Issues with flying with stoves?

I have never had any issues flying with canister stoves.

I generally put a label on the outside top of my bag, something like “cannister stove no fuel,” then another attached to the stove that I pack at the top of the bag where it’s easy to find.  Overkill, perhaps, but if it helps the TSA from getting nervous, …

The TSA is not concerned about stoves. They ARE concerned about fuel.
If you fill your white gas tank with water and label it ‘water’, they might sniff it to make sure, but a full water bottle is not a problem.

Be very clear that you are not carrying anything at all with fuel in it, and you are fine.

Ah, but what about a Bic cigarette lighter? Curiously, you should not have one of these in your pack UNLESS it is packaged per DoT regulations, but you CAN carry one on board in your pocket.
http://apps.tsa.dhs.gov/mytsa/cib_results.aspx?search=cigarette%20lighter
The logic passes me by, but them’s the rules. I guess they had to allow cigarette smokers their poison, even if they can’t smoke ON the plane.

So, a small clean dry stove: no problems.
Cheers

Backpacking stoves are allowed in checked and carry-on luggage. Fumes are a problem. I wash mine with isopropyl alcohol a few days in advance. Most TSA agents are aware of the regulation, they see a lot of canister stoves. Best to use checked luggage with cottage industry stoves like a Caldera Cone since they rarely see them. You can get through carry-on if you have time to show them the Trail Designs website and time to end up with the full body search in the private room. Never had a problem checking mine. The biggest problem is every airport seems to have their own rules, a fact I often point out to them when time allows – pointing out anything gets you a full body search in the private room.

However, I print this and take it with me.

Years ago Bic lighters were not allowed. Then the TSA changed the rule. I knew I would have a problem, so I printed the regulation and had to eventually get the supervisor to okay it. Also got the full body search in the private room. Even my Known Traveler Number doesn’t help if they perceive you have a poor attitude. But my case might be different since I used to fly a lot and the TSA agents knew me by name in several airports. I didn’t like them and they didn’t like me. Surprising isn’t it?

TSA has an important job to do, but too many agents think they are the police and the public are prisoners. They should treat us like customers. But they are getting better. The best TSA agents are in Dallas. Worst? Newark – no completion or close second place on this one.

Anyway, go to the TSA website for anything you are unsure about, if you can document it and show them it usually works, and be courteous and patient. They really are trying to get better.

Roger, you cannot bring water through a TSA check point unless it is 3 ounces or less in an “approved” TSA container. You cannot bring any fluid unless it is 3 ounces or less. and of course nothing flammable.

I traveled internationally with an old Optimus Nova years ago together with a fuel bottle after giving them a thorough scrub beforehand.

Thanks for the responses. I guess I can pack with a bit of confidence now. It will be a checked bag.