TargetTalk

what is current with transporting cylinders on the airlines?

the TSA regs don't say really http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ ... items.shtm

You would be wise to not rely on what the regulations say - they are open to interpretation and your interpretation is likely to be at odds with that of a TSA screener whose decision is final.

You would be wise not to rely on advice from anyone who has sucessfully travelled with an air cylinder given thow unlikely you will face the same TSA screener.

You would be wise to assume the worst - your cylinder will not be allowed in your checked baggage unless the the entire interior portion of the cylinder can be visually inspected. A gauge showing empty will not suffice.

You would be very wise to ship the cylinder ahead of your arrival if it absolutely, positively has to be there when you are.

By the way, here's a link to the TSA page dealing with compressed air cylinders.:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ ... d_gas.shtm

Shooting is tough enough - the last thing a competitor needs is unnecessary drama. Good shooting to you!

Anonymous wrote:what is current with transporting cylinders on the airlines?

the TSA regs don't say really http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ ... items.shtm

The previous post is correct. However, we have flown out all of the airports were the national championships have occurred and never had a problem. The only thing we had to make sure was that the cylinders were absolutely empty. We have gotten by in most cases by just declaring a firearm and not even mentioning it was an airgun. We also had a gun sock over the gun that covered the gun up to the action, which we opened to show the agents or cops that it was empty. We still made sure that the cylinders were empty just in case they wanted to look at the gauge. However, almost all of the agents just treated the airgun as a regular firearm.

The only place we had a problem is Colorado Springs and that wasn't an issue until a shooter from Utah thought it would be cool to show off in front of the TSA agent and since then the cylinders have been barred from leaving that airport. I have heard of only one other airport were cylinders was an issue and I think it was an airport in Vermont and it sounded like the TSA manager was determined to make a political statement to his bosses.

Randy's experience is the same as mine - got by without the TSA agent ever thinking to look at the cylinder. I wouldnt do that again though - too risky in light of the regulations and the proclivities of the agent.

I look at it this way - I am going to take time off work, time away from my family, money on airfare, lodging etc etc to enjoy a competition. That's a pretty sizeable investment to make in the hopes that a TSA agent wont do his/her job properly.

what do they do if you don't have a gauge?

robf wrote:what do they do if you don't have a gauge?

The same thing they would do if you DID have a gauge. They would insist on a visual inspection of the interior of the cylinder. If that isnt possible, your cylinder doesnt get aboard.