*Warning re: Delta Airlines

[Gravitymaster 0]

If anyone is thinking about booking your next skydiving vacation on Delta Airlines and you have a Cypres, better think again.
I just returned from Dulles Airport outside Washington D.C. after being refused boarding for a trip to Florida. I attempted to carry my rig on inside my gear bag and was stopped by TSA and questioned about my Cypres. I showed them my Cypres card and USPA card. TSA said the final decision was up to Delta. A Delta supervisor showed up and after consulting by telephone with her boss, said I could not board the plane even if I checked my rig.
Just though everyone should know so you can make a better decision on what airline you will book in the future. My vacation has been ruined.

Bob

[RevJim 0]

I just emailed Delta asking about this. Depending on what they have to say (or not say) will decide if I ever use Delta again.

Low ticket prices are NOT enough to make me choose an airline.

It's your life, live it!
Karma
RB#684 "Corcho", ASK#60, Muff#3520, NCB#398, NHDZ#4, C-33989, DG#1

[falxori 0]

so much for "show your card, and you wont have any trouble..."
i'm sure many have boarded delta flights with their rig before, so i doubt chosing a different airline will make sure you'll get on board.
you won't know until its too late.

i hate the thought of planning a vacation, spending money and being at the mercy of some random person...

sorry for your vacation
O

"Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero."

[Gravitymaster 0]

Please let me know what they say. I will be getting in touch with USPA and Airtech on Monday.

If this can't be resolved immediately, I will remove my cypres from my rig whenever I fly. I have had nothing but headaches and lies from Delta since I started trying to book this trip.

I am done with Delta for good.

Bob

[narcimund 0]

Read through the forums. You'll see a random mix of success and failure stories. This isn't a "Delta" problem. It's a lousy system problem.

First Class Citizen Twice Over

[ECVZZ 0]

Really sorry to hear that your vacation was wrecked.

It seems that Grandma, with her nail clippers, and you,with your Cypres pose a very real threat to aircraft safety.

Common sense has been left by the wayside in this overreaction to terrorist threat.

Greg

[Jessica 0]

I don't know. I've NEVER heard of someone being denied boarding even if he checked his rig!!! My God!

The last time I tried to fly with mine, nothing I could say would convince them to let me carry it on. The fat security guard, one of four grown men surrounding me in the hoopla after they figured out what it was (I'm a smallish, meek-looking girl) actually said to me, "I can't let you take that on in case you hijack the plane then escape."

I'm afraid we might be slowly entering a brave new world of airline travel.

Skydiving is for cool people only

[dbattman 0]

This sounds like a communication/information issue at the airport. My rig has been pawed over by TSA at the checkpoint and at the gate and they have never denied me access.

[WFFC 1]

Great...I fly them in three weeks but I've also got an email from them that says I can carry my rig on as long as it fits the carry on dimensions...We'll see what happens...

-----
~~~Michael

[Sonic 0]

Did you ask to speak to the pilot? I believe they have final say on who gets on.

-----------------------------------
It's like something out of that twilighty show about that zone

[flyangel2 2]

Sorry to hear your vacation was wrecked. My suggestion to you is to not give up, push the issue with them till they give you free airline tickets to fly were ever you want. (where were you traveling from and going to?)
I've only had one problem years ago, and I can't remember the airline. Finally they let me board with the rig. I fly on buddy passes so naturally I get all my bags opened and inspected. I've never had a problem with United. They seem to know what the rig and cypress is about. Too bad they may not be around
Please keep us posted as to what Delta says so we are prepared the next time we travel.
Oh, don't take the cypress out, your safety is important.

May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey

[SpeedRacer 1]

what a bunch of bullshit. I think I used USAir or maybe northwestern the last time I flew with my rig (I had it in a carryon bag). They actually had an official written policy that it was OK to take sport parachutes on the plane. I think this is the first time in recent years I've heard about this problem.

Speed Racer
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[Gravitymaster 0]

This particular incident was a "Delta" problem. TSA contacted the Delta supervisor who in turn contacted her supervisor. I was told by the Delta supervisor that "Delta" would not allow me on their plane. Of course in the intrest of "Customer Relations" she tried to backpedal and blame TSA as I was being escorted out of the boarding area.

I'm trying to book another flight for tomorrow on United and I think I'm going to check the rig. Not so worried about getting on as I am returning. Sure would suck to be stuck in Florida with no way home.

[flyangel2 2]

Quote

Great...I fly them in three weeks but I've also got an email from them that says I can carry my rig on as long as it fits the carry on dimensions...We'll see what happens...

Michael, just because it's you, they aren't going to allow you to board, with our without your rig.

May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey

[narcimund 0]

When you demand free airline tickets and the value of your vacation in cash plus a big apology, be sure to point out:

Delta's online carry-on policy about parachutes

Quote

Parachutes
Sport parachutes are accepted under the rules and procedures for carry-on baggage provided no items classified as dangerous goods (example: pressurized oxygen cylinders) are included.

First Class Citizen Twice Over

[Iflyme 0]

Good for you for digging up and posting this policy, Narcimund ...

I would have gone beserk if I was refused like Gravitymaster was! Unfortunately, the world has changed alot since 9/11, and this is just one more example. I hope you fight this one until you are satisfied with the outcome, Gravitymaster!

[Craig 0]

EDIT: oops, seems I was not the only one looking this up
From the Delta web page:

Parachutes
Sport parachutes are accepted under the rules and procedures for carry-on baggage provided no items classified as dangerous goods (example: pressurized oxygen cylinders) are included.


http://www.delta.com/travel/trav_serv/bag_info/sp_handling/sporting/index.jsp#Para

Dnagerous goods are:

compressed gases
corrosives
explosives
fireworks
flammable liquids and solids
lighter fluid
loaded firearms
mace/tear gas
oxidizers
oxygen bottles
paints
poisons
radioactive materials

And it has been discussed that none of the above make up the CYPRES unit.

[freeflir29 0]

Definately...I would write letters, email, and make phone calls until they fessed up a whole lotta cash and free tickets!!!!!!! You might also think about contacting your local news station consumer reporter. They love stuff like this. Good luck.....I'll also call my Dad and ask him who to contact at Delta to make some REAL waves. He is retired...worked for them for 42 years and knows one or two people....

[Gravitymaster 0]

The problem was she kept insisting the Cypres was compressed gas and didn't want to hear my explaination. One of the TSA people even tried to tell me you couldn't skydive from 23,000' because you would get sucked out of an airplane if you opened the door up at that altitude. I told him I had done high altitude jumps and it didn't happen, but he continued to insist I was wrong. What are ya going to do? (beating head on keyboard)

[Michele 1]

Quote

When you demand free airline tickets and the value of your vacation in cash plus a big apology, be sure to point out:

Rawk on, Narcimund!!!

Go get 'em, dewd! Get yourself free tickets, and the value of your vacation. Let us know!

Ciels-
Michele

~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek
While our hearts lie bleeding?~

[Jessica 0]

Quote

Definately...I would write letters, email, and make phone calls until they fessed up a whole lotta cash and free tickets!!!!!!! You might also think about contacting your local news station consumer reporter. They love stuff like this.

MUAHAHAHA!!!!!

That's a great idea! Do it! Grr! I'm all riled up now! Fuckin' Delta!

Skydiving is for cool people only

[freakous 0]

Quote

The problem was she kept insisting the Cypres was compressed gas and didn't want to hear my explaination. One of the TSA people even tried to tell me you couldn't skydive from 23,000' because you would get sucked out of an airplane if you opened the door up at that altitude. I told him I had done high altitude jumps and it didn't happen, but he continued to insist I was wrong. What are ya going to do? (beating head on keyboard)

But, you are talking apples and oranges here. When you did your high altitude jumps the cabin was never pressurized hence the need for a oxgyen supplement. Commercial airlines pressurize the cabin. I haven't been in a situation where a door has been blown off a pressurized cabin at 23,000. Basically, your were both right just not speaking the same language.

It sucks you weren't allowed on the plane, that in itself would have led me to postalism! Specifally, since I have a Delta flight in two months!!!

[CrazyIvan 0]

Fly Continental, they have no problem with that.

__________________________________________
Blue Skies and May the Force be with you.

[craichead 0]

Quote

One of the TSA people even tried to tell me you couldn't skydive from 23,000' because you would get sucked out of an airplane if you opened the door up at that altitude.

Silly TSA officer! What did that comment have to do with anything? Did he think you were going to jump from a commercial aircraft? At 23,000' in a pressurized cabin, you wouldn't even be able to open the door. If part of the fuselage happened to get ripped off at 23,000' in a pressurized cabin, then yes, suckage would occur.

-P

__
"Scared of love, love and aeroplanes...falling out, I said takes no brains." -- Andy Partridge (XTC)

[ffhunne 0]

That sucks! I'm flying Alaska Air to Arizona in January, anybody know what their policy is? I'll take a look at the website **fingers crossed**

amanda