On my last trip I stuffed all my gear into a carry on bag so it would not be stolen (very heavy). Does everyone else do this or take their chances with checking the bag? how are people traveling with all this gear? Any tips/ideas would be appreciated. thanks.
airline travel with scuba gear
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StSomewhere
Contributor
I keep my regs, computer and log book in my carry on bag (actually in a reg bag inside my carry on bag), everything else -- neoprene, BCD, fins/mask/snorkel, misc. dive stuff -- goes into the dive bag. The stuff in the dive bag could be rented (or replaced), but I personally wouldn't want to rent a regulator or dive computer. YMMV.
When you check your dive bag, make sure it doesn't look like a dive bag.
When you check your dive bag, make sure it doesn't look like a dive bag.
ibnygator
Contributor
I agree with what Somewhere said, but I also put my gas analyzer in my carry on bag.
rab
Contributor
Well, my dive bag looks like a dive bag whether it's checked or not (and it ain't gettin' carried on!) In fact, if someone is specifically looking to steal a checked bag full of dive gear, then any simple attempt to camouflage it may be futile. I do make sure to be at the baggage carrousel in time to watch my bag appear. (Of course, if airport/airline/TSA workers are keen to steal your stuff you're screwed as soon as it's checked.)
Having your carry-on bag(s) actually look like dive bags can be a good thing, however. I was able to strike up a conversation with a couple guys in Ft.Lauderdale with a dry box and an Akona carry-on while we were all waiting for a flight back to Cincinnati.
-Rob
Having your carry-on bag(s) actually look like dive bags can be a good thing, however. I was able to strike up a conversation with a couple guys in Ft.Lauderdale with a dry box and an Akona carry-on while we were all waiting for a flight back to Cincinnati.
-Rob
MtnDiver
Guest
You can actually buy locks now for your checked bags that are approved by TSA (have a little red diamond on them). TSA is supposed to be able to open them with a special key and then re-lock after inspection.
I've used them a couple of times so far with no problems. Still, I carry on my log, camera, computer, regs, etc. But, it does give you a little more peace of mind for the stuff you do check (fins, wetsuit, etc).
The locks are available at Walgreens around here. Probably most places that carry travel locks have them also. Here's a link to the info on the TSA website: TSA Approved Locks
I've used them a couple of times so far with no problems. Still, I carry on my log, camera, computer, regs, etc. But, it does give you a little more peace of mind for the stuff you do check (fins, wetsuit, etc).
The locks are available at Walgreens around here. Probably most places that carry travel locks have them also. Here's a link to the info on the TSA website: TSA Approved Locks
mike_s
Contributor
Like the above said, most people keep their regulator/computer and camera and maybe mask in their carry own bag, based on it's value and smaller size.
Then you put pretty much everything else in a checked bag.
Suggestions for checked bags:
* Don't buy a scuba bag that has dive logo's or names all over it. The dive logos just tell people what's in them and increase your chances of theft.
* Get one with roller wheels. Scuba stuff ain't lite.
* lots of exterior pockets just mean more pockets to lock or easily steal stuff from.
* regulator pocket on front of bag means that it's easily crushed when other luggage is stacked on top of it.
* Besides your standard luggage tag, put your cell phone number (if US vacation) and your vacation hotel/city and phone number on the tag. That way if it's lost they are more likely to get it to you.
* use the TSA approved travel locks so they won't have to cut off your locks for inspections. Also put small "cable ties" or zip ties on each of the zippers in addition to the locks. This keeps people out of them somewhat and a cut or missing tie will show you that someone has tampered with it or your bag.
* If you are going to buy a new bag, go ahead and spend the money and get one made for scuba gear instead of a "Wal-Mart Special". The cheaper bags are made out of thinner fabric and have crappy wimpy zippers that won't hold up to heavy gear and saltwater on the bag. Trust me on this. The wal-mart bag fabric and zippers for me just didn't hold up to abuse.
* Take a smaller foldable gear bag to use as a "boat bag" one you arrive at your destination. A snorkle fin bag is also nice if you are just going on a snorkle trip while there.
* place a really "wild" or "loud" colored ribbon on the handle of ALL of your bags so you can identify them on the luggage carrousel. this also keeps other people from accidentally picking up your bag if they notice the ribbon.
*wrap anything somewhat fragile in a beach towel in the bag.
Hope all that helps. I'm sure others can offer some additional advice.
-mike
Then you put pretty much everything else in a checked bag.
Suggestions for checked bags:
* Don't buy a scuba bag that has dive logo's or names all over it. The dive logos just tell people what's in them and increase your chances of theft.
* Get one with roller wheels. Scuba stuff ain't lite.
* lots of exterior pockets just mean more pockets to lock or easily steal stuff from.
* regulator pocket on front of bag means that it's easily crushed when other luggage is stacked on top of it.
* Besides your standard luggage tag, put your cell phone number (if US vacation) and your vacation hotel/city and phone number on the tag. That way if it's lost they are more likely to get it to you.
* use the TSA approved travel locks so they won't have to cut off your locks for inspections. Also put small "cable ties" or zip ties on each of the zippers in addition to the locks. This keeps people out of them somewhat and a cut or missing tie will show you that someone has tampered with it or your bag.
* If you are going to buy a new bag, go ahead and spend the money and get one made for scuba gear instead of a "Wal-Mart Special". The cheaper bags are made out of thinner fabric and have crappy wimpy zippers that won't hold up to heavy gear and saltwater on the bag. Trust me on this. The wal-mart bag fabric and zippers for me just didn't hold up to abuse.
* Take a smaller foldable gear bag to use as a "boat bag" one you arrive at your destination. A snorkle fin bag is also nice if you are just going on a snorkle trip while there.
* place a really "wild" or "loud" colored ribbon on the handle of ALL of your bags so you can identify them on the luggage carrousel. this also keeps other people from accidentally picking up your bag if they notice the ribbon.
*wrap anything somewhat fragile in a beach towel in the bag.
Hope all that helps. I'm sure others can offer some additional advice.
-mike
StSomewhere:I keep my regs, computer and log book in my carry on bag (actually in a reg bag inside my carry on bag), everything else -- neoprene, BCD, fins/mask/snorkel, misc. dive stuff -- goes into the dive bag. The stuff in the dive bag could be rented (or replaced), but I personally wouldn't want to rent a regulator or dive computer. YMMV.
When you check your dive bag, make sure it doesn't look like a dive bag.
ibnygator:
I travel just like the two of you....
gfisher4792
Guest
Computer, regs and mask (prescription) go with me and everything else get checked. I have to get a couple of TSA locks, I think, even though I have heard some get cut off anyway, some TSA keys have been stolen (urban legend or fact, not sure), etc. Worth a shot, anyway.
mdsd
Contributor
I use a mesh gear bag with wheels and carry it on. I pack my wetsuit in checked bags. The mesh gear bag has my BC, reg, computer, fins, mask, snorkel, lights, etc. The only things I don't take are tank and weights. The mesh bag is never out of my sight and passes thru inspection with no problem. It also collapses nicely for fitting in the overhead. On 737, I need to pull the reg bag out. What I found is that as long as it fits thru the x-ray machine input shroud and fits in the overhead, no one complains, ie, make sure it retains the long rectangular shape of the bag and do not overstuff.
On the return trip I'll usually put more stuff in checked bags like the mask, fins and snorkel.
On the return trip I'll usually put more stuff in checked bags like the mask, fins and snorkel.
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