Buddy crack bottle SMB

[Jay Tee]

Just got one & wondered whether it's OK to fly with it given the security issues etc.
I'd strip it down of course & probably keep the 2 parts in separate cases so it shouldn't be considered 'a cylinder' - anyone done this & anyone foresee any problems?
Going to Teegypt by the way.

[addive]

hello
i took one to the usa about 6 years ago and the airline said to carry it as hand lagage but when we changed planes in the states they made me put in the hold so on the way back i put it in my dive kit and had no problems but if you talk to the airline they should be able to tell you or let you now how to ring to find out
good luak adrian (addive)

[tiggerbiker]

i recently took one in my hand luggage to lanzarote, the security staff searched my bag as they could see the cylinder on the x-ray then asked me to prove it was empty.

when we went through arrecife airport on the back, they diddnt even bother looking at it?!

[Sparky750]

Mine went in hand luggage also with airfrance they just made me open the valve to prove it was empty

[Mark Davies]

It's a difficult one. The problem is that the rules cannot possibly account for every eventuality and every item that people could take on an aircraft (it's amazing what people choose to fly with!) - so the rules are generic and that means they are open to individual interpretation. Of course that causes problems and frustrations at perceived inconsistencies - but there's no way around it.

Put it in your hold luggage and it's bound to be picked up by X-ray. For security reasons I won't go into too much detail about exactly how these checks work, but it is quite possible that your luggage would not be loaded if you are unlucky enough to to have your bags looked at by several people and none of whom know anything about diving and who won't know what they are looking at. It would require an unfortunate and rare set of circumstances - but it's perfectly possible.

Carry it in your hold luggage and at least you are present to explain just what it is - but that in itself is not going to preclude an individual making a decision that they are not happy for you to take it with you. However, in those circumstances they are almost always happy for you to have the suspect item carried in the hold instead - where obviously you are not in a position to make use of it.

So this is my advice whenever you are taking anything you think may cause suspicion.

Take it in your hand luggage. However for your hand luggage use a bag that you'd be happy to have carried in the hold, ie something secure and robust. Also pack in your hang luggage a light, easily packed bag (a plastic carrier bag, for instance). Therefore, if you do have a problem with the item you are carrying you can have your hand luggage checked into the hold but still have something to use to carry those items you're going to need on the plane. And finally check in early and go through security early - so you'll have plenty of time if you do need to return to check-in with your bag.

As for your crack-bottle, opening the valve doesn't prove it isn't full of plastic explosives. Some airlines insist you actually remove the valve to carry it, so they can see inside. Give your airline a call and check. But, bear in mind, the security check has nothing whatsoever to do with your airline - so just because your carrier says it is okay doesn't mean security will allow it.

[Jay Tee]

Cheers guys, what you say Mark also makes a lot of sense about carrying it in the hand luggage, I had thought about this and fully intend to 'split' the cylinder & valve so it would / should be difficult to object...

[ajstradey]

hi took 3ltr pony to malta this year , e mailed airline (air malta) who said ok as long as it went in hold and was empty . on checkin told staff and they suggested i took suitcase to large baggage myself , so i was there when xrayed.
chap asked was it empty told him yes he didnt seem that bothered as he wasnt going on plane .
suggest u email airline least u got something in black and white . hope this is some help. cheers ant

[Griff]

I plan to do the same when going to the Maldives in January.
If I'm going to dismantle the thing it might be prudent to replace the (and carry a spare) O ring. Anyone know the correct size of O ring between the cylinder and valve?

Griff

[Jay Tee]

Originally Posted by Griff

I plan to do the same when going to the Maldives in January.
If I'm going to dismantle the thing it might be prudent to replace the (and carry a spare) O ring. Anyone know the correct size of O ring between the cylinder and valve?

Griff

Dunno mate, sounds a fair idea though, let me know if you find out, I'll ask my dealer next time I'm in.

[MJH]

I flew BA a couple of weeks ago with an argon cylinder

I pulled the valve off and then checked it through

NP