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GUIDELINES FOR TRAVELING WITH STOVES ON THE AIRLINES
HOW TO AVOID DONATING YOUR STOVE EQUIPMENT TO THE TSA AT THE AIRPORT
CLIMBERS ARE PERMITTED TO CHECK CAMP STOVES and FUEL BOTTLES ON THE AIRLINES! (and other people too)
Although each Airline has their own approach, guidelines, and interpretation of the TSA regulations as it relates to checking your camp stove equipment, according to the TSA, it is legal, and safe to take your camp stove, lighters and fuel bottles (not compressed fuel containers) to your climbing destination on the Airlines with certain restrictions that must be followed.
Information on this site may not contain information as to any updates to the guidelines or restrictions pertaining to checking your camp stoves with the Airlines. Please research the TSA's current (Transportation Security Administration) approved procedure for traveling by air with Camp Stoves.
For the most updated and accurate information, go to: www.tsa.gov or more specifially
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1187.shtm
Read and Understand these topic areas on the TSA website:
-Camping
-Traveling with Special Items
Climbers should prepare and pack their camp stoves and fuel bottles ( absolutely no compressed fuel containers) carefully so that you don't have to surrender camp stoves at the security checkpoint or have them removed from their checked baggage. A specific list of all permitted and prohibited items can be found at www.tsa.gov. It is permitted to carry two "bic" type lighters in your Carry-On only, NOT CHECKED LUGGAGE! More information about this is on the TSA Website, link below: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_multi_image_with_table_0099.shtm
Below is information specific to camping equipment published by the TSA, as of August, 2010:
"Camp Stoves - These can travel as carry-on or checked luggage only if they are empty of all fuel and cleaned so that there are no vapors or residue left. Simply emptying the fuel container will leave flammable vapors. We recommend that you ship the fuel containers to your destination ahead of time - passengers frequently have to leave them at the checkpoint because of fuel vapors".
Gasoline - You cannot bring any flammable liquids, including gasoline, in either your carry-on or checked luggage.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOU LEAVE FOR THE AIRPORT
Visit the TSA website, and print out three copies of the page concerning stoves, and attach one printout securely to your stove, one to your fuel bottle (if separate from your stove). Completely empty your fuel container a few days before your flight, rinse with soap, and allow your bottle to completely dry. Never pack pre-bottled /compressed fuels ( buy those at your destination). Make sure the lid to your fuel container is removed and duct-taped to your fuel bottle, or packed separately somewhere else in your luggage. DO NOT LEAVE THE CAP ON YOUR FUEL BOTTLE. IT MUST BE OBVIOUS TO THE TSA OFFICIALS THAT THE BOTTLE IS EMPTY, CLEANED, and AIRED OUT. Attach a note that states "Fuel Cap Removed to demonstrate that this bottle is empty of fuel, has been cleaned and aired, and is absent of fuel vapors".
IMPORTANT: Days before travel, thoroughly empty, air out, and clean your bottle(s) and stove. Make sure there is no residual fuel vapors, or smell of fuel. Open the fuel valve on your stove and shake vigorously to drain any fuel in the system. Leave the fuel valve open to properly air out. Along with your attachment of the TSA regulations to both your bottle and stove, attach a second note to the TSA that states:
TSA Please Note:
THIS EQUIPMENT IS SAFE FOR TRAVEL(Please see attached regulations from the TSA website)
Dear TSA,
With respect to your posted regulations, Please DO NOT confiscate this stove and fuel bottle(s). There is NO FUEL and NO FUEL VAPORS in this stove or fuel bottle, and the fuel cap has been removed so that this equipment can be easily inspected.
This camping stove equipment, has been properly aired, cleaned and dried, according to your recommendations on the TSA website, and is safe to travel in checked luggage.
This equipment fully complies with your posted guidelines and procedures for transporting camp stoves.
Thank you for ensuring my equipment travels to my destination.
(Click here to Download and print the file with the above Letter to the TSA) or find link below under "Related Items" Traveling with Stoves and Fuels Bottles.
MORE SUGGESTIONS: Carry with you, at check in, a copy of the most current TSA regulations regarding traveling with stoves (printed from that page on the TSA website). Because you are in compliance with the regulations, in is not needed nor a good idea to disclose that you are checking a camp stove, unless asked. If asked, be sure to always disclose, and inform them that you are doing so, in complete compliance with the most current TSA regulations. During this conversation with the check-in agent, you be equipped to provide a print-out of these regulations you are adhearing to, and you can demonstrate this compliance by opening your gear back and showing them. Always pack these items where there is very fast access to the stove, both by you, the TSA officials or check-in agents. HIDING THESE ITEMS IS NOT NECESSARY NOR RECOMMENDED AS IT CAN INVITE CAUSE FOR CONCERN, and impeed addressing this situation quickly.
Avoid a confrontation with the check-in agent, and approach the situation as to not prove anyone wrong, but simply show that you are meeting your responsibility by complying. If needed, ask if a supervisor can help, and demonstrate that you are in compliance. Be sure to have ample time before your flight. If questioned and challenged, BE PREPARED TO LOSE YOUR STOVE, as every airline (especially in international situations at foreign airports) has thier own interpretation and practices, as well as each check-in agent (unfortunately). Avoid the temptation to be argumentative, and remember that these agents and TSA officials are doing their best to ensure that all passengers are safe. Threats and regulations can change instantly, and individuals (TSA and Check-In Agents) can make their own judgements in every situation, as they have been trained and certified to make a judgement call on these situations. Be pleasant, and firm on your efforts to check safe items, but undertanding of their concerns to keep passengers safe. You will be more successful when you do not have the attitude of proving an agent or TSA official as wrong. Another good approach is to say that you are "confused", and wish to have clarification, as you have the understanding that you are in compliance according to published regulations. That said, AS THERE IS NO GUARANTEE YOU CAN TRAVEL WITH YOUR STOVE, BE PREPARED TO LOSE YOUR STOVE, BEFORE YOU LOSE YOUR SEAT.
