can i take a chainsaw on a plane (Travel Hacks Unveiled)
You cannot take a used gas chainsaw on a plane as a carry-on or checked baggage. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and FAA regulations state that engine-powered equipment with residual fuel, including chainsaws, is not allowed in carry-on or checked bag. However, chainsaws free of residue and vapor of gas/oil or electric chainsaws(corded/cordless) may be allowed in checked bags. It is recommended to inspect the chainsaw and then consult with the airline for specific guidelines.
The Author
A chainsaw is an efficient tool for cutting trees and logs; you may decide to travel with it during a vacation.
Traveling with a chainsaw can be very challenging, and you must be cautious about handling it as it can be deadly.
It is best to keep it in a case to avoid unforeseen mishaps.
Most aircraft companies are very conscious about the safety of their passengers.
If you travel, you will be given guidelines about the dos and don’ts.
This article will guide you on how to travel with your chainsaw, the guidelines, and the pertinent things you must do before you set out to the airport.
Can I travel with my Chainsaw On a Plane?
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), engine-powered equipment with residual fuel, such as chainsaws, are not allowed in either carry-on or checked bags. No amount of fuel may remain in the engine, including residual vapors.
For battery powered chainsaw, it is allowed to carry a lithium content of 2 grams for lithium metal batteries or a Watt-hour (Wh) rating of 100 Wh for lithium ion batteries. See the regulation.
How to transport a used gas chainsaw by Air
- Provide proof to the airline that your engine complies with special provision A70.
- Purge the gasoline chainsaw completely of fuel along with signed documented proof.
- The blade is packed and secured.
- Unload and lock it in a hard box.
- The dealer must do purging along with the documentation of the equipment that is purged.
After purging, you can follow these steps:
- Rinse the fuel tank with alcohol.
- Let the saw sit in the air for a few hours.
- Put a sock with dry laundry detergent to absorb any remaining vapors and leave it in the saw.
- Pack and wrap the power head in a thick plastic bag. Label it drained, purged, and ready for shipping.
- Place it in a box with the bar and chain separately. Place the carburetor, air filters, fuel lines, and spark plug as separate parts.
A newly packed chainsaw imposes no issue; you can carry it as a checked bag without facing any problems.
Alternative Ways To Transport
Even after following all rules, some airlines can reject to carry it. If your airline rejects your request of boarding the chainsaw you can use one of the following alternatives.
- Ship it beforehand by land.
- Get a new one.
What are the restrictions?
There are some restrictions under which you can carry a particular category of taking chainsaw tools in the plane.
You have to follow the rules prescribed by the airline.
If they allow you, you can only carry petrol-powered tools if there are no symptoms showing fuel vapors or residuals.
These must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided package.
You are not allowed to carry these tools if the engine is not properly clean.
Why are Chainsaws restricted?
Some Chainsaws are full of gasoline, creating a high risk to travel.
Combustion engines contain liquids that can easily catch fire or can blast. That’s why these items can’t be taken on a plane.
There is a danger to property as well as to humans if these items explode.
If you have to take these items on a plane, you must get permission from a travel agency or airplane agency before traveling.
What happens if I have a restricted item in my carry-on bag?
If you have a restricted item in your carry luggage bag, the airport security can ask you to mail it to your home back.
You are not allowed to undergo screening, and your trip could be canceled.
The carry bags are being checked through screening and X-ray machines.
If some clues are deduced regarding items in the bag, the bag will be opened, and prohibited things will be separated.
How will you be allowed to take your chainsaw in checked baggage?
It is common for all chainsaws to be officially purged of fuel before air flight or shipping.
Of course, this should not be strange for regular travelers.
Ensure that your engine is devoid of fuel; drain the fuel from it and allow it to remain empty for some days before departure.
By so doing, the fumes will leave the engine and keep it clean and safe.
what if you buy a new chainsaw and decide to travel with it?
This one will not pose any challenge. You may be pondering whether you can carry a new chainsaw.
New products are usually packaged, and they are clean.
In summary, you will be allowed to travel with it in baggage since gasoline or any other fuel has not been used in powering the machine.
Petrol is taboo for air transportation, and it is would be gross misconduct for you to be seen carrying a piece of baggage carrying a chainsaw with petrol inside it.
Although the restrictions are very strict, you can still carry them if you adhere to their rules and guidelines.
It is all about the fluid or fuel. I am sure you know the danger involved in carrying inflammable fluids around.
Fuel or any inflammable fluid can cause fire or explosion, so avoid it like the plague when checking your baggage.
Can items like petrol powder be taken on planes?
Petrol powder tools can be carried out only under certain conditions during your checking-in procedure.
However, you cannot carry them in your baggage.
The carrying of such tools imposes certain restrictions on the ones who carry them.
You should prove to the airline staff that your engine is in full compliance with the provisions of the special A70.
Once this is done, you will be informed about other things.
You need to satisfy your Airline that the engine complies with the special A70 provision, and you will receive further instruction from them.
The engines must be free from liquids as it becomes unlikely to be allowed to travel if the Engine is not devoid of fuel.
Why is the combustion engine restricted?
Combustion liquids may contain liquids that can catch fire quickly and may have a low combustion threshold.
They are risky as they may explode or catch fire, harming other passengers.
What if we carry a chainsaw with Fuel inside our baggage?
If you have restricted items in your carry bags, you must drop all the dangerous and prohibited items in the baggage.
On refusing to obey them, you will be stopped at the point of screening.
What is the Mode of screening?
Aviation security X-ray the bags to ascertain that no dangerous item is on the plane.
If the X-ray detects any prohibited item, the bag is immediately opened and searched in order to remove dangerous or prohibited items to ensure a safe flight for the passengers.
Even completely purged engine-powered equipment is not allowed on aircraft by most airlines if it is used to contain fuel.
Carrying gasoline-powered tools is strictly prohibited according to FAA regulations for carry-on and checked luggage.
Furthermore, you cannot do the purging yourself.
The procedure has to be carried out by a dealer with documentation of the equipment being purged off fuel.
You must adhere to a few steps to purge fuel from equipment.
- Firstly, drain a tank, then remove the air filter.
- After that, continue spraying wd40 down the carb for about 2 minutes till it dies.
- Then you need to let it sit for a few hours in the air.
- Use a sock with a zip tie, put some dry laundry soap in it to absorb stray vapor, if any, and keep it with the saw.
- Now, to pack it, wrap the saw power-head with thick plastic bags and put a label on it mentioning drained, purged, and ready for shipping or flight.
- Lastly, place the packed saw in a box and fasten it with a bar and chain.
- Replace the carb, fuel, and air filters with all the lines and take them as separate parts. The fuel tank needs to be rinsed with alcohol. Then keep venting it with compressed air and pull the spark plug while turning it over a few times. Get it signed off by the parts dealer.
Final Words
On the whole, you will not be allowed to take your chainsaw in checked baggage when traveling.
You can only be allowed to do so if you drain all the fuel from your chainsaw engine and leave it to dry.
More so, you can always get a new saw. Even better, an electric one!
