TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands Inflatable PFD's & TSA/American Airlines

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.

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.

Take it with you (Good idea to have copy of policy). Then if TSA insists, sacrifice the CO2 cartridge .

I've brought them in checked bags several times on both AA and JetBlue - no problems. Never tried carry-on.

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.

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="" />

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.

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!

Just went AA MIA to SXM, vest in carry on actually hanging outside of my back pack. No issues.

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!

What boat are you on?

TwinDancer - DYC Lagoon 400S2

Maybe we will see you there.