Oscar47f
Valuable Member
Anyone who travels should carry a copy of the regulations or have it pulled up on their phone it’s not a problem in Orlando where I am since it’s a big hub for coral lol but some places less so
How do people transport corals back from out of town shows
- Thread starter jamo130788
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Rtaylor
Valuable Member
You aren’t required to follow the 3.5 oz , 1 quart bag rule for coral. It’s an exception. I would think major Florida airports experience this somewhat regularly. I would be more worried in Chicago or Minneapolis for example.
FishyFishFish
Valuable Member
The regulation that says the decision rests with the TSA officer?
I'm not saying it won't get through - it might, but it might not, irrespective of the regulations. I accept that you're probably less likely to have a problem in Florida, particularly if you go home at the end of an expo where lots of people have been through the airport over the previous couple of days.
FishyFishFish
Valuable Member
Everything is up to the TSA officer!
As an example, have a look here Flying with Coral - TSA Experience | REEF2REEF Saltwater and Reef Aquarium Forum
There are various experiences from people, despite what the rules say. It appears that most people don't have a problem, but in that thread there are people who have had to open the bags to have the water tested, people who have had to empty water to get it below 3.5oz per bag, people who have not been allowed their coral on, and even one person who was allowed through security but blocked by the airline.
Despite how important/expensive your coral is to you, it isn't to TSA. Their job is security and if they are unsure of the regulations then sometimes it's safer for them to say no; it might even just come down to how busy the airport is at the time. You can quote the regulations but if they're not having it then you can't argue - I have been there (not with coral) and it doesn't work!
If you want to risk it then go for it; you will probably be ok. But if you do get stopped you will either have to leave security and try to get them shipped, or throw them away. Is it worth the stress and worry during the expo visit to always be concerned about your return home?
As an example, have a look here Flying with Coral - TSA Experience | REEF2REEF Saltwater and Reef Aquarium Forum
There are various experiences from people, despite what the rules say. It appears that most people don't have a problem, but in that thread there are people who have had to open the bags to have the water tested, people who have had to empty water to get it below 3.5oz per bag, people who have not been allowed their coral on, and even one person who was allowed through security but blocked by the airline.
Despite how important/expensive your coral is to you, it isn't to TSA. Their job is security and if they are unsure of the regulations then sometimes it's safer for them to say no; it might even just come down to how busy the airport is at the time. You can quote the regulations but if they're not having it then you can't argue - I have been there (not with coral) and it doesn't work!
If you want to risk it then go for it; you will probably be ok. But if you do get stopped you will either have to leave security and try to get them shipped, or throw them away. Is it worth the stress and worry during the expo visit to always be concerned about your return home?
I typically drive to shows, as I cannot carry what I buy in a stow away bags lol. Here is my setup. All hooks into a power inverter. Items in bags and cups just float in the fresh made SW. this setup is also used for collecting in south Florida. No issues with everything making it back to TN alive.
Pumps and spray bars serve a dual purpose. For corals in bags, they circulate the water and allow the temp to be easily maintained. For live stock in the cooler, same thing, but aerate it as well. There is also a hole in the top corner of each bubbler to feed an airline through that get hooked to a bubbler. The battery pack on the cart keeps all running for 30 hours if not hooked to an inverter. Great for those long days of snorkeling and collecting. Also great for walking around shows lol. Open cooler, plop in baggie and keep a stable temp all day long. Battery pack is also removable.
Overkill, I know, but zero losses from collecting and no losses due to temp swings or anything like that from shows.
Pics are from my small coolers. I have a massive one setup the same way with a custom built cart to fit it.
Pumps and spray bars serve a dual purpose. For corals in bags, they circulate the water and allow the temp to be easily maintained. For live stock in the cooler, same thing, but aerate it as well. There is also a hole in the top corner of each bubbler to feed an airline through that get hooked to a bubbler. The battery pack on the cart keeps all running for 30 hours if not hooked to an inverter. Great for those long days of snorkeling and collecting. Also great for walking around shows lol. Open cooler, plop in baggie and keep a stable temp all day long. Battery pack is also removable.
Overkill, I know, but zero losses from collecting and no losses due to temp swings or anything like that from shows.
Pics are from my small coolers. I have a massive one setup the same way with a custom built cart to fit it.
Daniel@R2R
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Great discussion!!
Live Coral | Transportation Security Administration
Live corals in water and a clear transparent container are allowed after inspection by the TSA officer.
WaterWorld
Community Member
This guy
I've brought back coral and fish from all over the country. Put them in plastic bags inside foam coffee cups for insulation. Just tell them there live coral +/or fish and you're going through. Don't act cocky or snotty, respect the system.
ultraArcite
Active Member
SaltwaterAquarium.com has a TSA-compliant frag transport device!
12 Frags - Personal Frag Transport - Building an Obsession
Free Shipping on Everything, Rewards, Free Swag, Price Matching & Free Returns.
www.saltwateraquarium.com
FishyFishFish
Valuable Member
SaltwaterAquarium.com has a TSA-compliant frag transport device!
12 Frags - Personal Frag Transport - Building an Obsession
Free Shipping on Everything, Rewards, Free Swag, Price Matching & Free Returns.
I can make my own TSA compliant frag transport device out of a clear plastic bottle. That doesn't guarantee that TSA will allow it through.
As previously mentioned, I have previously had TSA compliant items confiscated at security and other threads I have read on R2R have indicated that other people have had problems carrying corals through.
I am not saying you shouldn't be able to do it and the regulations do clearly allow it, and maybe the chances of anyone getting stopped are negligible, but it is possible despite what the regulations say. It is for each individual to determine whether the 'risk' is worth the reward.
Isolatedreefer
Community Member
Has anbody on here had experience in bringing coral or fish back to Canada from a show in the USA?
jokerman826
Valuable Member
this guy
jokerman826
Valuable Member
not a certification, just information. Building an Obsession is the company that i know does it
Jurgo
Community Member
I'm planning to go to RAP in CA, how many frags can I bring in small cups? Is there a limit?
nezw0001
Well-Known Member
I just went through this situation going home from RAP. The TOTAL amount of water allowed was 3.5OZ. Even got a supervisor involved. They wouldn't budge at the Orlando airport. Ended up having to check my cooler. Luckily I brought some duct tape and taped the lid. When I picked it back up at baggage claim in MSP it had been opened and resealed by TSA. My recommendation to everyone is to be prepared to have to check your frags.
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