Helpful Hints to Carry Your CO2 Cylinders for Your Inflatable
Personal Flotation Device on Commercial Aircraft

Print this page and carry it with you.

1st
While booking your flight, verify with your air carrier whether they allow CO2 cylinders with your Inflatable Personal Flotation Device with CO2 cylinders on their aircraft.  Get the name of the department (hazardous materials, dangerous goods, risk management, etc.) and name of the individual who approved it.  Lastly for this step, find out if the airline allows the Inflatable PFD as a Carry-On, or Check-Through Baggage.  If checking their website, look under "baggage" or "restricted baggage" or similar titles.

Air Carrier _________________________________________________
Approving Department ________________________________________
Approving Person ___________________________________________
Approved for Carry-On?  Yes / No
Approved for Check-Through Baggage?  Yes / No

Note - each time you transport CO2 cylinders on commercial aircraft you are required to report to the air carrier during Check-In that you are "transporting a hazardous material."  By making this declaration, you are assuring that you are in compliance with the law.

2nd
While going through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) securing screening, if the TSA Security Staff attempts to confiscate your CO2 Cylinders (Note - your inflatable PFD must be with them), ask the TSA Security Screeners to call their Supervisor.  Ask the Supervisor to check their reports from Washington, DC.  As of late March 2006, the TSA changed their policy and now passes up to two (2) CO2 Cylinders through security checkpoints with an inflatable PFD.  If the TSA Supervisor is still unsure, ask the TSA Supervisor to check their own website at:
http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1188.xml
or
http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1190.xml

3rd
If checking the Inflatable PFD through, place this page with your CO2 Cylinders.

ATTN: TSA SECURITY STAFF

AS OF LATE MARCH 2006, THE TSA HAS CHANGED THEIR POLICY TO ACCEPT THE ENCLOSED CO2 CYLINDERS AS ACCEPTABLE FOR PASSENGER CARRYING.  HERE IS THE WORDING FROM THE TSA OFFICES IN WASHINGTON, DC:

• NOTE: There is a compressed gas cylinder exception for both carry-on and checked baggage that allows 2 compressed gas cylinders fitted into a self-inflating life-jacket and 2 spare cartridges with the approval of the aircraft operator.

IF UNSURE, PLEASE ASK YOUR SUPERVISOR TO VERIFY.  PLEASE KEEP MY LIFE SAFETY DEVICES WITH MY BAGGAGE.

THANK YOU.