Best way to check gear on the plane

[danelen]

Hello, I was looking for some tips, do's, don't's, etc. on air travelling with a full set of gear. I finally got my own set up and now am trying to decide what is the best approach for travelling with it.

I have trip coming up in March and I have a long layover in Mexico City (best way to get the airfare I could afford) so I am just a little worried about my checked luggage getting onto Cozumel in the first try. I was trying to decide if there are some things that I really should just try to carry on versus check.

I was also wondering about my gear bag. I only have a non-descript duffle style which offers no security or rigidity - how many folks check their gear in this type bag? I was thinking about trying to get the more valuable stuff like my reg in a lockable hard suitecase but recently on some international business trips I have taken I couldn't lock my bags anyway (they are not entirely consistent with this rule) so I am not sure it would really add any security anyway. Is dive gear being stolen from checked luggage very common?

Any tips (or lessons learned) would be greatly appreciated.

 

[lonestarfl]

I like to use action packers. Light weight plastic. Only cost $20-$40 depending on size. You can lock them with pad locks...use matched sets/keys. They take abuse, easy to label witha Sharpie marker, damp gear is no problem. Protects sensitive equipment well. Easy to carry and transport. Airlines don't balk as long as they are not over weight. I much prefer them to standard luggage or gear bags.
Lee

 

[inter_alia]

While I haven't done research about this, here's a new (to me, anyway) travel lock that the claim is TSA can open if they want to inspect your baggage after it's checked.
http://magellans.com/jump.jsp?itemID=13116&itemType=PRODUCT

For air travel, I think consensus is to carry onto the plane your reg and mask. Everything else is too heavy or bulky and can be rented without much hassle should your checked bags get separated from you. Obviously, keep your C-card and logbook with you as well.
As for checked luggage equipment, people have had success with duffels, etc., but I tend to enjoy an ancient hard-body Samsonite even though I'm always within ounces of the cut-off weight.

I'll let others chime in now.

 

[Big-t-2538]

Well, IMO you should carry on the plane anything you'd really miss having if your luggage doesn't get to Coz...

This would inclue mainly Reg, Mask, depth gauge/timer/computer, and if you can...BCD.

Fins can be rented...wetsuits can be rented...but not having a good fitting mask, or your reg, things can be uncomfortable.

As for locking luggage, well the last 2 trips I went on (OCT & NOV) we weren't allowed to lock anything, so don't be on having that option.

 

[Jersey]

I like to carry on regs, 'puter & logbook/c-cards/DAN card/dive insurance card. Fins on the bottom, then BC, mask, exposure suits on top, nicely packed & checked below. Save-the-dive kit, knives & various other equipment are wrapped in towels & stowed in the BC. I flew out 12/31 during the security stuff - my regs were pulled out during screening, but quickly cleared. I would not suggest any type of lock these days.

 

[DandyDon]

Traveling has always bewen a challenge, more so since Sept 11, 01. (I was on Roatan Island when that happened; we were really concerned about what to do, how to get back, etc.) Traveling with Scuba gear even more so, and leaving the country adds to it...

I like to carry on regs, 'puter & logbook/c-cards/DAN card/dive insurance card.

Like Big-t-2538 suggested, it's also good to carry your mask, to ensure you have a well fitting one (and at my age, the flat top bi-focols). Also a good idea to carry a list of everything you packed in the checked bag, and keep in mind that airlines are liable for checked baggage on international flights only for $9.07 per pound, $600 max, even if they're negligent. If you have homeowners insurance, with a deductible not much higher than $600, that will cover you on international travel - great. If not, consider Travel Insurance. It'll also provide coverage - usually up to $1,000 - for other luggage losses, and - other types of coverage.


Now, in case it wasn't obvious, some of Jersey's post was for checked bag packing. I'd still put the mask in carry-on, and most certainly, knives in checked.

Fins on the bottom, then BC, mask, exposure suits on top, nicely packed & checked below. Save-the-dive kit, knives & various other equipment are wrapped in towels & stowed in the BC. I flew out 12/31 during the security stuff - my regs were pulled out during screening, but quickly cleared. I would not suggest any type of lock these days.

And here's a link to a TSA advisory that less experienced travelers might find helful...

http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?theme=183&content=0900051980074366

Be espeically careful of airport thieves, in the U.S., more so out of country. Wear you seat belts on ground transportation, life preservers on moving boats, dive safe, and have fun...

don

 

[Cousin]

I carry all of my gear on board with me. I have a set of 2 piece fins that can easily come apart and all fits into my backpack.

 

[danelen]

Great tips...this will be helpful in my planning. Appreciate all the comments!

 

[chienfou]

On our trip to St. Martin in Dec I carried my BCD and Reg, Mask,computer, u/w camera and C-card/log book in my hand luggage, the rest of my gear, including 3 wesuits, 2 snorkel sets, fins and boots, knife, gloves etc. went into a duffle bag. Since it was a non-stop, I was not too worried, but still it is better to be safe than sorry. In all my trips overseas I have never had anything lost/delayed, but I have family that HAS. It is best to look at all your gear and decide what you would miss most if it didn't make it, then start packing your carry-on with the higher priority stuff until you run out of room or weight!
DSDO!

 

[Kat]

Last time I traveled (AUG. 03) I packed my wetsuit, reg, mask, logbook & c-card in my carry-on. I also packed a change of clothes, sneakers & make-up in the carry on. I try to wear my swim suit under my clothes, if possible. If not, the swim suit goes in the carry-on too. Anything else can be replaced.
TSA has never said anything to me about the reg, they just look at it a little longer as it gets x-rayed.