Advice for travelling with gear by air

[Aucilla]

I am a newbie, so here is my newbie question of the day. I am planning to fly on a commercial plane and want to take all my gear but cylinders. Is it OK to just check my BCD and regulator, octopus, mask, etc., in a mesh bag? What has been the experience with that? Or do most folks carry on, except for dive knife of course.

 

[dlndavid]

I am a newbie, so here is my newbie question of the day. I am planning to fly on a commercial plane and want to take all my gear but cylinders. Is it OK to just check my BCD and regulator, octopus, mask, etc., in a mesh bag? What has been the experience with that? Or do most folks carry on, except for dive knife of course.

I use a "carry on" size suitcase with handle and wheels to get around easy. I pack my BCD, reg, computer, mask and snorkel.
I pack my fins, knife and wet suits in my "check in" luggage.
I prefer to have the expensive gear with me at all times, under my supervision, don't trust the baggage handlers to give my gear the attention I do.
You can pack the mesh bag to carry your gear around once you get where you are going.
Regards,

 

[Damselfish]

I pack regs/computer/mask in carryon and check the rest like fins/BC/suit in a sturdy rolling duffel. I'd carry on my BC if I could fit it, I don't know how some people do it.

Don't check a mesh bag, not enough protection and you really don't want to advertise scuba gear. Get a generic (not scuba-branded) hard or soft bag with wheels. Pack the mesh bag for when you get to your destination.

 

[Aucilla]

What a wonderful thing, this forum is. Thank you both! And all!

 

[donacheson]

I am a newbie, so here is my newbie question of the day. I am planning to fly on a commercial plane and want to take all my gear but cylinders. Is it OK to just check my BCD and regulator, octopus, mask, etc., in a mesh bag? What has been the experience with that? Or do most folks carry on, except for dive knife of course.

Forget the mesh bag and get something with wheels which doesn't advertise that it contains scuba gear.

If you're travelling to the tropics, you can, if you try, get everything into a 22-inch wheelaboard and a small shoulder bag and not have to check any luggage on many airline flights. However, be prepared to have to check the larger bag and carry essentials in the one carried aboard. For me, the only dive gear essentials are a bathing suit, skins, prescription mask, and computer. Other dive gear can easily be rented in most places if my checked baggage is lost or delayed.

 

[Scuba65]

I do my regs/dive computer as carry-ons cause that is very expensive equipment and it's something you don't want thrown around..your life depends on that for breathing. the BCD, fins, etc. i put in a hard bag and so far never had a problem. but, do carry your regs/computer with you. good luck

 

[jepuskar]

Akona makes some very nice travel bags designed for Scuba equipment. I use one of their biggest models and pack my fins, masks, BC, wetsuits, etc in that. It also comes with a regulator bag which I put my reg in, along with my computers and anything else I dont want out of sight, as I use it as a carry-on.

Works very well and to date no equipment has been damaged.

Jason

 

[00scuba]

I have been taught by my buddy to bring my reg and computer as carry on...so you know where it is and how it is handled. Akona makes a great bag that i use for travel and it has a bag especially for the reg and computer!

 

[Willar]

I use a laptop computer case for my reg/computer. The inside is heavily padded and plenty big enough to safely roll the hoses. This way I also have pockets for tickets, magazines, logbook, etc.

 

[Aucilla]

This is all really nice stuff! How about this: I will be going on a dive boat off Lauderdale.

Should I pack my own weight belt? I am going to put everything is a suitcase and there is room. Or should I get one to use down there?