While no one can predict what the TSA will do here in the US...if anyone is flying with an inflateable PFD and the nice man gets all upset at your CO2 cylinders, you may want to refer them to:
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=b6d103fe0351c1ebd98b3eafa5afe
abc&rgn=div8&view=text&node=49:2.1.1.3.10.1.25.4&idno=49
Which is the online reference to:
Title 49 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) section 175.10
aka "49 CFR 175.10 (25)"
"Exceptions:
(25) With approval of the aircraft operator, a passenger or crew member may carry in checked or carry-on baggage no more than two small gas cartridges containing no hazardous material other than a Division 2.2 gas that are fitted into a self-inflating life-jacket for inflation purposes, plus no more than two spare cartridges."
Yes, there are specific laws allowing the carriage of those small CO2 bottles on the aircraft. On an "overwater" flight the airline has already consented to them being brought onboard, as every Switlik life vest under every seat already has two installed.
International travelers may want to dig up their own national codes, but these are also referenced generically as "UN Category 2" exempted items, for the same purpose, in the model regulations that most UN member states have adopted.
(Current as of 30 August 2006)
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=b6d103fe0351c1ebd98b3eafa5afe
abc&rgn=div8&view=text&node=49:2.1.1.3.10.1.25.4&idno=49
Which is the online reference to:
Title 49 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) section 175.10
aka "49 CFR 175.10 (25)"
"Exceptions:
(25) With approval of the aircraft operator, a passenger or crew member may carry in checked or carry-on baggage no more than two small gas cartridges containing no hazardous material other than a Division 2.2 gas that are fitted into a self-inflating life-jacket for inflation purposes, plus no more than two spare cartridges."
Yes, there are specific laws allowing the carriage of those small CO2 bottles on the aircraft. On an "overwater" flight the airline has already consented to them being brought onboard, as every Switlik life vest under every seat already has two installed.
International travelers may want to dig up their own national codes, but these are also referenced generically as "UN Category 2" exempted items, for the same purpose, in the model regulations that most UN member states have adopted.
(Current as of 30 August 2006)