Airport Requirments: (Scuba Gear)

[aquaman_06]

I am flying out to the Eastern Academy of Scuba Education on September 29th to train as a dive master. I am flying on United Airlines out of Pittsburgh. I haven't flown in a while (since pre 9-11) and have never flown with scuba gear. I wondered if anyone could give me a heads-up on weight/size requirements for luggage you plan to check since I was going to take most of gear, (BC, Wet-Suits, Etc.) with the exception of tanks and weights. I wasn't planning on carrying any of it on, except maybe my dive computer and stuff that I can fit in a small back-pak. Can you leave your dive knife on your BC?

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[nereas]

I most recently flew domestically in the USA back in June, in and out of Tampa Florida. The airline was United and their affiliates (Continental etc.)

I recall that the checked-in luggage is limited to 2 pieces, each of 50 lbs. I used my electronic bathroom scale to weigh each of my 2 items, and they each came to 45 lbs. One of them contained all my scuba gear, while the other contained all my clothes. So this worked out nicely.

The carry-on was limited to one relatively small piece, which needed to fit into a sizing box at the airport. You can call the airline and they will tell you the dimensional rules. Or you can go to the airport yourself and take a look at the box, which is normally over by ticketing. However the best thing is to bring the smallest bag that you have (I use a small gym bag with a shoulder strap), and keep the contents to a minimum.

My carry-on normally consists of my 2 masks, my O2 sensor (since I dive nitrox), my computer and backup timer, lights without batteries (put the batteries with your clothing in check-in), camera, film, and a book. These items are fragile and breakable, so that is why I carry them on.

The TSA people are much more courteous now than they were several years ago, at first. The must have been sent to sensitivity training in the meantime and were taught how to smile and be polite. So it is no longer like being processed into county jail anymore.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I talked to EASE about training for spring. Why not ship your big stuff and carry the regs, mask, comp, etc. It's what I do when I go to fla every year. UPS is around 20-30 bucks with 1700-1800 insured value for bc, fins, suit, lights, and some clothes. I would never trust my gear top baggage monkeys. I know some of them personally and hear their stories. Ease will accept the delivery and keep your stuff for you until you get there. Ship on monday for thurs or friday delivery then ship it back. You can leave the knife on as long as it's checked.

 

[aquaman_06]

Jim,

That's a great idea! I think I will take your suggestion. I will ship my gear out to Ease for delivery at the end of next week so it will be waiting for me down in FL. Interesting that you are thinking about doing some training there. I found Ease's prices to be very competitive and the people I've spoken with whom have gone there were very pleased.

 

[aquaman_06]

Jim,

Thanks for the advice, I called EASE and they have no problem accepting the shipment with my gear then shipping it back UPS when I leave.

Neras, how small is the carry on bag. I have a moderate sized Targus back-pack I carry my laptop/books in, think they will allow that?

 

[Jim Lapenta]

My back pack is a full size that holds my BPW, regs, mask, boots, and fins strapped to the side. IT was ok for the overhead. Remember you can also take a "personal item"(briefcase, laptop case, or book bag will fit) that will fit under the seat in front of you. The overhead will accomodate a small duffel like say 18dia. x 24 long easily or the full size back pack. Look on Oceanic's web site at the AT4 pack I belive it's called. that's the back pack I have. Hey dude, PMing my cell if you need anything else call me. Jim

 

[emcbride81]

If you have a reg in your carry on they will search it. Me and my buddy got searched both to and fro on a domestic flight. Makes me feel good tho, at least they were paying attention to what is going by them!