Flying with a canister stove

[LuckyMan]

I flew United on a recent flight to do a long section hike on the PCT and noticed in United's fine print that it allows canister stoves in luggage, but only if they are new and have never been used. I ended up going stoveless on that hike but now am about to fly a different airline to do a long hike and want to bring my canister stove, which is not new. Has anyone had a problem with an airline or TSA confiscating a canister stove? To reduce the risk of a problem, is there some particular way I should I wash or clean the stove to remove any trace of fuel residue? Of course I'm not bringing a fuel canister, just the stove; will get fuel and a lighter after arriving.

[gregpphoto]

Actually you can fly with a used stove, as long as its been cleaned and has no odors of gas. However, you might not be able to convince the TSA person screening your stuff of this, but its there on their own website http://blog.tsa.gov/2014/05/tsa-trav...-tips-for.html

And from MSR:
TSA Rules – You are allowed to bring a stove in checked or carry-on baggage, but ONLY if you take the time and care to empty it of all fuel and clean it so there are no vapors or residue left. If you do not clean the stove thoroughly flammable vapors will remain, and those can lead to confiscation. We recommend storing your clean, dry stove in its stuff sack and packing it in a checked bag.

http://www.cascadedesigns.com/msr/bl...camping-stove/

[illabelle]

Since we can't control what the individual TSA agent will do, and having our stove confiscated will create logistical headaches, we always put the stove into a checked bag. Another option is to ship the stove ahead via UPS, but the checked bag works very well.

[JustaTouron]

I don't know how to clean it, but....

The TSA agent is not looking for camping equipment, they are looking for bombs and if your stove "smells" like a bomb it will get confiscated. For that reason if you have a stuff stack you store stove in you might want to get a a new one, because if it has had fuel spilled on it or have absorbed a lot of vapor it could set off the detector.

[Traveler]

I don't know how to clean it, but....

The TSA agent is not looking for camping equipment, they are looking for bombs and if your stove "smells" like a bomb it will get confiscated. For that reason if you have a stuff stack you store stove in you might want to get a a new one, because if it has had fuel spilled on it or have absorbed a lot of vapor it could set off the detector.

If you have ever gone through airport security and they have wiped your hands or carryon with the small round swatch then put it into the "sniffer", your day can be ruined fast if you have any traces of fuel residue on your hands. Carry on stoves needs to be really cleaned well.

[QHShowoman]

I think this is another "luck of the TSA draw" thing, like with trekking poles...

I recommend ALWAYS packing your stove in a checked bag.
Make sure it doesn't smell of fuel - I've read somewhere you can clean them with either mineral oil or denatured alcohol.
Stoves that are fairly small and inconspicuous - like a Soto Windmaster - will probably raise less suspicion.

I've never had an issue, but I just saw a post on another forum about a gal who tried to fly through Bangor, ME after completing the AT and they pulled her JetBoil out of her check baggage and she was forced to FedEx it back or get rid of it.

[HooKooDooKu]

I think this is another "luck of the TSA draw" thing, like with trekking poles...

What can you tell us of your experience with trekking poles...

I hike with a VERY long bamboo pole (taller than me) and I'm interested in hiking the JMT in a year or so. Will require me to fly to have the time to do it and I've wondered about how to get the pole to the JMT and back.

[Traveler]

What can you tell us of your experience with trekking poles...

I hike with a VERY long bamboo pole (taller than me) and I'm interested in hiking the JMT in a year or so. Will require me to fly to have the time to do it and I've wondered about how to get the pole to the JMT and back.

A long pole like that might be better off shipped in a wooden box made to fit it. You likely won't be able to get it onto the plane for overhead and by the time it reaches where you are going the luggage will have had their way with it. It's a bit of cost, but once you have the crate built, you can reuse it. Better check with UPS or FedEx to see what their shipping length limit is first though.

[ken209]

I use a alcohol stove, never had any problems.

[hikernutcasey]

I just flew Jet Blue from Charlotte to Boston round trip carrying both a MSR Pocket Rocket and hiking poles in my checked luggage with no problem. TSA did check my duffel because when I got to the hostel the first night I found a note inside my food bag noting it had been searched. The food bag was inside the duffel along with the stove and poles.

[Odd Man Out]

I can only assume that the wording about cleaning residual stove fuel was designed to apply to white gas stoves. I can't imagine that gas canister stoves would have any fuel and would need to be cleaned. But because TSA agent would not understand this it may not be worth the risk. It would be really nice if the people who write these rules would figure this out.

[Traveler]

I can only assume that the wording about cleaning residual stove fuel was designed to apply to white gas stoves. I can't imagine that gas canister stoves would have any fuel and would need to be cleaned. But because TSA agent would not understand this it may not be worth the risk. It would be really nice if the people who write these rules would figure this out.

Perhaps its the other way around. Canisters have an odor, though you may not be able to smell it, the "sniffers" can. Which is why they can get discovered and pulled. The TSA agent does not know whats in the canister, your claims its only cooking gas may seem logical to you, but to them its suspect.

[Dogwood]

I've flown quite extensively domestically from many different U.S. International APs, and a fewer smaller non- International APs, including United Airlines, as well as a bunch of other airlines, with well used Snow Peak Ti Lite Max, MSR Micro Rocket, and BSR UL isobutane canister stoves, all without piezo ignition, in my carry-on backpacks stored inside a Ti Snow Peak Solo pot w/ lid wrapped up loosely inside a small pack towel, w/ included foldable Optimus Ti spork, and 20 ft of coiled spectra bear bagging line. Since I'm not taking a 4 oz canister in the pot I often fill up the remaining space with something like a clean pr of socks. It also keeps the rattling about down. I regularly clean and maintain my well used gear, including my stoves, by simply washing, air drying, and wiping down the stove and checking for any signs of significant wear. As I said on Gambit Mcrae's flying with a backpack thread, I may get some stares with a what is it attitude at first by TSA X-ray operators, but I've never had issue carry one of these stoves as I've explained it on any domestic originating flight.

In all honesty, I don't think it's a hit or miss situation with the TSA when it comes to canister stoves decently cleaned. Don't confuse situations that have been related involving used fuel residue containing MSR Whisperlite type stoves, fuel bottles, and some uncleaned alcohol stoves. And, although an airline may have specific carry-on regs I think it is the TSA itself that sets the standard on what is and is not allowed to be carried onto any domestic originating flight. It is the TSA regs you have to be concerned when it comes to your canister stove.

BTW , we're talking canister stoves NOT canisters.

Also check out the BSR UL canister stove at 25 grams. It's the most compact lightest wt canister stove I know of.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...A2FVB70KDJE667

[Dogwood]

I do the same thing Luckyman. I usually buy a BIC and a canister after the flight or perhaps ground ship them ahead with other stuff.

[Dogwood]

I just flew Jet Blue from Charlotte to Boston round trip carrying both a MSR Pocket Rocket and hiking poles in my checked luggage with no problem. TSA did check my duffel because when I got to the hostel the first night I found a note inside my food bag noting it had been searched. The food bag was inside the duffel along with the stove and poles.

I've had that happen with checked backpacks even when inside of duffles. A few times, about three times, I was missing gear. Twice it was critical pricey gear components. Once found damaged tarp poles after a flight when still at the AP that I know had occurred when going through as checked baggage. I rarely check backpacks anymore. I overwhelmingly tend to carry on my UL small volume kits. I don't find it fun scrambling to replace or repair damaged or missing gear when I should be backpacking especially when in remote locations. BTW, if you do check backpacks after picking them up after the flight BEFORE you leave the AP check and double check for any missing or damaged gear so you can submit a claim ASAP at the AP. It took me months before I was reimbursed for damaged or missing gear after making a claim.

[Dogwood]

Ever watch how most baggage handlers grab backpacks? Or for that matter Amtrak or Greyhound handlers? Rarely do they grab the backpack by its tote loop. Fortunately I've experienced no damaged shoulder straps when not checked inside a duffle. If I must check a backpack I usually shrink wrap or duffle bag it.

[HooKooDooKu]

A long pole like that might be better off shipped in a wooden box made to fit it. You likely won't be able to get it onto the plane for overhead and by the time it reaches where you are going the luggage will have had their way with it. It's a bit of cost, but once you have the crate built, you can reuse it. Better check with UPS or FedEx to see what their shipping length limit is first though.

I had hoped it might be something that could be gate-checked.

I don't think a "wooden box" is going to work.
First of all is the expense of the box itself. It would make a lot more sense (both in terms of cost, strength, and weight) to make something out of PVC tubing).
Second of all, where would I store it while hiking the JMT for 3 weeks.
Third, I don't expect to reuse it (except for a return flight) as this would be expected to be a once-in-a-life-time trip. When I hiked the Grand Canyon, I drove there to afford the transportation. I would drive again except for I've only got a limited amount of vacation time to do this. Driving would cost me additional days.

[QHShowoman]

What can you tell us of your experience with trekking poles...

I hike with a VERY long bamboo pole (taller than me) and I'm interested in hiking the JMT in a year or so. Will require me to fly to have the time to do it and I've wondered about how to get the pole to the JMT and back.

I have Leki poles that collapse, so this is not equivalent to your bamboo pole, but I don't even risk trying to get them through TSA. I've always either shipped them ahead or put them in my checked baggage, inside a cardboard poster tube. So far, that's worked well for me.

I hiked in Sweden this summer where a lot of people hiked with long wooden staffs, but I don't remember seeing a single one being carried onto the plane (and the plane was almost entirely hikers) or on the baggage carousel, so I am kind of stumped as to how they got them to/from.

[mateozzz]

If you have ever gone through airport security and they have wiped your hands or carryon with the small round swatch then put it into the "sniffer", your day can be ruined fast if you have any traces of fuel residue on your hands. Carry on stoves needs to be really cleaned well.

The sniffer is checking for explosives, not fuel. Chemically they are not similar.

[MuddyWaters]

Any secondary inspection of checked baggage can cause it to be delayed and miss a connection. It doesnt always matter whats "allowed", lf you need bag to show up on time. Sometimes not worth risk.