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What are the rules for flying with scuba tanks, pony bottles and spare air?

Ever since 9/11, the flying regulations have been tightened, and people are wondering "Can I fly with a pony bottle, or Spare Air?" The short answer is yes. The longer answer is you should take a few steps to make sure you don't get too many hassles though.

I've gone through airports where the security guys will spend a lot of time to make sure some 80 year old grandma does not sneek through with a hair pin... but also know guys who have accidently walked through with a titanium dive knife nobody found... So let's figure out the best way to make sure you don't get your bottle confiscated at the security check point.

The TSA changes their rules all the time, but here is one of their pages on scuba gear rules. And I have a copy of it in a PDF you can get by Clicking Here.

Here is the direct quote from their page:

A compressed gas cylinder is allowed in carry-on or checked baggage ONLY if the regulator valve is completely disconnected from the cylinder and the cylinder is no longer sealed (i.e. the cylinder has an open end). The cylinder must have an opening to allow for a visual inspection inside. TSA Security Screeners will NOT remove the seal/regulator valve from the cylinder at the checkpoint. If the cylinder is sealed (i.e. the regulator valve is still attached), the cylinder is prohibited and not permitted through the security checkpoint, regardless of the reading on the pressure gauge indicator. TSA Security Screeners must visibly ensure that the cylinder is completely empty and that there are no prohibited items inside.

In a nutshell, you must remove the valve. Make sure your tank is empty, then unscrew the valve (pony), or regulator (spare air). If a Spare Air, you will see when you unscrew it, there is a metal washer, and an o-ring. I'd suggest putting the entire regulator with it's attached parts in a zip lock bag so you don't loose any parts. I'd also suggest you print off the info from the TSA so you can assist the "new guy" who gets all worried at security. Some of the guys get a bit over zealous.

Then when you get to your destination, you can simply screw your unit back together. If you want to lightly lube your o-ring, that might be a good idea... but not highly critical.

If you take these few simple steps, you should have no problem.

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