Traveling with PFD's

[DollFin]

As the Texas Blind Sailing Team is leaving for Japan shortly, we're wondering what people's experience is when it comes to traveling with PFD's, especially the self-inflating kind. From the information we've read, it should be legal to pack one as long as the cylinder is disabled, but knowing how, er, "enthusiastic" some TSA agents can be, we'd hate to encounter any difficulties with our checked luggage, so we just wanted to hear from others who travel internationally with PFD's, find out what y'all do and know if you've ever experienced any issues. Thanks!

[BJSailor]

Pack the cartridge separately from the PFD.  Better yet, have sealed packages of new cartridges packed separately from the PFD.  Hedge you bets and mail/ship new cartridges to your destination.