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Inflatable PFD's & TSA/American Airlines #128064
04/22/2017 01:45 PM
04/22/2017 01:45 PM
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 111
Denver & Breckenridge, CO
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BreckSailor Offline OP
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BreckSailor  Offline OP
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Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 111
Denver & Breckenridge, CO
I've seen other posts on this subject, but for the life of me I can't find them via the search function (one area that I always have problems with here).

So here's the deal, I'm trying to figure out whether to carry on or check Self Inflating PFDs in checked baggage. I know that TSA has policies that specifically ALLOW Self Inflating PFD's (with cartridge) to be BOTH carry'd on AND checked baggage. However, my airline (AA) does not allow it in carry on, per their rules. (But, truthfully, how would they ever know since airline never inspects bags???)

HERE is the specific language from from TSA website: "You may bring a life vest with up to two CO2 cartridges inside, plus two spare cartridges in your carry-on or checked bag. Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns. The final decision rests with TSA on whether to allow any items on the plane."

I AM checking bags on my trip, so I could put items in checked bags, but in some ways, I'd prefer to have them in Carry-On and specifically call them out to TSA (with copy of their own policy), to make CERTAIN that they allow the items to go through checks. Otherwise, I check the baggage and then (even with PFD's packed with copy of TSA policy) I HOPE that they get allowed by TSA through any checked bag inspections that they may do.

So, I'm curious as to what others have done - with AA flights - especially recently. (I know there's a risk to effectively disregarding airline baggage rules, but I also would hate to run the risk of having TSA confiscate, though that would seem unlikely especially if I provide them their own rules in my checked baggage with PFDs - assuming there's any inspection at all.)

Lastly - I've never ever taken my PFD's to Caribbean in over 10-12 sailing trips there so this is new to me - I'm only taking them because I'm aboard for 2 months throughout Leeward Islands.

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Re: Inflatable PFD's & TSA/American Airlines [Re: BreckSailor] #128065
04/22/2017 01:58 PM
04/22/2017 01:58 PM
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720
Massachusetts
maytrix Offline
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maytrix  Offline
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720
Massachusetts
I think I'd just take it with me. If you want to be really sure, just bring it and buy a cartridge there. I don't think they have an issue with the vest if there's no cartridge.


Matt
Re: Inflatable PFD's & TSA/American Airlines [Re: maytrix] #128066
04/22/2017 04:06 PM
04/22/2017 04:06 PM
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 933
Georgia & South Carolina
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Deepcut Offline
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Deepcut  Offline
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 933
Georgia & South Carolina
Take it with you (Good idea to have copy of policy). Then if TSA insists, sacrifice the CO2 cartridge .


Wes
s/v Sea Tiger (2022 Lagoon 46)
www.BareBoatBVI.com

Re: Inflatable PFD's & TSA/American Airlines [Re: BreckSailor] #128067
04/22/2017 04:52 PM
04/22/2017 04:52 PM
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 180
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FLJim Offline
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FLJim  Offline
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 180
I've brought them in checked bags several times on both AA and JetBlue - no problems. Never tried carry-on.

Re: Inflatable PFD's & TSA/American Airlines [Re: FLJim] #128068
04/22/2017 06:26 PM
04/22/2017 06:26 PM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,151
Ontario, Canada
warren460 Offline
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warren460  Offline
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,151
Ontario, Canada
The tsa policy allows the carry on of PDF plus two spare cartridges. Curiously, it does not permit the 2 spare cartridges without the PDF. They have to travel together. I had an AA baggage supervisor come find me at the departure gate to ask about the contents of the cartridges in my checked bag. No issues as they were co2.

I would check it with a copy of the policy.


Warren S/V Scuba Doo
Lagoon 50 (winner of best crewed yacht under 55 feet at the St. Thomas crewed yacht boat show).

https://www.cyabrochure.com/ebn/2307/pdyrX/6642/4///
Re: Inflatable PFD's & TSA/American Airlines [Re: BreckSailor] #128069
04/22/2017 09:24 PM
04/22/2017 09:24 PM
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,421
New Jersey, USA
DanS Offline
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DanS  Offline
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,421
New Jersey, USA
Here is a recent discussion on this subject (no specific information about AA):

http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=bvi&Number=1723003

Dan <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />

Re: Inflatable PFD's & TSA/American Airlines [Re: maytrix] #128070
04/24/2017 08:16 AM
04/24/2017 08:16 AM
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 219
Texas
Whitesail Offline
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Whitesail  Offline
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 219
Texas
We have taken vest and CO2 on our last two trips on AA. I always carry the TSA document. Usually TSA calls a supervisor over and rerun the vests and CO2. Vests and CO2 have to be presented together in carryon. I would hesitate to put CO2 in checked luggage.



[Linked Image]
Re: Inflatable PFD's & TSA/American Airlines [Re: Whitesail] #128071
04/24/2017 11:14 AM
04/24/2017 11:14 AM
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 111
Denver & Breckenridge, CO
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BreckSailor Offline OP
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BreckSailor  Offline OP
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Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 111
Denver & Breckenridge, CO
Ok, thanks for the responses here. I think its generally good to know that no one (here at least) has had there PFDs (or really, the CO2 cartridges) taken from them with supporting TSA documents. Not taking and just buying cartridges in BVIs is not something I want to do - hassle to arrange at best assuming I could find specific cartridges, and just more expense/waste. Clearly there are people that carry on and others that check as baggage. I'm waivering on what I will do, but generally hopeful that either track will get my stuff to me (hopefully)...Thanks for the responses/thoughts!

Re: Inflatable PFD's & TSA/American Airlines [Re: BreckSailor] #128072
04/26/2017 03:00 PM
04/26/2017 03:00 PM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 297
ORIENTAL,NC
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DaveZ Offline
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DaveZ  Offline
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 297
ORIENTAL,NC
Just went AA MIA to SXM, vest in carry on actually hanging outside of my back pack. No issues.

Re: Inflatable PFD's & TSA/American Airlines [Re: DaveZ] #128073
04/27/2017 12:14 PM
04/27/2017 12:14 PM
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 111
Denver & Breckenridge, CO
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BreckSailor Offline OP
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BreckSailor  Offline OP
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Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 111
Denver & Breckenridge, CO
Thanks. I have decided to pack my inflatable PFD's as checked luggage. Will put the inflatables at the top of the packed luggage with TSA website page which indicates the "allowance" and hope for the best. Traveling down next week so we shall see!

Re: Inflatable PFD's & TSA/American Airlines [Re: BreckSailor] #128074
04/27/2017 08:50 PM
04/27/2017 08:50 PM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,151
Ontario, Canada
warren460 Offline
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warren460  Offline
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,151
Ontario, Canada
What boat are you on?


Warren S/V Scuba Doo
Lagoon 50 (winner of best crewed yacht under 55 feet at the St. Thomas crewed yacht boat show).

https://www.cyabrochure.com/ebn/2307/pdyrX/6642/4///
Re: Inflatable PFD's & TSA/American Airlines [Re: warren460] #128075
04/27/2017 11:44 PM
04/27/2017 11:44 PM
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 111
Denver & Breckenridge, CO
B
BreckSailor Offline OP
Traveler
BreckSailor  Offline OP
Traveler
B
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 111
Denver & Breckenridge, CO
TwinDancer - DYC Lagoon 400S2

Re: Inflatable PFD's & TSA/American Airlines [Re: BreckSailor] #128076
04/28/2017 07:04 AM
04/28/2017 07:04 AM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,151
Ontario, Canada
warren460 Offline
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warren460  Offline
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,151
Ontario, Canada
Maybe we will see you there.


Warren S/V Scuba Doo
Lagoon 50 (winner of best crewed yacht under 55 feet at the St. Thomas crewed yacht boat show).

https://www.cyabrochure.com/ebn/2307/pdyrX/6642/4///

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