transporting cell lines on board of international airflight - how? (Sep/13/2008 )

Dear all
I would like to take some cell lines stocked in cell banker with me on board of a 13-hr international airflight, but I do not know how should they be properly stored and handled? is there, for example special packages for such purpose?
comments are welcome
thanks

Check out the IATA regulations on this sort of thing. If you do not follow them and they catch you, be prepared to be arrested, pay a big fine and have your stuff destroyed. The following link is a good basic guide: http://ehs.columbia.edu/transport.html. Your best bet is to contact the airline (some won't allow this sort of thing) and ask them. Be sure to find out about import/export regulations for your countries.

Basically: If you are taking them as live cells in a flask, you will need to fill the flask up completely to the top with medium and then put a non-permeable cap (i.e. not a filter/breathable one) on it tightly then wrap around the lid in parafilm, seal in a bag with absorbent material capable of absorbing the entire spill. Then package inside an unbreakable container with more absorbent material and finally inside a box labelled with destination address, biohazard stickers and the like, and finally import permits and customs declarations. Be prepared to have it inspected at the borders both going out from your start and going into the destination.

You will not be allowed to carry Liquid N₂ or dry ice on board with you (explosive and suffocating potential). Items of this sort will at least have to go in the hold of the aircraft and are most likely to go on a cargo flight.

All in all, you are better off paying for a courier company to take it as they know the regulations and can supply appropriate packaging (usually). I can recommend World Couriers

I don't think you are allow to carry cell line on plane.

Two years ago, my previous PI tried to carry a suspension cell line in a 10ml tube... but he got caught...and had to discard it at the airport.

You would better pay a courier company, as bob1 suggested.

Since 9.11 it's almost impossible to get on a plane with liquids.
Before that we use to transfer it the way BOB1 described.

So, if you're flying from the stats you're better off freezing them and shipping them in dry ice.
Anywhere else and you shouldn't have a problem.