Gas cylinders on aircraft

[Douglas]

I am flying Ryanair to La Rochelle, France and taking my manual gas inflatable lifejacket with me. Does anyone know if the 33g CO2 cylinders are allowed on aircraft, and if so whether as cabin or hold (checked) baggage?

 

[mirabriani]

I took mine with my hand baggage on my trip to Carib and back from Bermuda. I went through seven checks and was only queried on the last (when they allowed it through)
However, having said all that, a pilot did advise me that if it were to detonate in the overhead locker, it would make a fair old noise and could damage the contents of my bag.
On balance I would now declare it and shift the responsibility to the airline. Most places they can be replaced.

I hope this helps
Regards Briani

 

[StephenSails]

There is one under every seat on the plane so they should allow it.

 

[whisper]

They have been allowed in checked baggage by all the airlines I've used over the last 5 years.

 

[BrendanS]

It varies by airline (who can have more stringent regulations than CAA or FAA regs if they wish to ) and check-in staff tend to say no if unsure, so you have to speak to someone before hand who actually know the regulations, or has access to the rule book (this does NOT include most call centre staff, so ask to speak to a supervisor if the call centre person says no initially).

Then if they say yes, get their name, title and tel number in case of problems when you actually check in. This info from my sister who was an aircrew trainer when this question was asked a while back, and which I'll keep repeating as and when the question comes up again.

 

[Amphitrite]

Generally they are allowed by FAA, but airlines may restrict them. Normally they should be declared beforehand and then checked-in into the hold. Ryanair does not (in Germany) give anything written, just tell the guy at the check-in that the hotline says "OK". In one case I had troubles with german customs, they wanted to allow only one cylinder but not the spare one. They told me: "You don't need a sparem, I even cannot swim". Having said that, my crewmate took two cylinders and wasn't even asked about it....

 

[absit_omen]

I had mine confiscated at Manchester airport. They were in carry on and I declared them. Personally, I dont think it is worth the hassle, they are not that expensive to replace locally when you get there.

 

[robstracey]

If you contact airline you are flying with they will advise you, I was able to take my shotgun to canada in the secure hold so im sure they will find room for a few CO2 cylenders.

 

[whisper]

Afraid you must have got the standard "If we don't know we'll say no" from the check-in people. It's easier for them that way. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[boomerangben]

Nothing to do with CAA or FAA or IAA or any other AA. IATA Dangerous Goods. If it is attached to a lifejacket, it is ok since a lifejacket is classed as a life saving appliance. I've checked in lifejackets into hold baggage and had them searched and passed. But remember the Pilot (and hence airline operator) has final say on what is carried.

 

[whisper]

Interestingly, I've been told by at least one airline that they are only acceptable if they are <u>not</u> left attached to the jacket. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[stephenh]

You might try quoting :

International Air Transport Association ( IATA ) Dangerous Goods Regulations.


"Goods acceptable with operators approval as baggage :-

Non-flammable gas cylinders fitted into a life jacket.

Not more than two small cylinders per person , containing carbon dioxide or other suitable gas in Division 2.2. , fitted into a self inflating life jacket for inflation purposes plus not more than two spare cartridges."

(IATA Dangerous Goods regulations 45th edition Sect 2. Para 2.3.4.2)

It worked for me !!!