Can Light and TSA

[bwetter]

I just purchased a "Dude" light and would like to take it to Mexico with me when I cave dive.

Has anyone had any issues with TSA and did you check your light or carry on ?? I have another set of dive gear in Mexico(with friends) and haven't taken a can light with me in many years.

Thank you for any info

Bill

 

[rongoodman]

The only place I've ever had an issue with a can light was once leaving Cancun. They insisted on me opening the sealed battery compartment for inspection, and when I refused, wouldn't allow it in carry-on. You'd think if anyplace, they'd know about cave diving gear.

 

[tstormdiver]

When I flew into & out of Cancun, I carried the light on, on the way down, Then check it on the way home. Never had any issues, other than being questioned what it was. The only place I have ever had any problems was LAX airport on my way home from Malaysia. Was forced to check it.

 

[The_Aviator_1]

Carried my can light from Tampa to cancun and back in my carry one. They did ask to take it out of the case and did an explosive swab test on it. It took an extra two minutes and everyone was very pleasant about it

 

[TracyN]

Same here, no issues. I carried it on the plane. After they sent it through the xray they didn't even open the case. Just swabbed the outside for explosive residue.

 

[Dive-aholic]

It depends on the agent. My last trip just a couple weeks ago they didn't do any further inspections going down or coming back up. Previous trips I had no issues going down but did have issues coming back up. Airline policy is they must be carried on. Mexico's TSA equivalent policy was they must be checked (not sure if that still stands). The last 2 times they didn't care.

 

[ucfdiver]

There's some confusion on the policy. Currently the only safe way to get a light from CUN->Mainland US is to check it. Often times MX does not allow carrying the can light on.

FAA (US governing body) and IATA (International Governing) do not allow checking lithium batteries, so if you're flying INTO the US, you cannot check a lithium light. Since every US airline requires you to carry on lithium, you see the issue here...

I work for a US airline and have asked the owner of Zero Gravity to speak with our General Manager at CUN airport, who can hopefully open a conversation up with the CUN security contractor about getting this policy more clear-- they should have a better chance than I do since Spanish is their first language. If that's successful, I'll update this thread.

 

[The Chairman]

I always check my lights. I've never had a problem with it.

 

[bwetter]

Thank you all for the information and your time

 

[HIGHwing]

Don't forget you can always reach out to TSA in advance of a flight via the TSA Contact Center:

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Every year, millions of people travel. A few minutes of advance research can really make the difference for you and your traveling companions. If you are planning a trip, you should take a moment to read the traveler’s checklist (pdf, 218kb) – it is full of practical tips for having safe and enjoyable travel.

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Other Important SCUBA Links:

Scuba Equipment | Transportation Security Administration
Compressed Gas Cylinders | Transportation Security Administration
Safe Travel with Batteries and Devices | Transportation Security Administration