ABS in Planes

ABS avalanche airbags are generally permitted aboard an aircraft according to the general rules of IATA (International Air Transport Association). However, as the IATA regulations are only a framework every airline is free to pass stricter regulations. Therefore, permission of the airline is required.

We recommend that you inform the airline about the ABS TwinBag and provide the extract from the IATA table and the data sheet which describes the content of the cartridge and the activation handle (Download on the left side) before booking your flight. It is very important that both the cartridge and activation handle are checked in together with the ABS TwinBag.

Please print the section from the IATA table and the datasheet and attach them to your ABS backpack. This is to ensure that the purpose of the cartridge and backpack is obvious to the airport staff. If you check in the cartridge and activation handle separately, they may be confiscated!

Data Sheets can be found for steel canisters here: Steel Canister Data Sheet 

And for Carbon Canisters here: Carbon Canister Data Sheet

EXTRACT FROM THE IATA TABLE

With the approval of the airline, an avalanche rescue backpack can be transported if it is equipped with a pyrotechnic trigger mechanism containing less than 200 mg net of Div. 1.4S and less than 250 mL of compressed gas in Div. 2.2. The backpack must be packed in such a manner that it cannot be accidentally activated. The airbags within the backpacks must be fitted with pressure relief valves.

All ABS canisters and activation handles starting from the double airbag models are compatible. For this reason, you also have the possibility to take your ABS backpack only and look for an ABS dealer who offers the rental of ABS cartridges and handles.

TRAVELLING TO OR FROM THE UNITED STATES

If you are travelling to or from North America, the US American Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) will not allow your pressurized cylinder on board. Discharge (activate) the compressed air cylinder before entering the airport. Unscrew the cylinder head from the cylinder and put both in re-sealable plastic bags. Carry them through the TSA security checkpoint so they are visible to TSA personnel. Afterwards, the cylinder head can be screwed back on the cylinder by hand. If the cylinder is full and the cylinder head not unscrewed, the cylinder is not permitted through the security checkpoint. These general rules also apply to travellers who change planes in the United States.

However, you can take your Base Unit and Zip on and rent a canister from an ABS dealer who offers the rental of ABS cartridges and handles for the time of your stay. More information from the TSA can be found here.