Can You Fly With CO2 Cartridges?

Before setting off and packing your luggage, you suddenly find that the suitcase still contains a carbon dioxide cartridge – this is bad! Will you be detained by the security check when boarding the plane? This experience of a sudden increase in heart rate must be deeply felt by many outdoor sports enthusiasts and food lovers.

Although carbon dioxide cartridges are very common in daily life, from inflating to making sparkling water, they are indispensable. But when it comes to taking a flight, why do they become a headache-inducing “bomb”?

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Can CO2 Cartridges Be Brought Or Not?

You might think that as long as you look through the aviation regulations, you can find the answer. But reality is far more complicated than imagination! The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations do indeed list compressed gas as an prohibited item, but when it comes to implementation, the standards of different airlines vary greatly. Some airlines adopt a one-size-fits-all approach, prohibiting all gas cartridges from being checked in regardless of the amount remaining in them. A few airlines are lenient and allow completely empty bottles to be checked in. ​

What’s even more frustrating is that the security inspection standards also vary from country to country. For instance, there are subtle differences in the criteria for determining gas cartridges between the TSA of the United States and the Civil Aviation Administration of China. This is just like looking for an exit in a maze. Without clear guidance, it’s very easy to go in the wrong direction. ​

Which People’s Travel Plans Will Be “Stuck” By CO2 Cartridges?

Outdoor sports enthusiasts have the most say: The gas cartridges of many portable air pumps are directly embedded in the equipment, and it is as difficult as reaching the sky to remove them. Some hikers were once stopped at the boarding gate and had to leave their entire set of equipment at the airport in the end, suffering heavy losses.

Business users who hold exhibitions are also having a hard time. The carbon dioxide cartridges pre-installed in the equipment are the key components used to maintain the normal operation of the exhibits. But when you arrive at the airport, you either have to apply for special transportation 72 hours in advance or take the risk of being rejected and force yourself to try. Every step is full of uncertainties.

Even household users who use CO2 cartridges to preserve food are in a dilemma: Take it with you, fearing it won’t pass the security check. Don’t bring it. The carefully prepared ingredients might go bad.

Three Ways To Keep You From Being Flustered

1. Before departure: Make adequate preparations

• The first step is to check the condition of the gas cartridge: This is as important as checking the battery level of your mobile phone before going out. Shake the gas cartridge to listen to the sound and check the pressure gauge reading to confirm whether it is full, has residual gas or is completely empty.
• The second step is to proactively contact the airline: Don’t wait until you arrive at the airport to respond passively. Call to confirm three days before your departure. Here’s a little tip: When making a call, you can say like this, “I have a carbon dioxide gas cartridge for making soda water. It’s completely empty. Can I check it in?” Following this script can help you get an effective reply more quickly.
• The third step is to declare in advance for special circumstances: If your gas cartridge has special uses, such as medical treatment or scientific research, you must prepare the relevant proof materials in advance and use the special luggage transportation channel.

2. Emergency Plan: What to do if stopped? ​

Don’t panic if you find out at the airport that you can’t bring gas cartridges! First, ask clearly if there is a temporary storage service at the airport. Store the gas cartridges temporarily and pick them up when you return. If storage is not convenient, you can also search for sports goods stores nearby to see if you can buy substitutes. If all else fails, express delivery can also help you deliver the gas cartridge to your destination. However, be sure to calculate the time accurately to avoid delaying its use.

3. Long-term solution: Solve the problem at its source

Rather than being on tenterhooks every time you go out, it’s better to upgrade your equipment directly. Nowadays, there are many products with replaceable gas cartridge designs on the market, which are easy to disassemble. There are also non-cartridge inflation solutions, such as manual air pumps and electric inflation machines. Although their efficiency may be a bit lower, they offer the advantage of being more convenient.

Final Thoughts ​

Can CO2 cartridges be taken when going out on a plane? By now, I believe you already have the answer in your heart. Whether it’s the meticulous inspection before departure or the flexible response when encountering problems, remembering these key points can help you bid farewell to “security check anxiety”. Aviation regulations may be complex and changeable, but by mastering the correct methods, difficult problems can be easily resolved. Don’t forget to forward this practical guide to your friends in need around you. Next time you go out, you won’t have to worry about being “blocked” by gas cartridges!

FAQ

Question: Can CO2 cartridges be checked in? ​
Answer: Most airlines prohibit the check-in of gas cartridges. Only a few airlines allow the check-in of completely empty cartridges without residual pressure. It is essential to call the airline 72 hours in advance to confirm.

Question: What should I do if the gas cartridge is already installed in the equipment and cannot be disassembled? ​
Answer: You can try to contact the airline to apply for special luggage transportation, but the success rate is not high. A more reliable approach is to send the gas cartridges to the destination in advance or directly switch to the equipment for detachable gas cartridges.

Question: Can the gas cartridges in carbon dioxide fire extinguishers be taken onto the plane? ​
Answer: This type of gas cartridge is a compressed gas container subject to aviation embargo. Whether it has been used or not, it cannot be carried. It must either be disposed of in advance or discarded at the airport.

Question: How can I prove that there is no gas in the empty bottle when I was stopped by the security check? ​
Answer: You can present the voucher for purchasing empty bottles or cooperate with the security personnel to test the pressure value with professional equipment.

Question: Are there any exemption policies for small food-grade CO2 cartridges? ​
Answer: Policies vary from country to country. It is recommended to release the gas in advance, bring the product manual to prove its purpose, and confirm with the check-in counter before boarding.