Review: ABS Vario 25

Flying with ABS

What is not so easy to bear is traveling with the ABS system. In talking with owners of the pack it appears that traveling is not a big issue. Theoretically even though the pyro-technic trigger of ABS packs is an explosive device, it is not like that explosion is sufficient to bring down a plane. Let’s face some obvious facts here. You’re okay with wearing it and having that small explosion go off on your back because when it does, the airbags fill up and hopefully you will ride on top instead of to the bottom of an avalanche.

But that word explosion 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 let them sideline or confiscate your canister of compressed 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 an ABS airbag pack ABS advises you to contact the airline two weeks prior and inform them you will be traveling with and ABS pack. Be sure to point out to them that there is an exception that allows to 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.

When you fly, be sure to disconnect the canister of compressed nitrogen. Be sure to 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. And if you’re not…please let the rest of us know here.

And in the meantime, let us all hope that The North Face is using their marketing and lobbying clout to deal with this for everyone’s benefit.

© 2012