For one reason or another, you might someday want to travel with your paintball gear. These days, flying is more of a pain than ever, so you might be wondering what to do about your paintball gun and your tank. Are there any special rules?
Well, I got curious, as I plan to do some traveling before long and looked them up myself. So, here are the TSA guidelines as of Oct. 15 2009. As you know, these are subject to change at a moment's notice, but it's a good start.
For your marker
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1745.shtm
You cannot bring markers (aka Paintball Guns) in your carry-on luggage. Pack them in your checked baggage. We do not consider paintball guns to be firearms and you can pack them in unlocked, soft or hard sided luggage.
Please also read our section on compressed gas cylinders for more information. Traveling with compressed gas cylinders.
For your tank
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/compressed_gas.shtm
Compressed gas cylinders are allowed in checked baggage or as a carry-on ONLY if the regulator valve is completely disconnected from the cylinder and the cylinder is no longer sealed (i.e. the cylinder has an open end). The cylinder must have an opening to allow for a visual inspection inside.
Our Security Officers will NOT remove the seal or regulator valve from the cylinder at the checkpoint. If the cylinder is sealed (i.e. the regulator valve is still attached), the cylinder is prohibited and not permitted through the security checkpoint, regardless of the reading on the pressure gauge indicator. Our Security Officers must visibly ensure that the cylinder is completely empty and that there are no prohibited items inside.
Please note: Many of the seals/regulators used in paintball are not designed to be removed from their cylinder by the end user. The seal/regulator should only be removed and reinstalled by a factory trained technician.
Passengers considering air travel with a compressed air or CO2 system would be advised to contact its manufacturer for guidance in locating a qualified technician, or to consider shipping the system to their destination via a parcel service.