Shipping the Avi Vest:

The AVi Vest contains a pressurized gas cylinder, classifying it as a “Dangerous Good” (Hazardous Material) in the eyes of the DOT* and IATA** – The governing bodies for ground and air transport of goods throughout North America. Because of this classification, shipping to certain areas may be restricted and all shipping incurs added handling charges. All Avi Vest’s ship via UPS or Fedex.

Traveling with the Avi Vest:

Ground travel – no issues.

Air Travel – Complicated. Currently IATA allows a passenger to carry on an Avalanche rescue backpack (see excerpt below). However, the TSA *** is currently not allowing passengers with pressurized bottles through security checkpoints at airports (due to heightened security after Sept. 11, 2001).

From the IATA website:

I am a sailor / pilot / skier and I want to travel by air with my life vest / parachute / avalanche rescue backpack. Are there any exceptions?

Passengers may carry certain articles even though the article contains dangerous goods. Parachutes themselves are not restricted. Some parachutes are fitted with an automatic activation device (AAD), e.g Cypres, which contain small quantities of explosive material. Most of these are not classified as dangerous goods and are not restricted in passenger baggage. Avalanche rescue backpacks are authorized if they do not contain more than 200 mg net of explosives of a type which present no significant hazard and not more than 250 mL of compressed non-flammable, non-toxic gas (such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen). Self-inflating life jackets are permitted if they contain not more than two small cylinders with a non-flammable gas in Division 2.2 plus not more than two spare cartridges per person. More information of what is permitted in passenger baggage [add link to table 2.3.A]. For items that are acceptable only with approval from the airline, consult with your airline well in advance and also allow additional time for check-in. Visit the site.

At this time we recommend not traveling with a charged bottle in your Avi Vest . If you would like to travel with your vest, you can contact us so that we can ship a bottle (if possible) or recommend a dealer who you can rent a bottle from at your destination.

*    Department of Transportation
**   International Air Transportation Association
*** Transportation Security Administration