Traveling by Plane with Your Airbag Cartridge

JAN 30, 2023 - TIPS & NEWS

Considered as dangerous goods by IATA, the International Air Transport Association, compressed gas cylinders like Reactor can still be transported by air. In fact, IATA, which represents more than 290 airlines worldwide, allows the transport of avalanche rescue kits under certain conditions. For more details, check the list of participating airlines.

I'M TRAVELING VIA, TO, OR WITHIN THE UNITED STATES

The TSA (Transport Security Administration) prohibits the air transport of full cartridges within the United States. This prohibition applies to all flights in transit, departing, and arriving in the United States.

Given this, you have several options for organizing your trip with an avalanche airbag backpack:

RECOMMENDED OPTION : TRAVEL WITHOUT A CARTRIDGE AND HAVE IT DELIVERED ON SITE

You can order or rent your cartridge on our USA website and have it delivered directly to your destination.

Order or rent your cartridge
OPTION 2 : TRAVEL WITHOUT A CARTRIDGE AND RENT ONE ON SITE

Travel without a cartridge and contact a local store to rent a cartridge.

Consult the list of our Reactor partners
OPTION 3 : TRAVELING WITH AN EMPTY CARTRIDGE AND REFILLING UPON ARRIVAL

Travel with your Reactor and an empty, rechargeable US cartridge. Find a filling center at your destination to refill your cartridge.

Check the list of our Reactor partners
I'M NOT PASSING THROUGH THE UNITED STATES

Our recommendations for traveling with your Reactor airbag:

  • Inquire with the airline before booking your tickets and provide them with the Reactor bottle's technical sheet and an extract from IATA document 2.3.A (all these documents are downloadable on this page).

  • Depending on the chosen airline, ask whether it is better to carry your avalanche rescue device in the hold or in the cabin. Ideally, request written permission from the airline for added security.

  • The cartridge must be unscrewed from the Reactor system and sealed with its safety cap to prevent accidental triggering. The cap serves as a valve.

  • Print IATA document and the Reactor bottle technical sheet three times (available on this page).

  • Attach the first copy of these two documents directly to the bottle.

  • Keep the second copy with you during the trip.

  • Retain the third copy for the return journey.