Thanks to all for your replies. I think as long as my stove & bottles are scrupulously free of all fuel and residue, I should be able to check them without declaring them. I wouldn't want someone making up their own rules and taking the stuff out of my luggage, which I assume will be searched. I'd be interested in hearing of more experiences which other VFFT members may have had. I'm flying Northwestern, whose website says:
"Hazardous and Prohibited Items
Certain items are considered hazardous and are prohibited from air transportation by federal law. You may not travel with these items as checked, cabin-seat, or carry-on luggage. Examples of these items include:
* Flammable Items: fuel, paints, lighter fluid, matches
* Explosive Materials: fireworks, signal flares, sparklers, freon, helium, gunpowder
* Dangerous Chemicals: bleach, adhesives, linseed oil, spray starch, insecticides, cleaners and solvents, wet-cell batteries (except those in wheelchairs), pepper spray
* Pressure Containers: spray cans, butane, fuel, scuba tanks, propane tanks, fire extinguishers, CO2 cartridges, self-inflating rafts
For a complete list of hazardous items that are not accepted for air transportation, visit www.tsa.gov"
Here is what the TSA website
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1187.shtm
says on the subject.
"Traveling with Special Items
Camping
Outdoor enthusiasts should prepare and pack carefully so that they don't have to surrender items at the security checkpoint or have them removed from their checked baggage. A specific list of all permitted and prohibited items is at (link). Below is information specific to camping and outdoor activities:
Camp Stoves - These can travel as carry-on or checked luggage only if they are empty of all fuel and cleaned so that there are no vapors or residue left. Simply emptying the fuel container will leave flammable vapors. We recommend that you ship the fuel containers to your destination ahead of time - passengers frequently have to leave them at the checkpoint because of fuel vapors.
Gasoline - You cannot bring any flammable liquids, including gasoline, in either your carry-on or checked luggage.
Aerosol insecticides - You cannot bring any hazardous aerosols, such as insecticides, in either your carry-on or checked luggage. Personal items like hair sprays and deodorants in limited quantities are allowed.
Compressed Gas Cylinders - If you plan on traveling with a compressed gas cylinder such as carbon-dioxide, please read our information on traveling with these items. Transporting Compressed Gas Cylinders
Lighters and Matches - Lighters are not permitted. You may bring up to four books of matches. Fueled lighters are permitted in checked baggage only, and only if they are empty or meet the DOT exemption. Be sure to read our section on lighters and matches.
Flare Guns - You may pack flare guns in checked baggage, but they MUST be unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided container, and declared to the airline at check-in. You may not pack these items in your carry-on bag.
Flares - You may not bring flares in either your carry-on bag or checked luggage.
Knives and Tools - You may not bring knives and certain tools in your carry-on luggage. Pack these items in your checked luggage. Please sheath or securely wrap any sharp objects in your checked luggage so that it does not injure baggage handlers and security officers.
Animal Repellants - You can bring chemical repellants in your checked luggage if the volume is less than 4 ounces and its active ingredient is less than 2%. Most bear repellants exceed these limitations. We suggest you buy these items at your destination and leave them behind when your trip is over.
Hunting and Fishing – If you are planning on taking hunting or fishing gear on your trip, please read our information on traveling with this equipment. Traveling with Hunting and Fishing Equipment."
). Repackage the stove in its original packaging and hope for the best.
