Travel with Bp/w bcd??

[RJP]

I've travelled all over the world with a steel BP and a weighted STA. 12lbs.

I also carry two reg sets, two computers, a can light, two backups, Jetfins, a spool or two, an SMB, a drysuit, undergarments, a backup wetsuit, and a bunch of other crap. I can get it all - plus whatever few clothes I may bring on a dive trip - into two under-50lb suitcases. Travel a lot for work so have elite status on several airlines and enough FF-linked credit cards that I never need to pay baggage fees. On United I can bring three 75lb bags anywhere in the world with no charge.

 

[djanni]

I bet your suitcases have "dive gear inside" written all over then too.

I've travelled all over the world with a steel BP and a weighted STA. 12lbs.

I also carry two reg sets, two computers, a can light, two backups, Jetfins, a spool or two, an SMB, a drysuit, undergarments, a backup wetsuit, and a bunch of other crap. I can get it all - plus whatever few clothes I may bring on a dive trip - into two under-50lb suitcases. Travel a lot for work so have elite status on several airlines and enough FF-linked credit cards that I never need to pay baggage fees. On United I can bring three 75lb bags anywhere in the world with no charge.

 

[Colliam7]

So I am wondering does anyone use an steel backplate and still fly places? do you just pay an overweight fee? or is aluminium the way to go?

My wife and I carry TWO SS backplates (and wings, etc.) when we travel internationally. They are not a problem. This year, I did put my plate in the laptop compartment of my backpack, so it id not count against the checked baggage weight limit. I also use a soft, lightweight (but durable) duffel bag, rather than a hard-sided suitcase, to reduce unnecessary weight.

 

[ronscuba]

I usually travel with 1 suitcase and a carry-on. My camera equipment comes with me in the carry-on. Dive gear (ALU or soft plate) and clothes in the suitcase. My checked bag consistently comes in close to 50 lbs. I'd rather be a few pounds light in case I buy any souvenirs.

Do an easy experiment. Pack for a 1 week dive trip and weigh your suitcase full. Dive gear, a weeks worth of clothes, shoes, toiletries, etc.. With a SS plate, I bet you are close or over 50 lbs with a standard suitcase.

The duffle bag idea works and saves you almost 10 pounds, but wheeled luggage is a lot easier to move around. Plus I've had a few bad experiences with equipment getting damaged in a duffle bag since it doesn't have hard sides.

If I have to bring a 2nd bag, I like to use a medium sized duffle and put non fragile items in it. Being medium sized, I put it on top of my wheeled suitcase when moving around.

You can definitely travel with a SS plate as many have mentioned, but it often requires a 2nd bag or bringing it in your carry on.

 

[RJP]

I bet your suitcases have "dive gear inside" written all over then too.

Nope. A couple of el cheapo rolling duffle bags.

 

[DennisC]

ok well thats reassuring. I also have jet fins so that was a lot of weight I was thinking about but if I could take my backplate off that would be even better. now here is my next question and I'm sure someone will complain but idk how to take apart and re assemble my bp/w setup. I'm assuming its not to hard correct?

 

[TravisD]

I wish one of the BP/W manufacturers would come up with a backpack shell accessory to turn it into a carry-all

 

[fisheater]

I wish one of the BP/W manufacturers would come up with a backpack shell accessory to turn it into a carry-all

Not yet, but a few DIYers have done so.

 

[RJP]

ok well thats reassuring. I also have jet fins so that was a lot of weight I was thinking about but if I could take my backplate off that would be even better. now here is my next question and I'm sure someone will complain but idk how to take apart and re assemble my bp/w setup. I'm assuming its not to hard correct?

What do you need to "take apart" other than taking the wing and cam bands off the plate?

Take a look at where everything is. Take a few pics with your phone before taking it apart, then put it all back together the same way,

 

[ErikNYC]

Would the newly released SS XT Lite Backplate from Dive Rite be a better solution for travel and everyday use? I'm looking to buy my first BP/W setup this week. I dive in mainly cold, but warm waters as well when traveling.

SCUBA Diving Equipment for Technical, Sidemount, Rebreather, Wreck and Cave Diving: Dive Rite, Inc - Product Catalog - Stainless Steel XT Lite Backplate