Originally Posted by JohnSanders
In other words, you know it's wrong, but want to pretend that it isn't. Why do you think that obvious safety rules don't apply to you? It is impossible to completely empty any fuel canister of residual fuel. It is completely irresponsible to even think about taking a gas canister on an aircraft, and thus potentially endanger hundreds of lives. Gas canisters and camping stoves are cheap enough to buy new. If you can afford to fly from SFO to NZ, then you can afford to buy new gear.
Not quite sure if that is what the OP was saying ... and a bit of a harsh response perhaps.
I haven't worked at United in many years, but I seem to recall that camping stoves were acceptable as long as they were purged of fuel. I don't believe that they will accept a fuel cannister, though, even if it's empty.
Just call United international reservations (1-800-JET-AWAY) and ask what the current rules are.