need to get some of these canisters to my son in Iraq. If they can't go in an airplane what options do we have to get them there?

If you can contact his unit rear detachment, maybe through the family readiness group, FRG, they might be able to help you. You can ship these on military aircraft as cargo if you/they do they correct hazardous material declarations.

There is no other option. They can only be sent by ground transportation which means North America UPS only. Fuel cannisters are listed as flammable gas and are restricted articles on commercial aircraft. No airline will accept for transport. You can try ups or fed ex. depending on the quantity they may ship them.