Flying to destination... how to pack?

[gambitlizard]

I'm flying out to Roatan in 2 weeks. Now that I've gotten all my own scuba gear (reg, BC, gauge console, wetsuit), I have no idea how to package it for flight. I'll be gone for 7 days, including travel. I know I want to have my regulator in my carry-y on bag... It's the one component that will make my dives more comfortable. Is there a secret to packing my other gear? Can I put it with my other clothes and supplies?
Silly questions, I know, but I just can't figure it out myself...
Thanks for your help.
kk

 

[Dave Zimmerly]

What we do:

Regs, computer, wetsuit and mask go in carry-on bag...everything else goes into a checked bag.

Don't forget to bring some 100% DEET for the no-see-ums.

Have fun.

Dave (aka "Squirt")

 

[Damselfish]

there are many threads here on packing and you will find many opinions on the best way. But yes, you can just have a checked bag full of assorted gear, clothes, and whatever. Use the clothes and wetsuit to protect other gear. I think most people also put their mask in their carryon. It would be safe enough in the usual plastic case and protected by clothes, but if your luggage does get delayed it's something you really don't want to rent. A computer is also another thing people tend to carryon if they have one.

 

[diver 85]

Yes, 1 suitcase per diver(probably 45 lbs) will get you there for a week with all your dive gear & clothes you need ie regs, computer, & camera in the carryon....do it ALL the time--@ least it's worked for the last 60+ trips......

 

[WOODMAN]

It all depends on how much gear you are carrying. One tip is to make full use of the carryon allowance. You are allowed one carryon bag, and also a "personal item". This can be a purse, a book, a camera, a laptop, OR A SMALL BACKPACK. We each bought travel backpacks and cram them full of gear, such as regulators, masks, computers, a change of clothes, and I even get my laptop into mine. This is good, as my carryon bag is completely filled with my camera and its attendant stuff. You can put a lot in carryon this way, and leave the checked bag for clothes, wetsuit, BC, towels, and other non-critical stuff which you can rent or otherwise obtain down there if you have to. We have been schlepping gear around this way for years, and it has always worked out fine. Woody

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

I place a high value goods in my carry on (regs, camera, lights, dive computer, mask, meds) padded with with a few random clothing items. I am often asked to open this after xray, not a big deal but I do avoid packing a bunch of dirty underwear / smelly socks in this bag.

I place everything else in a checked bag (not marked SCUBA), including dive knife, shears, pony bottle (open), wet suit, BC, fins and the balance of my cloths (in a trash bag, used on return to pack the wet stuff). I always weigh the checkin bag and make sure it is about 3-5lbs under the max (wet stuff is heavier on the return). If I have too much stuff, I dump the cloths, fresh clothing is overrated.