First time flying with gear

[rileymartin]

Hi all,

I'm thinking of bringing my own gear for the first time and wasn't sure if I should take everything in my carry-on or pack certain things in check-in luggage. I'm afraid of theft and definately wouldn't trust my dive computer in the check-in but I'm not sure if I should worry so much about my fins or BC. What do most people do?

Also, does anyone recommend any carry-on luggage that has just the right dimensions to max out what you can carry-on if I decide to take all gear on the plane (Mask, Snorkel, Fins, BC, Regulartor/Octopus & gauges)?

Thanks,

Riley

 

[diver 85]

Wife & I have made over 50 overseas flights(Caribbean area) & have never had any trouble with theft etc---most recently 1 month ago to Dominica.....Now saying that, we do put our computer, regs, & camera stuff in our carryons------everything else(full dive gear head to toe for 2) in one suitcase,an older hard Samsonite type.........Again, NEVER had any problems.......


Now saying that, I would avoid suitcases that have dive logos, dive stickers----etc etc on them.....Seems to me like red flag time & inviting theft......Im reality, use commom sense & you should be fine......

 

[Jeff Toorish]

Traveling with gear presents some challenges but the rewards are worth it in my opinion. I much prefer my own dive gear to even the best rental equipment. Diving with rented equipment means you may have to make a shakeout dive or two just to get everything trimmed properly. On vacation, who wants to do that?

As for the checked vs. carry-on dilemma, the best suggestion I can offer is to carry-on anything that you can't dive without (presciption mask for example) or anything that is "mission critical" and can't be borrowed or rented at your destination (camera housing).

Here is an article I wrote about traveling with technical gear, but there are some points that may be useful for open water dive travel, as well.

Expedition Packing Page 1

This is a tip list I wrote for Club Med Insider that should prove useful as well.

Tips for traveling with dive gear | Trends & Tips | Expert Advice | Club Med Insider

Jeff

 

[Bubbletrubble]

Pretty much a "+1" on what diver_85 and Jeff_Toorish wrote...

In my carry-on: mask, reg setup, camera + housing, dive computer, netbook
In my checked luggage: everything else (BCD, exposure suit, boots, fins, etc.)

All the mission critical stuff rides with me in my carry-on. If my checked luggage doesn't make a connecting flight, I have no problem renting that gear for the first day of diving. The advantage of not having to cram all of your gear into one carry-on and schlep it from gate to gate is obvious.

As previously recommended, avoid using luggage with dive logos all over it. For my checked bag, I bought a nice no-name rolling duffle at Costco for $30. It even has hidden backpack straps. The zippers and other metal doodads would never stand up to salt water exposure so I pack several garbage bags in case I need to pack damp dive gear for the return trip. The bag has lasted several trips over the past few years.

If you're going to attempt to pack everything in a carry-on, I'd suggest getting a bag with a good quality shoulder strap. Hope this helps...

 

[Texasdivechick]

I have packing gear down to a science:
Checked suitcase: in order of placement, BC, mask, booties, 3ml wetsuit, fins, towel, save a dive kit, few changes of clothes, mesh dive bag for boat, and toiletries packed in double ziplock bags (to prevent leaks on your dive gear). The wetsuit and beach towel help protect the inflator hose on the bc from getting crushed.
Carry on: Few changes of clothes, swimsuits, regulator in padded bag, dive computer, u/w housing for camera, and log book w/ one of my c-cards.
Backpack (counts as a purse/briefcase): Camera, laptop, chargers, book, wallet, one of my c-cards.
What I have found helpful is to avoid anything with dive logos on the checked baggage. Seems like it would be an invitation for thieves to see dollar signs. I also print out my itinerary for EACH BAG and put it in the mesh zipper pocket inside the suitcase. This will at least help with identification should the tag get ripped off in transit. I am always able to get it packed at 39# for checked.
Don't pack weights. Don't overpack clothing. You're on a dive trip-- bring a few t-shirts, shorts, and and extra pair of flip flops and you'll be fine.
IF my checked baggage doesn't make it to my destination in time, I still have a few changes of clothes, my regulator (life support, IMO) and computer in my carry-on. Anything else I can rent.

Oh, and don't forget the DAN INSURANCE! I speak from experience.. you may not think you need it but when you do you'll be glad you have it.

 

[fdog]

We, too, fly a lot.

It's a learning experience. Not everyone packs and travels the same; for example, we take everything (except lead and cylinders). We even take our scooters. Other folks will take essentials like regs and wetsuits, counting on BC's and fins and stuff at their location.

As a generality, we split our gear into two piles: "critical", and, all the rest. We pack the "critical" stuff in our carry-on luggage. Critical for us: our regs, masks, computers, and custom wetsuits.

Everything else goes into checked baggage, fins, BC's, lights, everything. I'll echo the reccomendation against "scuba luggage" since it tends to scream out expensive suff inside. We use rolling duffels; they can swallow huge loads and don't donate much weight.

I can get all my gear, including my scooter, clothing and toiletries, into two checked bags at 65 pounds each. Since the scooter weighs 50 pounds, without it, it would be easy to get everything into two bags, each well under 50 lbs.

Never pack right up to the weight limit. I always underpack by at least 4 pounds, to allow for water weight from damp gear on the the return.

Also, save your money on the TSA locks. Thiefs have copies of the special key, and anyway, colored zip ties are cheaper and more reliable.


Hope this helps!


All the best, James

 

[drdaddy]

We carry-on mask, regulator, and computers - along with any dive certification that you may need.

Also, print out a copy of TSA's regulations and take with you so that you show the TSA inspector that what you are carrying is allowed - in case of any questions.

I have noticed, in my last couple of flights, that TSA is getting friendlier and even a little more helpful - more smiling etc. Evidently they have been instructed to do so.

 

[diversteve]

Like others have mentioned, I carry-on regs, computer and mask. I also bring my video housing/camcorder and netbook. I have the largest airline legal carry-on (domestic airlines) - TravelPro Rollaboard - not scuba specific but it's a nice square, hard-sided case. With all my gear packed I still have room for toiletries and 2-3 changes of clothes. Some of their line comes with a removable wet pocket also. I've occasionally had to gate check it on full flights so I prefer it over a backpack. I have the one pictured on their homepage.

One new option optimized for carry-on on Scuba gear: DiveCaddy - Home

 

[oldfindog]

everyones given you good advise - i pack like shannonjon and have never had a problem with stolen gear-essentials are always carried on-but on our trip to key west last week i had a box of c-cells for my lights and it really got a rise out of tsa - emptied all my carryon thought i was going to get the rubber glove treatment-won,t carry batteries on again LOL

 

[bbdm120]

Been using the Dive Caddy for the past year, 6 round trip flights. No problem. It carries all my dive gear and more.

I am also selling them www.aquatictraveladventures.com/index.shtml

Safe Diving,
Brad