Taking lifejackets on aircraft

[Salty]

I'm just doing some panic last minute packing - can anyone remind me what the rules are on packing a self-inflating lifejacket/harness for a flight? Can it go in the hold, or as handluggage or aren't compressed air canisters allowed at all?

Thanks in advance!

 

[snowleopard]

This has been discussed at length so do a search for previous threads. Briefly, they are generally allowed but it depends on the airline so best to ask first. Most say it must go in cabin baggage. If the check-in clerk says no, ask to speak to the supervisor.

It's a good idea to contact the airline in advance and get the name of the person you speak to.

 

[Alastairdent]

Really?

We were blocked from taking a lifeboat on a ferry, because it had a flare pack in it. I'm suprised aircraft allow armed self-inflating lifejackets.

 

[Salty]

Thanks Snowleopard - did a search and as you suggest lots of past advice. By the way, first thread I found had you suggesting putting it in the hold and saying nothing, which was followed up by someone calling you a criminally irresponsible imbecile /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[snowleopard]

The twirp concerned took my single lifejacket and turned it into a whole crate of the things which somehow simultaneously activated. The only thing that could cause such an event would be a landing in water at which point it becomes academic!!

I can understand carriers not wanting to carry rafts with flares in.

Always remember what is under your seat. Of course you could always borrow one of theirs instead /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif (ok, ok, only joking).

 

[djs]

I was involved in a new boat delivery that necessitated taking a lifeboat and flare pack across the channel on a P&O ferry. it was arranged in advance and I believe the Purser kept it all under lock and key in his office for the crossing so it can be done. guess you just need to get the helpful one when you call.

 

[Alastairdent]

This was a high-speed ferry, one of the cats. They said it could be taken on the normal ferry, and put under lock and key.

 

[Toutvabien]

I took a lifejacket and a load of re-arming gas cannisters on Ryanair a couple of weeks ago following the fine advice to stick them in the hold baggage and say nothing. They all arrived in Cork, at the same time as the rest of the baggage, with no difficulty whatsoever.

 

[Lakesailor]

Would you have to put it in the hold if you were wearing your Bikini-Lifejacket?

 

[snowleopard]

So that's how they came to be called Mae Wests!

 

[castaway]

As Snowleopard say this has been gone into at length. When I worked for Swissair (Swiss Int) I checked it out and its all in the manuals.

I'm pretty sure its okay to carry the life jacket with 2 cannisters, check it with the company as these things are are their discretion, they can check in the AHM or GOM manuals with their dispatch office.

Regds Nick