SkyEurope refuse to carry aviation lifejackets!

[richatom]

I currently work as a ferry pilot, so I have to take airlines to pick up a plane somewhere. This means I have to take a fair bit of kit with me on the airline - including an aviation lifevest. This lifevest is exactly the same as those that are under every seat on the plane. However, airport security rarely let me carry them as hand-luggage, so I have to put them in the hold luggage.

On one recent flight with SkyEurope, they lost my lifejacket which was in hold luggage. I gave them all the proof required to make a claim - eg original recieipt, original baggage tags. But they have just sent me a letter refusing to refund me for my lost life-jacket because they claim that it is "dangerous cargo" and I shouldn't have had it with me in the first place!!!

I actually have to fly with SkyEurope again on Monday to pick up another plane - but I won't be able to take my replacement jacket with me so will have to fly back over the Adriatic and Med without a lifejacket or raft. Any suggestions - apart from taking one of theirs from under the seat which I won't do.

[sleeper]

I guess you ferry for third parties. Shouldn't they have the aircraft ready for the ferry, that is INCLUDING things like lifevests.

[clevlandHD]

Just had a quick look at the DG manual. P15 (provisions for dangerous goods carried by pax or crew) says that "non-flammable gas cylinder fitted into a life jacket containing carbon dioxide or other suitable gas in div 2.2, up to 2 small cylinders per pax, and up to 2 spare cartridges." are: 1) permitted in or as carry-on; 2) permitted in or as checked baggage; 3) permitted on one's person and 4) the approval of the operator is required (5 : notoc not req'd).

So, you are allowed to take it but need the airline's approval. If they lost it, obviously they will say that they had not given it. Good luck!

[BFLIGHT]

Apologies for a slight drift in the thread, but three years ago I took an internal flight in the U.S.A. from KSFO to KRNO. When unable to find my lifejacket on the 737 I asked the flight attendant where it was. "You got your ass on it boy, the seat cushion is your flotation aid!" she said. When you think about it quite a bit of weight saved and less time taken on the pre-flight demo??

[richatom]

I'd guess that was a few years ago? JAR regulations are that you have to have lifejackets if you go any where near water and I would imagine FAA regulations are similar.

[Riccardo]

Haven't done any pick ups but I've been involved with a few returns as escorting maintenance crew. The manufacturer to whom the plane ws being returned would send via FedEx a big bag full of emergency gear - raft, flares, ELT, lifevests, arctic survival stuff :eek: - ahead of time so that it was ready for loading onto the a/c at the departure station.

Surely your customers should be doing the same, but the other way round?