I haven't seen this discussed here. It might not be well known, air rifle/pistol shooters don't get much press.
TSA policy - "Compressed gas cylinders are allowed in checked baggage or as a carry on only if the regulator valve is completely disconnected from the cylinder and the cylinder is no longer sealed. The cylinder must have an opening to allow for visual inspection inside. TSA screeners will not remove the seal/regulator valve at the checkpoint. (You wouldn't went them messing around with your air cylinders). If the cylinder is sealed (i.e. regulator valve still attached) the cylinder is prohibited and not permitted through the security checkpoint regardless of the reading on the pressure gauge indicator.
Airgun cylinders cannot be disassembled by anyone other than a trained technician. TSA acknowledges that only a technician can remove the or disassemble either CO2 or compressed air cylinders.
Enforcement of this policy has been inconsistent. Many shooters have experienced no problems as long as the air cylinder is attached to the air rifle or air pistol and gun/cylinder are presented as an integral unit. Extra cylinders draw additional scruntiny.
The USA shooting organization (the governing body for our Olympic shooters) has analyzed the capability of TSA to inspect the air cylinders without dismantling them. Findings clearly illustrate that TSA screening equipment has the capability to inspect and verify that the cylinders contain no foreign material or gas thrus confirming that the cylinders are safe to transport on commercial aircraft. USA shooting has a very nice presentation on their web site that explains this in more detail.
http://www.usashooting.com/modules....e=article&sid=233&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
The TSA air cylinder policy has been challenged by various organizations and individuals to include Congressional complaints. To date, no positive action has occurred.
If you'd like to contact TSA about this policy - be professional and polite. The contact is Chad Wolf, TSA Policy, 601 S. 12th St, Arlington, VA 22202-4220.
TSA policy - "Compressed gas cylinders are allowed in checked baggage or as a carry on only if the regulator valve is completely disconnected from the cylinder and the cylinder is no longer sealed. The cylinder must have an opening to allow for visual inspection inside. TSA screeners will not remove the seal/regulator valve at the checkpoint. (You wouldn't went them messing around with your air cylinders). If the cylinder is sealed (i.e. regulator valve still attached) the cylinder is prohibited and not permitted through the security checkpoint regardless of the reading on the pressure gauge indicator.
Airgun cylinders cannot be disassembled by anyone other than a trained technician. TSA acknowledges that only a technician can remove the or disassemble either CO2 or compressed air cylinders.
Enforcement of this policy has been inconsistent. Many shooters have experienced no problems as long as the air cylinder is attached to the air rifle or air pistol and gun/cylinder are presented as an integral unit. Extra cylinders draw additional scruntiny.
The USA shooting organization (the governing body for our Olympic shooters) has analyzed the capability of TSA to inspect the air cylinders without dismantling them. Findings clearly illustrate that TSA screening equipment has the capability to inspect and verify that the cylinders contain no foreign material or gas thrus confirming that the cylinders are safe to transport on commercial aircraft. USA shooting has a very nice presentation on their web site that explains this in more detail.
http://www.usashooting.com/modules....e=article&sid=233&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
The TSA air cylinder policy has been challenged by various organizations and individuals to include Congressional complaints. To date, no positive action has occurred.
If you'd like to contact TSA about this policy - be professional and polite. The contact is Chad Wolf, TSA Policy, 601 S. 12th St, Arlington, VA 22202-4220.
