Guidelines for Traveling with Airbag Packs
(powered by compressed gases)
While it may seem that the word pyro-technic is the reason ABS packs can be complicated to fly with, the reality is the pyro-technic trigger isn’t the problem. The rate at which the compressed gas escapes is, which qualifies it as an “explosive” device. Therefore, any avalanche airbag pack powered with compressed gases can be viewed as a problem.
This explosive nature of the compressed gas(es) makes government bureaucrats in the alphabet agencies (like the TSA or FAA) nervous and even if it is a safety device you better tow the line or their rules and regulations could give the license to sideline or confiscate your canister of compressed air or nitrogen. That’s the least of it. Actually, there are some pretty hefty fines possible too.
Here’s what you need to know. If you’re traveling with a compressed gas airbag pack all manufacturers advise you to contact the airline two weeks prior and inform them you will be traveling with an Avalanche airbag pack. Be sure to point out to them that there is an exception that allows you to fly with this pack per the International Airline Transportation Authority (IATA). Send them a letter explaining this and include the attached PDF document as your evidence.
If your system uses compressed air, deflate the canister and disconnect it from the airbag system. You may need to show the deflated canister to an agent.
If you have an ABS system, be sure to disconnect the canister of compressed nitrogen. Advise the airline as you check in that you have an ABS airbag pack and have the IATA paperwork handy in case you need it. If asked, point it out to the TSA inspectors that the cylinder is disconnected, and legal to fly with per IATA exceptions.
However, a recent check with the FAA makes it clear that this is still not necessarily legal in the USA. According to FAA agent James Berk, the IATA rules are accepted in Europe, but are merely recommended guidelines for the USA. In particular there is State Variation US-2, an exception to the IATA exception which states:
“Dangerous goods not permitted for carriage by passenger or crew in checked or carry-on baggage by 49 CFR 175.10 are not permitted for such carriage even when authorized by IATA or ICAO. For example, the carriage of avalanche rescue backpacks by passenger or crew is not authorized.”
Agent Berk went on to specify, “At this time, 49 CFR 175.10 does NOT list the avalanche backpacks. Therefore they are not allowed to travel to, from or within the United States.”
(Updated TSA guidelines for Compressed Gas Cylinders)
Except…a friend from Europe says he flys through US airports with an ABS pack “all the time” and has no problems. Thus, my best advice is pretend to be European and don’t act suspiciously and don’t make too big of a deal about it and you’ll probably be fine.
If you want to be confident you’ll have no issues, leave your canister of compressed gas behind and arrange to rent/buy one at your destination. It may add an hour of logistical time at your destination, but dealing with bureaubots is probably worse.
© 2013
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I flew to argentina from san francisco in august this year. TSA at SFO were concerned about the pack with empty air tank in my checked luggage. I was using a BCA Float 32. TSA called me to a desk and had me unscrew the top off the empty air tank so they could look inside. They clearly were not concerned about the tank exploding enroute due to pressure, but they were concerned it could have been packed with explosives. I was told when I fly with it to leave the regulator only very lightly screwed on so it would be easy to remove and the inside of the tank could be inspected for explosives. I did so, and when returning from South America I made sure the regulator was barely on, but when I got home and checked the unit, the regulator was very tightly screwed on the tank. So TSA inspectors had clearly removed the regulator and then replaced it. So my experience makes me believe the gossip about TSA thinking the pressurized tanks may explode is not the problem, they are concerned about explosives being packed into the tanks if word gets out the inside of the tanks are not visually inspected.
Good report, Craig! Thanks for writing an excellent survey of airbags
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