DZsocial

Traveling within the U.S. with a rig should be pain-free -- but here's what you need to know to ensure the process is as stress-free as it can be.

Airline Travel with a Parachute

Both the USPA and the Parachute Industry Association (PIA) have worked very hard to ensure that skydivers can travel with their rigs within the U.S. with minimal difficulty. Due to their efforts, all TSA agents should be aware that rigs can be legally carried-on an aircraft (or legally checked.)

However, as both common-sense and anecdotal evidence tell us – individual skydivers have still encountered issues. Some of this may be due to misunderstandings on the part of individual TSA agents over what is or isn’t allowed – but skydivers need to fully understand both their rights and the rights of the TSA to examine and even open a rig.

What the TSA Should Know

Rigs with or without AADS are allowed as carry-on on commercial flights. According to the USPA, TSA screeners have also been advised that under no circumstances should they touch or pull handles. Also, if it is determined that a rig must be inspected further – the owner of the rig must be present. Now, individual experience has shown that this will likely just mean the rig and yourself are pulled out of the main line and the rig will be swiped for explosive material while you watch the operation. If the TSA determines that they need to open the rig – the owner of the rig must be present and allowed to assist. The TSA’s website even indicates that an area will be provided away from the checkpoint that is large enough for the search and for you to repack the rig.

What Skydivers Should Know

While you know that your rig is a rig – keep in mind that the TSA has a duty to inspect any item that raises suspicion. For this reason, the TSA and the USPA suggest you tack on an additional 30 minutes to your arrival time in case additional screening is deemed necessary.

In order to reduce any suspicion – skydivers can do several things:

1. The TSA recommends that you pack the rig separately as carry-on. That means that if you are taking it through security as a carry-on – do NOT put it in a larger bag with other items. Instead, the USPA recommends that you place it by itself in your gear bag or other suitable bag.

2. Other items you have with you may create suspicion. Obvious triggers are things like hook knives. Remove your hook knife from your leg strap. Pack this and other items like lead weight in your checked luggage.

3. At no point should you get aggravated or overly concerned with the process – regardless of what is happening. While aggravation is understandable – understand that acting calmly will get you through the process much quicker. Additionally, a smile and positive attitude may be infinitely more helpful in getting through security than getting on the wrong side of the TSA agent would be.

4. According to the USPA – if you do begin to encounter difficulties (a screener that doesn’t seem to be aware of your rights ) you should politely ask to have a supervisor present before further inspection occurs.

5. You may wish to print out the TSA’s own guidelines and carry it with you just in case.

6. The USPA is also there for you if you encounter unsatisfactory treatment from the TSA—you can This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with your story and your information (airport, flight number, date, etc…)

Also, the TSA should now know what an AAD system looks like via x-ray – but don’t be surprised if a rig still triggers a secondary inspection. The USPA has done research with rigs and explosive swabs and they’ve determined that rigs with AADS should not trigger explosive detection systems. However, the USPA reminds jumpers that everyday material you encounter such as fertilizer, fireworks, and even hand-lotion can trigger the systems.

Checking the rig as luggage

While it might seem smarter at this point to just check the bag as luggage --- the USPA and anecdotal stories seem to indicate this is not the case. In addition to meaning that your rig is not in your possession the whole time (and, therefore, you cannot be 100% sure that the rig has not been tampered with – inadvertently or not;) this also actually seems to increase the chances that your rig will be singled out for further inspection.

If further inspection is necessary – security officers will not unpack it without you present. While this is reassuring – it also means you will be paged and asked to return to the ticket counter. This could result in you missing your flight – or if you do not hear the page or are not located – the uncleared rig will not be transported on your flight. It will also not be sent on subsequent flights. As you can see – checking it may not be the best option.

If you must check-it – once again try not to pack it with other items. Also, the TSA indicates that checked baggage is typically screened within 30 minutes of check-in. So, you could remain in the area of the airline ticket counter and pay attention to announcements for a full half hour as well.

If you do end up checking your baggage – it is absolutely recommended that you give your rig a thorough inspection prior to any jump.