have tank blown out and install valve hand tight then filled. Never had an issue.

 

[Bhtmec2]

Nothing hard. Let out all the pressure, twist off the valve and you are ready. I put a strip of painters blue tape over the opening and wrap up the valves in a ziplock to keep trash out of the valve. Never had a problem doing it that way.

 

[Scared Silly]

Take the valve off, put a plug in it (or tape over), And put this notice on the cylinder:

Compressed Gas Cylinders | Transportation Security Administration.

so the twit who pilfers under the guise of inspecting it knows that you knows WFT you are are doing and leaves yer crap, err cylinder in your bag.

 

[uncfnp]

So does anyone know if Delta is still trying to charge for scuba tanks?

 

[CAPTAIN SINBAD]

So when you arrive on the other end, can you screw back the valves and the tank is ready to dive? Or does it need inspections before the valve is installed?

 

[Keith.M]

Interesting thread and I like the idea of taping the TSA Requirements on the tank. However, anyone that does that, have you ever had an issue coming back?

 

[nimoh]

So when you arrive on the other end, can you screw back the valves and the tank is ready to dive? Or does it need inspections before the valve is installed?

yes, it should be inspected to be sure no foreign material got in while the valve was off.

Also, if it was in checked baggage, it should be inspected for damage, since it was likely removed from its packaging and inspected. It could have very easily have been dropped on the neck at this point.

 

[underH2Oman]

I am traveling to Nassau in February with small cylinder. I am flying with westjet and they require the cylinder to be in checked bag, valve removed.
They charge a fee if the bag is over sized or overweight.
I may just put a second bag together if weight becomes an issue. It costs less to take a second bag than pay the overweight fee.

 

[Lorenzoid]

So does anyone know if Delta is still trying to charge for scuba tanks?

You've probably read this, but I thought it would be worth posting what Delta's web site says:

Scuba Equipment

One dive bag containing scuba equipment other than an empty dive tank is allowed as checked baggage. An empty dive tank is allowed with a USD150 USD200 fee each way. The maximum outside linear dimensions may exceed 62 linear inches (158 cm), but oversized baggage fees will be applied. Tanks weighing over 70 lbs will be charged the applicable excess weight fee. Tanks exceeding 100 lbs or 115 linear inches are not allowed.

Scuba Equipment Fees

• 150 USD/CAD or 105 EUR* for travel to all regions (excluding Brazil)
• 100 USD for travel to/from Brazil
  

*CAD amount will be charged exit Canada, and EUR amount will be charged exit Europe.

Scuba equipment that exceeds standard baggage allowance will be assessed the appropriate fee based on destination.