Flying and taking scuba gear

[steve_r0binson]

Hi,
I have heard that airlines don't like some scuba gear taken on them. I am new to diving and have the following questions if someone doesn't mind answering them.

1) If I take an environmentally sealed reg do I put it in my hand luggage?
2) Same for computer
3) Do they mind fins, suit (seems daft if they do)
4) If I buy a diving knife at the resort will I get it home?

I am going away in Feb and don't want any surprises!

Thanks in advance.

 

[Welshman]

Don't know where you got this message from.

The only potential problem I'm aware of is if you are subject to a weight limit on your luggage.

You can get specialised carry cases for dive gear but if you do don't get one with "DIVING EQUIPMENT" plastered all over it as that would make it a target for thieves.

Just get a plain one that looks like any other big suitcase.

You might want to take the low weight high value items like your computer in you hand baggage but leave a knife in the suitcase. Expect to get thrown off the flight if they find a knife in your hand baggage when you get to the X-Ray machine.

Hope this helps.

 

[A. J. Shark]

I know that this was not on your list but ... when traveling to Bali my fathers spare air was confiscated, so if you have one of those I wouldn't take it.
- A J

 

[Welshman]

AJ

Presumably on the basis that they didn't want a pressurised container in the cargo hold?

 

[miked]

Hi Steve,
Not much to add to what Welshman said.
Regs, computers, camera gear go in my carry-on, with a vest or thin wetsuit, which doubles as padding. (Others carry much more-a personal preference thing)
The other stuff in an"ordinary looking " big suitcase with wheels.
Also, some airlines will hit you with an extra charge if they determine that you have dive gear in checked luggage, regardless of the weight of the bag. Do a search on this board, and you'll see some of the posts relating to this situation.
A dive knife in checked luggage is not a problem, but is potentially a huge problem in a carry-on.
BTW:C-cards stay on my person-wallet/pocket.

Good luck,
Enjoy your trip,
Mike

 

[A. J. Shark]

I guess so, but it was empty and the valve was off, so I dont know what the problem was
- A J

 

[Tavi]

I have flown with 4 different airlines. We always take all of our gear exept tanks. Since 9/11 we have put our regs and computers in checked baggage to keep our carry ons at a minimum. The knives always go in checked baggage.

One thing I do at home. I get on the scales with each bag, to make sure it's not over the weight limit.

I don't advertise or offer, but when asked,
we tell them clothing and scuba gear.
We have never had a problem, and have never been charged extra.
There have been times I have had to open bags (usually our regs)

We all know things get banged around! Our computers and regs get put between wetsuits, and packed in a pelican case.

Have a great trip,
don't forget a report when you return!!

 

[Tavi]

I didn't know I had a twin (our avatars)

 

[steve_r0binson]

Thanks for the info, Off to Egypt, Sharm. Hope to dive a very carefull dive on the Thistlegorm, after taking my advanced.

 

[Big-t-2538]

steve_r0binson once bubbled...
Hi,
I have heard that airlines don't like some scuba gear taken on them. I am new to diving and have the following questions if someone doesn't mind answering them.

1) If I take an environmentally sealed reg do I put it in my hand luggage?

2) Same for computer

I would take anything small and of high value on in my hand luggage. That would include both of these items, but be ready to answer questions about them. As long as you don't look like you're doing something wrong, they'll accept your SCUBA answer.

3) Do they mind fins, suit (seems daft if they do)
4) If I buy a diving knife at the resort will I get it home?

These would definetly go in my checked luggage. There's no way I'd chance having a dive knife in my hand luggage right now. They shouldn't have a problem with checked baggage.

One last thing....I'd take my mask in my carry-on because you don't want to find out when you get to the resort that your mask has shattered. IF you shatter it that's one thing, but it's worse when its not your fault and you don't find out until you're on the boat.