Traveling with Fuel Bottles

“to have empty fuel bottles, caps removed, in checked baggage?”

“hehe.. nowadays?.. who knows from one day to the next.”

“Generally no. Policy varies from airline to airline; check with yours first. My feeling is that an empty, washed, open fuel bottle (ditto stoves) is nothing more than a tin can, but everybody's freakin' out these days.”

“Thanks, I think I will leave the fuel bottles and buy canister fuel when I there. Better to be safe than sorry.”

“what if the bottle is filled with water - no fumes - call it an aux. water bottle (smile)”

“Sigh....remember the good ole days. I flew from KC to SF and from KC to Duluth with fuel. The airlines even helped me pack it correctly. Alas, no more.”

“I flew on Southwest in November with pack in tow. They searched my whole pack! They didn't like the fuel bottles which were empty and bone dry, but they let me fly with em. They recommended bringing new ones next time.”

“It was that remote control device in your hands that made them really nervous!”

“MSR-style canisters (empty) -- international flight from Beijing to Vancuver to SFC to Austin... they were check in my baggage of course.”

“It's not airline policy -- it's Federal law. Different airlines interpret it and enforce it differently.

Drain all the fuel out and leave upside down for an hour or so for the fumes to all drain out. Spray in some electrical contact cleaner to purge any remaining fumes (the cleaner evaporates fast with no residue). Upside down again for another 1/2 hour or so. Cap it.

Label it with paper tape 'Purged' and the date.

That's the official recommended way. Not too many people go through all the hassle.

You can use water, but there is a risk of water residue affecting the interior of the bottle or your stove.

Never fly with fuel in them. If any of the crew smells fumes or any of the hydrocarbon detectors go off the plane will make an emergency landing at the nearest airport. Then the FBI and FAA will have a nice long talk with you...”

“but I think I will just buy some canisters when I get into town. BTW, are you going to be able to make the Ishi Hike?”

“after 911 and had no problems...none!, never had and probably never will...just pack it with the rest of your gear and check it in...done deal. I always tell them at check in that its camping gear and NO fuel. I do this 3-4 times a year.”

“Some backpacking stores will rent fuel bottles, too. They know of the problem, you just have to find one at your destination.”