AVABAG In planes
AVABAG 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, approval from the airline is necessary.
We recommend that you inform the airline about the AVABAG and provide the extract from the IATA table and the data sheet which describes the content of the cartridge (Download on the bottom) before booking your flight.
It is very important that the cartridge is checked in together with the AVABAG. Please print the section from the IATA table and the data sheet and attach them to your AVABAG 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 backpack separately, they may be confiscated!
EXTRACT FROM THE IATA TABLE
“Avalanche rescue backpack, one (1) per person, containing a cartridge of compressed gas in Div. 2.2. May also be equipped with a pyrotechnic trigger mechanism containing no more than 200 mg net of Div. 1.4S. The backpack must be packed in such a manner that it cannot be accidentally activated. The airbags inside the backpacks must be fitted with pressure relief valves.”
The IATA therefore authorizes the transportation of AVABAG backpacks. However, permission from the airline is required. We therefore recommend that you inform the airline before booking and provide them with the extract of the IATA table as well as the data sheet that describes the contents of the cartridge. The documents can be downloaded here. The airline can then check that the product being transported corresponds exactly to the IATA handbook. However, airlines always reserve the right to impose stricter regulations, even if they are a member of IATA. The IATA permission is, therefore, no guarantee.
USA AND CANADA REGULATIONS
In these countries, filled compressed gas cartridges for avalanche airbags are not permitted on planes. For flights to and within these countries, the cartridge must therefore be completely emptied and the valve unit unscrewed from the container so that a visual inspection is possible. This can only be carried out with a cartridge specially developed for North America. This special cartridge is available at all stores who sell ORTOVOX AVABAG in North America.
