Can You Fly with an Inflatable PFD? 

Yes. In most countries, including Canada and the United States, you can fly with one inflatable PFD containing CO₂ cylinders. International regulations generally permit one inflatable PFD per passenger, with up to two CO₂ cylinders installed in the device and up to two spare cylinders. However, airline policies may vary, and the final decision always rests with airline staff and security screening officers. Bringing documentation and checking your airline's policy before travel is strongly recommended. 

 

Item	Typical Allowance
Inflatable PFD	1 per passenger
Installed CO₂ cylinders	Up to 2
Spare CO₂ cylinders	Up to 2
Packing requirement	Must be packed to prevent accidental activation
Airline approval	May be required by some carriers
Final approval	Subject to airline and security officer discretion

Item	Typical Allowance
Inflatable PFD	1 per passenger
Installed CO₂ cylinders	Up to 2
Spare CO₂ cylinders	Up to 2
Packing requirement	Must be packed to prevent accidental activation
Airline approval	May be required by some carriers
Final approval	Subject to airline and security officer discretion

 

Can you bring an inflatable life vest on a plane? 

Most countries allow for you to bring one inflatable PFD per person on board in a carry on or in checked bags. Two CO2 cartridges/cylinders are permitted inserted into the PFD, plus two spare cartridges/cylinders. While this is in the regulations, the final decision rests with the security officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint. 

It is important to check your air carrier's and connecting air carrier’s websites for details on whether they ban CO2 cartridges/cylinders, allow them in checked baggage only or allow them as carry-on and checked baggage. 

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Flying with an Inflatable PFD in the UK 

UK Civil Aviation Authority Rules for Flying with Inflatable Life Jackets: Cartridges of Division 2.2 with no subsidiary hazard fitted into a self-inflating personal safety device, intended to be worn by a person, such as a lifejacket or vest are allowed as long as you have: 

• no more than two personal safety devices per person; 
• the personal safety device(s) must be packed in such a manner that they cannot be accidentally activated; 
• must be for inflation purposes; 
• no more than two cartridges are fitted into each device; and 
• no more than two spare cartridges per device. 

View the CAA regulations here. 

 

Flying with Inflatable Life Jackets Internationally 

ICAO Lifejacket Rules for CO2 cylinders: The lifejacket regulations and maximum levels are given in Table 8-1, Article 18 of the ICAO T.I. 2017-2018. For “self-inflating personal safety device such as a life-jacket or vest” the following rules apply. 

You can fly with an inflatable PFD: 

• in or as checked baggage. 
• in or as carry-on/hand luggage. 
• if carried on your own body. The captain/pilot does not need to be informed. 
• The approval of the operator(s) is required. 

Restrictions: 

• no more than one personal safety device per person; 
• the personal safety device must be packed in such a manner 
• that it cannot be accidentally activated; 
• must be for inflation purposes; 
• no more than two cartridges are fitted into the device; and 
• no more than two spare cartridges. 

IATA Dangerous Goods Passenger Guidance for Life Jackets: Self-inflating life jackets are permitted if they contain not more than two small cylinders with a non-flammable gas in Division 2.2 plus not more than two spare cartridges per person. 

Wondering if you can fly with a 33g CO₂ cylinder? You can. A 33 g cylinder is permitted on commercial flights when it is installed in an inflatable life jacket or carried as a permitted spare, provided you comply with the applicable aviation regulations. There is actually no internationally specified maximum size CO₂ cartridge allowed for inflatable life jackets on a plane. The commonly cited 50 mL (approximately 28 g CO₂) limit applies to small gas cartridges for other devices, not inflatable life jackets. 

View IATA's dangerous goods guidance for passengers here. 

 

Can You Fly with a Life-Jacket in Canada? 

Can I bring a life-jacket on a flight Air Canada? What are Westjet’s Life Vest CO2 rules? Here are the rules that apply to all major airlines in Canada. 

CATSA Self-Inflating Life-Jackets Rules: CATSA (Canadian Air Transport Security Authority) Self-inflating life-jackets: One per person. Two CO2 cartridges/cylinders are permitted inserted into the jacket, plus two spare cartridges/cylinders.  

View the CATSA regulations here. 

Transport Canada Flying with an Inflatable PFD Rules: With the approval of your airline, you can carry one self-inflating personal safety device such as a life preserver fitted with two small cartridges containing carbon dioxide or other suitable gas, plus up to two spare cartridges. Check with your airline for the specifications of the gas cartridges. 

 

US Regulations for Flying with an Inflatable PFD 

TSA Rules for Inflatable Life Jackets: TSA (Transportation Security Administration) allows you to bring an inflatable life vest with up to two cartridges inside, plus two spare cartridges in your carry-on or checked bag. You may not transport CO2 cartridges without the associated lifejacket. 

Flying with CO2 Cartridges: View the TSA regulations here. 

 

FAA Regulations for Life Jackets with CO2: FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) allows a life jacket, motorcycle safety vest, or similar vest containing up to two small nonflammable gas cartridges plus two spare cartridges in carry-on or checked baggage.  

View the FAA Hazardous Materials booklet here. 

 

In short: Can you take a life jacket on a plane? Yes, you can. However, airline operator approval for inflatable life vests is required on international flights. How that approval is handled varies by airline. Some airlines ask passengers to contact them before travel so the approval can be noted on the reservation, while others simply ask you to declare the life jacket at check-in. Some airlines also publish a blanket policy stating that compliant inflatable life jackets are accepted, meaning no separate paperwork is required. To avoid delays or confusion, always check your airline's policy before you fly. 

 

Pro Tips for Smooth Travel 

Check with your airline before you fly. While most major airlines follow the same regulations, some regional and budget carriers have additional requirements for passengers travelling with CO₂ cylinders. In some cases, you may need to contact the airline 72 hours before departure to obtain approval for carrying an inflatable PFD. To avoid surprises, confirm your airline's policy at least 3–5 days before your trip. 

Pack supporting documents with your PFD. Keeping a few printed documents with your life jacket can help speed up inspections and answer questions from airline or security staff. 

We recommend carrying: 

• A printout of the TSA "What Can I Bring?" page for life jackets with CO₂ cartridges. 
• A printout of the FAA PackSafe hazardous materials guidance. 
• A copy of your airline's policy regarding inflatable life jackets and CO₂ cylinders. 

Store these documents in the same bag as your PFD so they're readily available if your gear is inspected. 

Know the regulations. In the United States, federal regulations permit passengers to travel with self-inflating personal flotation devices equipped with small CO₂ cartridges. Under 49 CFR § 175.10(a)(11), travelers may carry up to two self-inflating personal safety devices, each fitted with up to two small gas cartridges, plus up to two spare cartridges per device, in either carry-on or checked baggage, subject to airline approval. 

A little preparation before your trip can help ensure your PFD arrives at your destination as smoothly as you do. 

 

FAQ's

Can I pack spare CO2 cartridges without a life jacket?  Security agencies such as TSA and CATSA only permit spare CO₂ cartridges when they accompany an inflatable life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD). CO₂ cylinders packed on their own, without the associated inflatable safety device, are not permitted and may be confiscated during security screening. 

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Is it better to pack my PFD in carry-on or checked luggage?  Inflatable PFDs are generally permitted in both carry-on and checked baggage, subject to airline approval and applicable regulations. However, many travellers find it easier to pack their PFD in checked luggage. Security personnel may encounter inflatable life jackets less frequently at carry-on screening checkpoints, which can sometimes result in additional inspection or delays. 

If you choose to check your PFD, pack it securely and include copies of the relevant regulations and your airline's policy. Having this documentation readily available can help resolve any questions that arise during baggage screening. 

Do I need to notify the airline before flying with a life vest?  Advance notification requirements depend on the airline and the regulations governing your flight. In the United States, passengers are generally permitted to travel with an inflatable PFD without obtaining prior airline approval, provided the device complies with applicable regulations. 

However, Canadian and international regulations may require operator approval for inflatable life jackets containing CO₂ cylinders. Because airline policies can vary, it is always a good idea to contact your carrier before travelling. 

For international flights, we recommend contacting your airline at least 72 hours before departure to confirm their requirements and, if necessary, have approval noted on your reservation. 

What is the maximum size CO2 cartridge allowed on a plane?  Most inflatable life jackets use CO₂ cartridges that fall within the limits permitted by aviation regulations. Common cartridge sizes, including 24 g, 33 g, and 38 g cylinders, are typically allowed when installed in an approved inflatable PFD or carried as permitted spare cartridges. 

Regulations are based on the cartridge's water capacity rather than the amount of CO₂ it contains. Under current aviation guidelines, cartridges with a water capacity of up to 50 ml are generally permitted. Most recreational and commercial inflatable PFDs use cylinders that fall well within this limit. 

As always, airline policies may vary, so it's a good idea to confirm your carrier's requirements before travelling.