Taking new propane tank on airplane

[chuckr]

Greetings all - I unfortunately have to fly to the USA ( Florida) to renew a drivers license so will pick up a few boat parts while there. One thing we would like to replace is a steel propane tank with a fiberglass one - we have one fiberglass one we got in the Carib and like it.
But the question is can I carry a brand new never been used propane tank on an airplane.
Or will Miami West Marine ship it for me?
thanks to all

[sailormed]

If empty should be possible.

[denverd0n]

I would plan on shipping it. Empty or not, the people with TSA are going to be very suspicious, and probably will not know how to tell if it has ever been filled. They'll probably have to think about it, talk it over, call someone, check regulations, try to find the right form, look up all the rules...

I just see huge hassles in your future if you try to take it on an airplane yourself.

[fstbttms]

Propane tanks are prohibited from both checked and carry-on bags. Empty propane or gas cylinders are allowed in checked or carry-on bags as long as our officers can see inside.

The TSA Blog: TSA Travel Tips Tuesday - Travel Tips for Campers and Fishers

[Paul L]

I'd probably remove the valve making it easier to show it's empty.
FYI, not all countries will fill composite tanks. NZ for one refuses.

[delmarrey]

Originally Posted by Paul L

I'd probably remove the valve making it easier to show it's empty.
FYI, not all countries will fill composite tanks. NZ for one refuses.

I second that. And be sides, some countries have different valves. But you should call the airlines to see how they would except it, if at all. Each airline has different rules. Just like for dive gear.

[a64pilot]

The valve has to be removed, I know, I lost an O2 bottle that way.

[Dave22q]

It might be ok but I would not try it unless you can get some kind of letter from the airline in advance. Otherwise, I would ship it, it's tough enough flying out of MIA without forcing check in and security folks to think. UPS or Fedx might be able to help you with procedures.
Can you not buy a tank in Turkey even if you need an American style valve to add on?

[Minggat]

Originally Posted by Paul L

I'd probably remove the valve making it easier to show it's empty.
FYI, not all countries will fill composite tanks. NZ for one refuses.

Thread drift alert.
Re: cannot refill in all countries.

Good to know that beforehand. So do people get around this by renting tank or what?

[crabcake]

From the TSA Web Site:
==================
Except for personal medical oxygen cylinders, you can only carry an EMPTY compressed gas cylinder on board a plane. To be permitted (in either carry-on or checked baggage), it must be clearly visible to the Transportation Security Officer (TSO) that the cylinder is empty. Personal oxygen is permitted if the regulatory valve has not been tampered with or removed.
Unless being used for personal medical oxygen, the gas cylinder regulator valve must be completely disconnected from the cylinder (in other words, the cylinder has an open end that allows the TSO to visually inspect the cylinder). TSOs will NOT remove the seal or regulator valve from the cylinder. If the gas cylinder is sealed (the regulator valve is still attached) and not required for personal medical oxygen, the gas cylinder is prohibited, regardless of the reading on the pressure gauge indicator.

Cans of recreational oxygen, including flavored oxygen, are prohibited in both carry-on and checked bags.

Please note, many seals/regulators used in on CO2 containers in paintball guns are not designed for the end user to remove from their cylinders; only a factory-trained technician should remove or reinstall the seal/regulator.

Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns. The final decision rests with TSA on whether to allow any items on the plane.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by Minggat

Thread drift alert.
Re: cannot refill in all countries.

Good to know that beforehand. So do people get around this by renting tank or what?

We have one composite and one aluminum tank, so just use the AL tank in Kiwiland. Lots of availability for steel BBQ type bottles.

[mitiempo]

Buy the tank in Europe. The only composite tanks sold in North America are made in Europe anyway. The tanks which are sold under the Trident name are made by a company in Scandinavia - Rugasco(sp).

[Elie]

Maybe the best thing to do is to check with your airline. My feeling is that it gone be ok, because the tank will be translucent and they will be able to check it by their security staff before hand. If you bring the tank detailed description to the airline counter, I believe they will put some conditions(in the original shipping box, with all doc, new, never loaded, etc.) and will accept it, mainly because they will be able to pass it trough their security staff much sooner. . In general United Airline are the least accomodating, while Air France is often more open minded.

[sparrowhawk1]

Maybe a little off subject but the last time I renewed my Florida driver's license I did it online.

[chuckr]

Originally Posted by sparrowhawk1

Maybe a little off subject but the last time I renewed my Florida driver's license I did it online.

Thanks for that but I did that once and now they want to see my pretty shining face - I actually called them and they said you did it once and now you must show up in person and bring a lot of stuff like my passport or birthcert - ss card, at least 3-4 pieces of official mail to show my address -

fortunately I do not have to make an appointment - they will take me when I show up