Can you fly with an avalanche airbag? Or more specifically, can the cartridge, also known as the cylinder, of the avalanche airbag system go on an airplane? The answer to this question varies depending on the specific avalanche airbag system, the airline, and the location.

IATA (International Air Transport Association) guidelines

IATA is an international trade organization for airlines. In their regulations, the following is stated regarding carrying an avalanche rescue backpack on the airplane:

With the approval of the airline, an avalanche rescue backpack, one (1) per person, can be transported if it is equipped with a pyrotechnic trigger mechanism containing less than 200 mg net of Div. 1.4S and less than 250 mL of compressed gas in Div. 2.2. The backpack must be packed in such a manner that it cannot be accidentally activated. The airbags within the backpacks must be fitted with pressure relief valves.

This indicates that an avalanche airbag is allowed as long as it cannot be accidentally triggered. However, these are just guidelines for airlines, and an airline can always refuse your cartridge and/or avalanche airbag system. Ultimately, each airline has its own regulations. Therefore, make sure to check the rules of the specific airline through their website.

Flying with the cartridges of your avalanche backpack

Cartridges are pressurized and are classified as dangerous items. According to IATA rules, one avalanche backpack and one cartridge per person can be carried on the airplane for all destinations except the U.S. Additionally, a cardridge can only be transported if it is: 

  • transported together with the avalanche airbag in the provided avalanche airbag compartment,
  • filled with Class 2.2 gas,
  • packaged in a way that prevents accidental activation.

Furthermore, the avalanche airbag system must have a pressure relief valve and airline approval is required. Avalanche airbag systems and cartridges can be carried in either hand luggage or checked baggage. As far as we know, hand luggage generally causes fewer issues, but this ultimately varies by airline.

Tips for flying with an avalanche airbag system

We would like to provide some general tips for flying with an avalanche airbag system that are usually applicable:

  • Always notify the airline about your avalanche airbag well in advance (1 to 2 weeks), regardless of the type of airbag.
  • Transport the trigger and cartridge together with the airbag.
  • Print the document with specifications about the cartridge and include a copy with the cartridge.
  • Find out the procedures and rules of the respective airline for transporting an avalanche airbag system. Keep these rules at hand.

Flying with an electric avalanche airbag

An electric airbag does not use a cardrigde, which makes it easier to fly with. Don't forget to notify the airline about your avalanche backpack in advance. Other IATA guidelines to consider:

  • One avalanche airbag system per person.
  • Lithium batteries may have a maximum power of 100 W/h. The maximum power is indicated on a sticker on the battery.
  • Turn off the system to prevent accidental deployment of the airbag.
  • If necessary, disconnect the battery. Make sure you know how to do this in advance; in some cases, a screwdriver may be required.

Flying in, to, or from the U.S.

The U.S. has stricter rules. The U.S. American Safety Administration (TSA) does not allow pressurized cylinders. If you are flying to the U.S., purchase your cartridge locally or exchange your empty cartridge. It's good to know that the brands ABS and BCA are well-represented in the U.S., while Ortovox, Arva, and Mammut are somewhat less common but becoming more available. Electric airbag systems do not contain pressure cylinders and can be taken to the U.S. without issues.

Of course, you can also try to bring your cartridge with you. We have plenty of examples of customers and acquaintances who have taken a full cartridge to the U.S. Just be aware that you might need to leave your cartridge behind.

Information and documentation for your avalanche airbag system

Below you will find more information and documentation for the avalanche airbag systems available in the Snowcountry webshop.

Flying with an Ortovox Avabag system

An avalanche airbag with an Ortovox Avabag system complies with IATA guidelines and is permitted on airplanes. However, airlines always have the right to refuse an avalanche airbag system for safety reasons. To avoid issues, good preparation can be helpful.

Tips for flying with an Ortovox Avabag

  • Before booking your flight, provide the IATA table extract and the datasheet containing cartridge information to the respective airline.
  • Always request approval from the airline for carrying your avalanche airbag system.
  • Transport the Avabag along with the cartridge, ensuring the purpose of the cartridge is clear. The cartridge should be disconnected.
  • Print the IATA table extract and datasheet with cartridge information. Attach these to the Ortovox Avabag and include a copy with your travel documents.
  • If you are flying to the US or Canada, you can bring the unfilled ALU 207 BAR REFILLABLE CARTRIDGE and refill it locally. Check the availability of refill points before departure. Note: The non-refillable carbon cylinder is not allowed on flights to, from, or within the US.

PDF downloads

Datasheet: Technical data Avabag carbon cartridge
Datasheet: Technical data Avabag flight informations
Document: Instructions for air travel with the refillable cartridge
Document: IATA table 2.3A (pdf update January 2019)

Flying with a Mammut Removable Airbag 3.0

An avalanche airbag with a Mammut Removable airbag 3.0 system complies with IATA guidelines and is allowed on airplanes. However, airlines always have the right to refuse an avalanche airbag system for safety reasons. To avoid issues, good preparation can be helpful.

Tips for flying with a Mammut Removable Airbag 3.0

  • Before booking your flight, provide the IATA table extract and the datasheet containing cartridge information to the respective airline.
  • Always request approval from the airline for carrying your avalanche airbag system.
  • The recommendation is to transport the Mammut Airbag in checked baggage. Unscrew the protective cap on the cartridge and place it in the designated avalanche airbag compartment.
  • Print the IATA table extract and datasheet with cartridge information. Include these with the avalanche airbag system and keep a copy with your travel documents.
  • If you are flying to the US, you can bring the Mammut Cartridge Refillable 207 Bar Alu unfilled and refill it locally. Check the Mammut website for refill points. Note: The Mammut Carbon Cartridge Non-Refillable 300 Bar and the Mammut Cartridge Non-Refillable 300 Bar Steel are not allowed on flights to, from, or within the US. It's possible to rent these cartridges in the US. Check the Mammut website for current rental locations. 

PDF downloads

Datasheet: Mammut Cartridge Refillable 207 Bar Alu 
Datasheet: Mammut Carbon Cartridge Non-Refillable 300 Bar
Datasheet: Mammut Cartridge Non-Refillable 300 Bar Steel
Document: Manual flying with an avalanche airbag
Document: IATA tabel 2.3A (pdf update January 2019)

Flying with an Arva Reactor

An avalanche airbag with an Arva Reactor system complies with IATA guidelines and is therefore allowed on board an aircraft. However, an airline always reserves the right to refuse an avalanche airbag system for safety reasons. Nevertheless, good preparation can help prevent issues.

Tips for flying with an Arva Reactor

  • Before booking your flight, provide the IATA summary table and the datasheet with cartridge information to the relevant airline.
  • Always request written approval from the respective airline to bring your avalanche airbag system.
  • Consult with the airline on whether they prefer the avalanche airbag to be carried as hand luggage or checked baggage.
  • Transport the Arva Reactor system together with the cartridge. Ensure the cartridge is disconnected and secure the protective cap.
  • Print the IATA summary table and the datasheet with cartridge information three times. Attach the documentation to the cartridge and keep a copy in your hand luggage for reference during your journey. Keep the third copy for the return flight.
  • When traveling to the United States, it is not possible to carry a filled cartridge. For travel to the US, you can bring an empty US cartridge. Depending on the cartridge type, you can have it filled or exchanged locally. Contact a nearby store in advance to explore the available options. Another option is to travel without a cartridge and rent one at your destination.

PDF downloads

Datasheet: Arva Reactor carbon cartridge
Datasheet: Arva Reactor steel cartridge
Datasheet: Arva Reactor US steel cartridge
Document: IATA tabel 2.3A (pdf update January 2019)

Flying with an Alpride 2.0 Avalanche Airbag system

An avalanche airbag with an Alpride 2.0 system complies with IATA guidelines and is, therefore, allowed on the plane. However, an airline always reserves the right to refuse an avalanche airbag system for safety reasons. Good preparation can help avoid problems.

Tips for Flying with an Alpride 2.0

  • Inform the airline at least 24 hours in advance about the avalanche airbag system you intend to bring on your flight. Request approval if necessary.
  • Prepare the airbag system for transportation. Disconnect the cartridge and activate the system. Reattach the cartridge to the system and close the zipper. Never transport the cartridge unconnected.
  • Print the summary from the IATA table and the datasheets with information about the cartridge's contents. Include these documents with your avalanche airbag and keep a copy with your travel documents.
  • Alpride recommends taking the Alpride 2.0 in your carry-on luggage.
  • If you are flying to the United States, it is not possible to bring a filled cartridge. Check in advance for available options, such as exchange, rental, or purchasing a cartridge on-site. 

PDF downloads

Datasheet: Alpride carbon dioxide cartridge
Datasheet: Alpride carbon dioxide cartridge annex transport notes
Datasheet: Alpride argon cartridge
Datasheet: Alpride argon cartridge annex transport notes
Document: IATA tabel 2.3A (pdf update January 2019)

Flying with an ABS Easytech

An avalanche airbag with an ABS Easytech system complies with IATA guidelines and is, therefore, allowed on the plane. ABS systems meet this requirement and all other conditions, so they are permitted on the plane. However, an airline always reserves the right to refuse an avalanche airbag system for safety reasons. Good preparation can help avoid problems.

Tips for Flying with an ABS Easytech

  • Inform the airline at least 24 hours in advance about the avalanche airbag system you intend to bring on your flight. Request approval if necessary.
  • Prepare the airbag system for transportation by screwing on the cartridge's cap.
  • Print the summary from the IATA table and the datasheet with information about the cartridge. Include the document with the avalanche airbag and keep a copy with your travel documents while traveling.
  • If you are flying to the United States, it is not possible to bring a filled cartridge. Leave the 'release unit' at home and rent it on-site, including the activation lever, from a local dealer.

PDF downloads

Datasheet: ABS carbon cartridge
Datasheet: ABS steel cartridge
Document: IATA tabel 2.3A (pdf update January 2019)

Flying with an ABS Pyrotech

An avalanche airbag with an ABS Pyrotech system complies with IATA guidelines and is, therefore, allowed on the plane. According to IATA guidelines, a pyrotechnic trigger may contain a maximum of 200 mg of net material of class Div. 1.4S. ABS systems meet this requirement and all other conditions, so they are permitted on the plane. However, an airline always reserves the right to refuse an avalanche airbag system for safety reasons. Good preparation can help avoid problems.

Tips for flying with an ABS Pyrotech

  • Inform the airline at least 24 hours in advance about the avalanche airbag system you intend to bring on your flight. Request approval if necessary.
  • Prepare the airbag system for transportation by screwing the cap on the cartridge.
  • Print the summary from the IATA table and the datasheet with information about the cartridge. Include the document with the avalanche airbag and keep a copy with your travel documents while traveling.
  • If you are flying to the United States, it is not possible to bring a filled cartridge. Leave the 'release unit' at home and rent it on-site, including the activation lever, from a local dealer.

PDF downloads

Datasheet: ABS carbon cartridge
Datasheet: ABS steel cartridge
Document: IATA tabel 2.3A (pdf update January 2019)

Flying with an Aerosize Avalanche airbag system

An avalanche airbag with an Aerosize system complies with IATA guidelines and is, therefore, allowed on the plane. However, an airline always reserves the right to refuse an avalanche airbag system for safety reasons. Good preparation can help avoid problems.

Tips for flying with an Aerosize Airbag

  • Inform the airline at least 24 hours in advance about the avalanche airbag system you intend to bring on your flight.
  • Always request approval from the respective airline for bringing your avalanche airbag system.
  • Prepare the airbag system for transport by disconnecting the cartridge.
  • Print the summary from the IATA table and the technical document about the Aerosize avalanche airbag. Keep a copy with your travel documents while traveling.
  • If you are flying to the United States, it is not possible to bring a filled cartridge. Check in advance for available options, such as exchanging, renting, or purchasing a cartridge on-site. 

PDF downloads

Datasheet: Aerosize technical datasheet (see page 21 about transport and travel)
Document: IATA tabel 2.3A (pdf update January 2019)

Flying with a BCA Float 2.0

An avalanche airbag with a BCA Float 2.0 system complies with IATA guidelines and is, therefore, allowed on the plane. However, an airline always reserves the right to refuse an avalanche airbag system for safety reasons. Good preparation can help avoid problems.

Tips for flying with a BCA Float 2.0

  • Inform the airline at least 24 hours in advance about the avalanche airbag system you intend to bring on your flight. Request approval if necessary.
  • Ask the respective airline if they prefer you to bring the avalanche airbag as hand or checked baggage.
  • Prepare the airbag system for transport. Remove the top of the cartridge. Place both parts in a transparent, resealable bag. Disconnect the cartridge and activate the system. Screw the cartridge back into the system and zip it closed. Never transport the cartridge disconnected.
  • Print the summary from the IATA table. Attach the document visibly to the avalanche airbag and keep a copy with your travel documents while traveling.
  • If you are flying to the United States, it's not possible to bring a filled cartridge. Empty the cartridge at home and exchange or refill it on-site. Check in advance where this can be done.

PDF downloads

Datasheet: BCA material safety data sheet
Datasheet: Float data sheet US travel instructions
Document: IATA tabel 2.3A (pdf update January 2019)

Flying with a Pieps or Black Diamond JetForce avalanche airbag System

The JetForce avalanche airbag system is considered an electrical device when the battery is installed. The airbag does not use cartridges. Flying with the Pieps or Black Diamond JetForce avalanche airbag is allowed according to IATA guidelines and also according to the guidelines in the United States. Although flying with this type of avalanche airbag system should not pose any problems, airlines have the right to refuse it on safety grounds. So, proper preparation before flying with these avalanche airbags is important.

Tips for flying with a JetForce

  • Permission from the airline is required for flying with an avalanche airbag.
  • According to IATA guidelines, a maximum of one avalanche airbag per person is allowed.
  • Print the summary from the IATA table and the document with more information about the JetForce. Keep these documents with your travel documents to show to airline personnel upon request.
  • The JetForce avalanche airbag operates on a lithium battery with a maximum capacity of 57.6 Watt-hours. The maximum allowed capacity is 100 Watt-hours. The Watt-hour rating is displayed on a sticker on the battery.
  • Prepare the avalanche airbag system by turning off the system to prevent accidental deployment.
  • Carry the avalanche airbag and any spare batteries in your carry-on baggage (pack the batteries separately).
  • If necessary, you can disconnect the battery from the airbag; you will need a screwdriver for this.

PDF downloads

Document: Flying with your JetForce Avalanche Backpack

Flying with an Alpride E1 or Alpride E2 avalanche airbag

Both airbag systems are electric and operate on two AA batteries. The systems do not use a lithium battery, cartridge, or other components classified as dangerous goods. Flying with the Alpride E1 and Alpride E2 is allowed according to IATA guidelines and the guidelines that apply in the United States. Although flying with this type of avalanche airbag should not pose any problems, airlines have the right to refuse it on safety grounds. So, proper preparation before flying with these avalanche airbags is important.

Tips for flying with an Alpride E1 or Alpride E2

  • Permission from the airline is required for flying with an avalanche airbag.
  • According to IATA guidelines, a maximum of one avalanche airbag per person is allowed.
  • Print the document with more information about flying with your avalanche airbag system (E1 or E2). Keep this documentation with you during your travels to show to airline personnel upon request.
  • Prepare the avalanche airbag system by turning off the system to prevent accidental deployment.


PDF downloads

Datasheet: Alpride airbag system E1
Datasheet: Alpride airbag system E2

Flying with a Litric avalanche airbag system

The Litric avalanche airbag system is an electric device and is allowed on the airplane according to IATA guidelines and the guidelines applicable in the United States. Although flying with this type of avalanche airbag should not pose any problems, airlines have the right to refuse it on safety grounds. So, proper preparation before flying with these avalanche airbags is important.

Tips for flying with a Litric Avalanche Airbag

  • Permission from the airline is required for flying with an avalanche airbag.
  • According to IATA guidelines, a maximum of one avalanche airbag per person is allowed.
  • Print the excerpt from the IATA table and the document containing the Litric avalanche airbag system manual. Keep this documentation with you during your travels to show to airline personnel upon request.
  • The Litric airbag operates on a lithium battery with a maximum power of 7.4 Watt-hours. The maximum allowed power is 100 Watt-hours. The Watt-hour rating is indicated on a sticker on the battery.
  • Prepare the avalanche airbag system by disabling the system and ensuring the activation handle is locked.
  • Carry the avalanche airbag and any spare batteries in your hand luggage (package the batteries separately).

PDF downloads

Document: Litric system user manual (see page 27 for transport and travel instructions)

Tips or additions are always welcome

We strive to keep the above information up-to-date. However, if you have any additions or different experiences, please feel free to let us know by sending an email.