All: I would like to generate some discussion regarding the creation of a survival kit that can be safely carried on an airline flight without violating the many restrictions passengers now face. Let's try to avoid getting into a discussion about the probability of surviving a crash. Rather, I believe we could benefit from consolidating our ideas regarding those items that could prove valuable in the even of a crash or in an emergency that presents itself prior to linking up to one's checked luggage. Actually, I'm surprised that I haven't uncovered an example of an "airline compliant" kit on equipped or during a recent search of online content. Any thoughts? Thanks, -SMC

Martin Focazio started a good thread a while back. Here's a link to it:

Equipped to fly coach

Beyond a flashlight, whistle, and signal mirror, you can't carry much. The sharp stuff has to be in checked baggage and items like matches and lighters are a no-no.

I just figure that I'll assume the crash position, say a few prayers, and hold on for dear life. <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

you can actually have one lighter with you when you fly, but it has to be a disposible butain lighter, cant be a zippo or something of the sort.

I didn't know that. Last time I flew I removed the Bic lighter from my pack. Do the security folks have a problem with ferrocerium rods on keyrings?

I carried both of my GPS receivers with me; I didn't use them in flight, no point other than being curious. I hadn't considered the VX-5 radio mentioned in the thread. That's a great idea. A simple compass would be a nice to have also.

Besides the exacto blade and fish hooks, what in the Ritter PSK would need to be removed?

I participated in a similarly discussion some time ago on this forum, but am unable to find the link. If we are limiting the discussion to a general-purpose personal survival kit that can be brought on an aircraft as carry on I made the following observations. Looking at the current lists available at www.tsa.gov the following are approved items; scissors -metal with pointed tips and blades shorter than four inches and up to four books of safety matches (non-strike anywhere) permitted as carry on but not checked. Taking the basic contents of my PSK and substituting scissors for a knife and replacing book matches for the Ritter Spark Light, which could be construed as a lighter, I should be good to go. HOWEVER, the TSA Security Checkers are not the sharpest spoons in the drawer and may view a PSK as SUSPICIOUS! I therefore carry these items scattered in my laptop/attaché case as to not draw undue attention. I curse al-Qaeda for the loss of my RIGHT to carry my pocketknife while traveling.

MY KIT'S CONTENTS:
Tin-With Reflective Tape In Lid-Stored In Water Proof Vacuum Bag
Survival Instructions
X2 Pieces Rip-Stop Nylon Tape
X6 MicroPur Water Purification Tables
X2 Gerber Breast Milk Bags
X2 Large 2”x3” Elastic Plasters
X2 Medium 1”x3” Elastic Plasters
X4 Butter Fly Closures
[color:"red"] Scalpel Blade REMOVED [/color]
3 in 1 Antibacterial Cream
X2 Aspirin
Signal Mirror
Heavy Duty Thread / Fishing Line
[color:"red"] Leatherman Micra REPLACE WITH BANDAGE SCISSORS [/color]
Compass
LED Light
[color:"red"] Sparker REPLACED WITH SAFETY MATCHES [/color]
X4 Fire Tinder
Whistle
Snare Wire
Heavy Duty Needle
Misc. Fishing Tackle
X4 Safety Pins
[color:"red"] [/color]

I was thinking that the following items would be OK. All of them would be useful in an emergency situation.

1) Fresnal lens or magnifying glass (one could pack the kind that are used by readers)
2) FAK with bandages, meds, tape, burn cream, antibiotic cream, cleansing wipes etc.
3) Breast feeding bags for water storage.
4) rite-in-the-rain notebook with pen.
5) Compass
6) small sweing kit
7) emergency poncho
8) photon freedom light
9) sunglasses
10) sunscreen
11) tea bags, packets of instant coffee,
12) aluminum foil

It's an interesting question. Last summer my wife and I faced the same issue when we flew to Orlando to visit Mickey. I'm certain that there are many more items that could be added to the list.

Sorry Hurley52, you're wrong:
"All lighters are prohibited as carry-on items. Lighters without fuel are permitted in checked baggage. Lighters with fuel are prohibited in checked baggage, unless they adhere to DOT exemptions, which allow up to two fueled lighters if properly enclosed in a DOT approved case."

When I fly commercial, I carry the Ritter PSK w/o scalpel,a HeatSheet, a travel FAK, Doug's Photon light, and a Surefire.

As for carrying the kit, two jackets come to mind:
1. SCOTTEVEST, specifically designed to carry lots of stuff, and
2. Massif Inferno jacket, designed in Nomex to carry a few important things and to protect the wearer from open flames.

I went with the Massif Inferno Jacket. It has enough pockets to carry the basics. Critical items go in specific pockets. The rest goes into the internal cargo pockets. The Scott eVest is a nice way to go if you need to carry a lot and need lots of pockets, but my memory wouldn't keep it all straight -- too many pockets for my taste.

As far as I know NO lighters are allowed either checked or carried-on. Only up to 4 books of matches are allowed in the carried-on.

Just to make a correction, you cannot carry any lighter with you on carry-on luggage. You may only carry up to two Zippo (not butane) lighters in DOT approved cases in your checked luggage. For reference to these rules about lighters and matches, see http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_multi_image_with_table_0099.shtm. For the full list of permitted and prohibited items, see http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm.