airline security

[adrenalinejunki 0]

I am planning a trip to Tulsa in a few weeks and I am wondering what is the best way to handle the security at the airport with my rig? Should I check it or take it as a carry on bag? What are some of the things that I will have to show them as far as the Cypress card and USPA card or anything else that I may have to bring? Skydive Airtight jumpers I will be seeing you soon.

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What's the worst that can happen?

[piisfish 140]

several threads about this already went on... I would say as carry on luggage. I NEVER check mine, always as carry on. Have all documentation with you. And don't let them cut your reserve pin....

scissors beat paper, paper beat rock, rock beat wingsuit - KarlM

[ladyskydiver 0]

Many threads on this.

I carry on my rig. Have my Cypres card, USPA membership card, TSA letter, and if the airline has a policy on rigs, I have that as well. I check all other skydiving related items.

Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile.

[Skyrad 0]

Just like lady said. Only thing else I'd add is don't put it in a gear bag but wear it like a backpack. nine time out of ten they won't even notice what it is. If they let me a Arab looking six foot four individual on board like that without batting an eyelid (Well except one old lady who looked like she was going to faint) I'm sure you'll have no worries

When an author is too meticulous about his style, you may presume that his mind is frivolous and his content flimsy.
Lucius Annaeus Seneca

[PhreeZone 20]

I've done both recently... no issues checking or carrying it on. Thanks Ed Scott!

Yesterday is history
And tomorrow is a mystery

Parachutemanuals.com

[diverdriver 7]

Actually, I'll disagree with the recommendation of carrying it out in the open. I suggest putting it in a gear bag or using your regular luggage for your gear and your gear bag to check your clothes.

Any time I carried it in the open I always got more looks. Never stopped. Just scrutinized more. I put it in my regular luggage and most times it goes through without a second look. Just my recomendation.

Chris Schindler
www.diverdriver.com
ATP/D-19012
FB #4125

[mr2mk1g 10]

Not bagging it is asking for trouble - the less attention I draw as I go through security the better, whether I have a rig on or not (its an exit only - even if they have gloves on).

Bag it with nothing else in the bag, (whether checked or carry-on). If something in a bag triggers a finger tip search then SOP is to open up the whole thing - rig an all.... would be a shame if your personal stereo or shaving cream caused a re-pack.

[WFFC 1]

The USPA website has a section that has all of the document that you should have in your hand, less your cypres card. Unfortunately, their website is currently down so I can't put the links here for you...

Edit to add:
USPA travel info
TSA tips for traveling with yoru rig.
TSA Letter to USPA

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~~~Michael

[panzwami 0]

Yes, definitely put it in a gear bag. If for some reason they deem it necessary to open up your main or reserve (or both), you don't want to be standing in the terminal with canopies out and nothing to put them in.

Check with the airline before flying to see what their specific policy is for rigs. Have your CYPRES card, USPA card, photo ID, ticket, and any TSA or USPA documentation available.

More importantly, DON'T VOLUNTEER ANYTHING. 9 times out of 10 your rig will pass through the x-ray without a hitch, and you can be on your way. But, if for some reason they pull you aside for further inspection, keep your mouth shut. When they ask you how your CYPRES works, plead ignorance. Don't use words like "fires" or "explosive charge" or "cutter". The TSA person won't be impressed that you know everything under the sun about how your AAD works, but using words like that can arouse further suspicion. Just say it opens your reserve, and that you don't know anything else about it, but that you do know for sure that it's totally safe to carry on a plane.

[dbattman 0]

Panzwami has it right. Just keep your mouth shut and you'll be fine. If you have lead weights, put them in your checked bag- they show up solid on x-ray.

[AndyMan 7]

Quote

More importantly, DON'T VOLUNTEER ANYTHING. 9 times out of 10 your rig will pass through the x-ray without a hitch, and you can be on your way. But, if for some reason they pull you aside for further inspection, keep your mouth shut. When they ask you how your CYPRES works, plead ignorance. Don't use words like "fires" or "explosive charge" or "cutter".

The Cypres just simply isn't an issue anymore.

If a TSA rep is going to speak up, its going to be the simple existance of a parachute that freaks him out. He's not going to spend the time to analyse whats packed in the parachute or not.

The only question I've ever gotten even remotely regarding the Cypres is "is this parachute equipted with gas charges?". They asked this question even before I got to the x-ray machine, because this airport SOP was to ask the question. Why did they ask the question? Because the reg's specifically mention that they aren't allowed. In reality, this question wasn't even related to the Cypres, because the guy asking didn't know what a Cypres was, hadn't seen the x-ray, and wa sonly asking because his boss told him to ask everyone with a parachute.

Cypres cards don't help anymore. TSA will either object to the parachute as a whole, or it will allow it to pass.

If they object, the correct answer for skydivers is to present them with a copy of this form: http://www.uspa.org/news/images/TSA_ltr_to_USPA.pdf, which they have diligently printed out before leaving for the airport.

_Am

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You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead.

[Samurai136 0]

When my team travelled from Kansas City to Orlando (the end of March) we had no problems w/ TSA. I kept my rig in its gear bag and packed/checked everything else. Some of my team wore their rig while wandering around the airport and ran it through the TSA check points in the open. No problems. No questions at either airport.

You'll have a bigger problem if you forget to take your sunglasses (w/ magnesium frames) out of your pocket than carrying on your rig.

Ken

"Buttons aren't toys." - Trillian
Ken

[adrenalinejunki 0]

thanks everyone this is some really helpful info

[tetra316 0]

I've traveled several times with my rig as carry on. Always in the open like a backpack. And I've only been given an extra look over once and the only strange looks I get are from other passengers and I couldn't care less what they think. Security has been great and most already know what it is. I also have a cypress in it too and had to show my card a couple times then was let thru.

[flyangel2 2]

Quote

The Cypres just simply isn't an issue anymore.

If a TSA rep is going to speak up, its going to be the simple existance of a parachute that freaks him out. He's not going to spend the time to analyse whats packed in the parachute or not.

Not true.

I guess the best thing to advise some one traveling with a rig is to expect the unexpected.

I traveled for years with my rig before and after 9/11 and was only stopped once. I think it was an airport in Texas somewhere.

Then the last time I traveled, leaving Denver to Orlando, I was with the TSA people for an hour Coming back, I didn't get a second look.

So, it's hit and miss.

May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey

[WFFC 1]

Quote

Then the last time I traveled, leaving Denver to Orlando, I was with the TSA people for an hour Coming back, I didn't get a second look.

So, it's hit and miss.

When T and I were leaving, the TSA wasn't sure about the rig. T's sister's father inlaw just happens to be part of the TSA crew and had just arrived at work. He recognized both of us (I'd never met him before) and pretty much said if he wasn't supposed to travel with it, he would have this much documentation in his hands. He proceeded to zip my gear bag back up and sent us on our way.

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~~~Michael