Lifejackets and Aircraft

Can automatic lifejackets be carried on aircraft?

We are often asked whether commercial airlines will allow transportation of automatic gas lifejackets. Many of our customers fly to sail and prefer to take their own lifejackets on holiday rather than using the local equipment.

The International Air Transport Association or IATA is the governing body that creates regulation for international air transport. We learned from the IATA that it is permitted to transport automatic life jackets in the aircraft. Lifejackets can be carried in carry-on baggage, checked baggage and on the body of one's person. However approval of the flight attendants should be sought. Alongside your lifejacket you are allowed to carry 2 spare cartridges. The pilot in command of the aircraft doesn't need to be informed.

IATA-rules can be found at www.iata.org it may be useful to refer to these if you ever have difficulty. There is no guarantee that all airlines follow the IATA rules, so our advice is to check with your airline before you fly.

We have carried lifejackets on aircraft and never had a problem. We usually check them in our regular luggage. If you have had a bad or good experience in transporting your lifejacket by air, please let us know and we will post them here!

What about Lifejackets for use in Aircraft?

The Marine Warehouse are lifejacket specialists - If you are looking for lifejackets suitable for use in Aircraft visit our store, we stock a wide range of Manual only operated jackets and regularly supply to private pilots.

Pilots should remember that Automatic lifejackets are unsuitable for use in aircraft. Evacuate before inflating to avoid being trapped. If you need help or advice regarding suitability - get in touch!