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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 ON THE AIRLINES! (and other people too)
Although each Airline has their own approach, guidlines, and interpretation of the TSA regulationss as it relates to checking your camp stove equipment, according to the TSA, it is legal, and safe to take your camp stove to your climbing destination on the Airlines with certain restrictions that must be followed.
This site may not contain information as to any updates to the guidlines 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 ( no compressed fuel containers) carefully so that they 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.
Below is information specific to camping equipment published by the TSA, as of December 5th, 2007:
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 the page concerning stoves, and attach this printout securely to 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. DO NOT LEAVE THE CAP ON YOUR FUEL BOTTLE. IT MUST BE OBVIOUS TO THE TSA OFFICIALS THAT THE BOTTLE IS EMPTY.
Weeks 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. Along with your attachment of the TSA regulations to both your bottle and stove, attach a second note to the TSA that states:
Dear TSA,
With respect to your posted regulations, Please DO NOT confiscate this stove and fuel bottle. This camping stove equipment, has been properly aired, dried, and cleaned according to your recommendations on the TSA website, and are safe to travel in checked luggage, and fully complies with your posted guidelines and procedures for transporting camp stove equipment. There are no fuel vapors or fuel smell present. This equipment is safe for traveling.
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) TSA Letter
MORE SUGGESTIONS: Carry with you, at check in, a copy of the most current TSA regulations regarding traveling with stoves. 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 will 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 they can be accessed quicky, both by you, and the TSA officials. HIDING THESE ITEMS IS NOT NECESSARY NOR RECOMMENDED AS IT CAN INVITE CAUSE FOR CONCERN.
Avoid a confrontation with the check-in agent. 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 has thier own interpretation and practices, as well as each check-in agent. Avoid the temptation to be argumentative, and remember that these agents and TSA officials are doing their best to ensure that passengers are safe. Threats and regulations can change instantly, and individuals can make their own judgements in every situation. Be pleasant, and firm on your efforts to check safe items, but undertanding of their concerns to keep passengers safe.
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