Traveling With Bear Spray on Airlines

[fleshfly]

It looks like you can't and shouldn't try to pack Bear Spray in your luggage when traveling on Airlines? Regulations is obvioulsy one reason, but more importantly it seems like it might explode due to pressure. I am not sure, any ideas or experiences? It seems some brands of spray having varying regs.

[Dumpcast]

I checked TSA regs yesterday for my own upcoming trip, and they prohibit aerosols of any kind on carry-on bags but don't disallow them in checked baggage. Aerosol cans of shaving cream, hair spray, and bug spray must travel aloft all the time. Ever hear of one exploding? On the other hand, I don't know what powers bear spray or if it is more volatile than, say, aerosol sun block. I inadvertently had a small aerosol can of fly floatant in my carry-on a couple of years ago. No one tagged it at security. This time, though, it will be in my checked duffel.
Was happy to see that TSA allows rods in the cabin and actually recommends that valuable reels and "delicate" tackle such as flies be packed in carry-ons. Several years ago, I arrived in Miami for a Keys trip, but my checked rods didn't (they caught up with me a day later). I don't want that to ever happen again.

[Dumpcast]

After rechecking the regs, I realize I overstated the TSA case on aerosols. This is from one of the TSA sites: "Aerosol bug spray or the ever popular bear spray are hazardous aerosols, and are not allowed in either carry-on or checked luggage. However, acceptable personal toiletries include hair sprays and deodorants in limited quantities." I guess my aerosol fly floatant wasn't contraband after all.

[fleshfly]

Dump Cast- Thanks for the info. I think this stuff is under VERY high pressure. One of the Brands I was looking at, can spray up to 30'. If it is prohibited becasue of the contents, and not the pressure, I may sneak it as I might not have the option of getting it when I arrive Terrace, BC. It would really suck if exploded in my bag.....I am going to poke around and see what I can find.

More importantly enjoy your trip to the Kenai. Take a ton of pics, if you pass through cooper landing take some pics of the town. I'd luv to see how it has changed.....

[Dumpcast]

FleshFly: Be careful what you carry to security. If you believe what TSA says, even "accidental" stuff can get you in trouble. Here's another reference to bear spray in the regs, this one in TSA's section on hunting, firearms, and ammunition: "Animal Repellants - Chemical repellants can be carried in checked luggage if the volume is less than 4 ounces and has less than a 2% active ingredient. Most bear repellants exceed these limitations. We suggest buying such items at your destination and leaving them behind upon return."
As for Cooper Landing, was last there in July 1989. All I remember about it was the fishing. My brother-in-law, our nonfishing wives, and my 10-year-old son took a half-day float trip with Alaska River Adventures (still operating). We caught a couple of foot-long rainbows and one salmon while underway and countless sockeye from a gravel bank where the guide beached the raft. We were then given the option of more drift fishing or standing pat. Watching our wives take turns wading out to net yet another salmon for the kid, it was a no-brainer, and my brother-in-law and I elected to stand our ground and enjoy the reds. Good thing, because later, fly-fishing downstream from our position, around a bend in what the guide only half-jokingly called "bear country," my brother-in-law caught a seven-pound dolly, his largest ever. Gorgeous country, and I can't wait to get back. I'll share any pictures.