Flying with your gear... & spare air?

[pollywogg]

My first tip for making traveling easier is to forget the spare-air idea......that'll lighten your load right there....and you won't have a false sense of security to lug around with you

 

[DandyDon]

You are going to get different suggestions here at times as you would get at your LDS, and I guess that was who suggested a SA? I suppose it's like shorty wet suits; much easier to market than a real pony bottle & reg or a long jumpsuit with better protection. It's been suggested that we not turn this into a SA debate as we have so many threads on that. V-boards can't 3 letter words so search Spare *Air* using the asterisks to make the word findable, but...

Don't even think about the 1.7 cf SA or their Nitrox models as those are abusrd

At least look at the H2Odyssey Extra Air System reviews and discounts, H2Odyssey

And the small tank can indeed be packed in checked luggage but the valve must be removed. TSA rules say that it must be open, but it's okay to cover it in tape to keep the inside clean. I use 2" wide electric tape that does not leave a residue, and fold both ends back 1/4" to make it easy for the agent to pull up - which they always will to look inside.​

Do most dive shops rent soft weights (integrated BCD)

I've never seen soft weights at a dive location. Hard weights work easier in integrated BCs really, up to 5# pieces, or at least with my BC. My LDS likes to sell soft weights but I wish I had purchased hard ones for local diving.

Luggage policies will vary with airlines, but some will charge you extra if you declare scuba gear so don't tell them. As far as "HOPE its not overweight" - nope, get a $6.2 Free Ship Portable Digital Hanging Scale - Wholesale US$5.79 altho I got mine on ebay for less. Continental for example usually allows...

one 50# checked bag free on international flights;

second 50# checked bag for $27-30;

one roll-on within listed dimensions up to 40# and you want all you can get in it, except for delicate cameras and the like as sometimes you have to gate check that and it's then handled like luggage - breaking cameras therein with no liability;

and a personal backpack, which is where I carry my laptop, all cameras, money, passport, medicine, etc - and that bag does not leave my body other than in my sight at screening or under the seat in front of me. When I empty my pockets for screening, I empty them into the back pack!​

Airlines often disallow liabilities for scuba gear by the way, with smaller limits for international trips. I always get Trip insurance for out of country, mostly for medical coverages but there are other benefits, like property and gear coverage up to $300/piece and it's cheap; I use TravelSafe. Also see http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ba...t-find-better-camera-gear-insurance-than.html

I know a lot of people have a tendency to use them to extend bottom time...not what I would be using it for.

Something you heard at the LDS? :silly: No, those of us who carry redundant air systems generally carry them for emergencies only in recreational diving.

 

[Fourseventeen]

I was interested in the spare air idea because my works emergency dive team carries them...including keeping spare air tanks in the patrol boats and in their SUV's.

Thanks to all have responded about taking my gear on flights...really appreciate the input.

 

[AndrewA]

I fly regularly around Europe and the Middle east with my dive gear. I used to carry on regs etc but for the last 6 or 7 years I have checked in everything. I have never had a problem with security and never had anything damaged. I pack anything fragile in a rigid container and use wetsuit etc as padding.
On the subject of a Spare Air I would spend a bit extra and buy a pony setup (much more versatile)

 

[ezzy_67]

One thought - do not check/use bags with SCUBA, dive flag, or anything else that might even suggest SCUBA gear. Those are the first bags sticky fingers go for.

 

[Fourseventeen]

I am considering buying that Akona "Carry-on" roller bag. It appears to big just large enough to carry my BC, twin jets, mask, reg, computer, wetsuit, gloves and boots. Anyone used one of these? If that works out I can buy 2 of them...1 for my wifes gear and one for mine and then we can just use those are carry on with ONLY our scuba gear and then just check our bags with our clothing and other vacation crap.

 

[vladimir]

One thought - do not check/use bags with SCUBA, dive flag, or anything else that might even suggest SCUBA gear. Those are the first bags sticky fingers go for.

Really? This is a common assertion, and I guess it makes some sense, but is there any evidence that it is true? I lugged my gear around the world several times in a big dive bag that proclaimed "US Divers" on the front, fin pockets on each side, and mesh insets to allow your gear to dry. Nobody ever stole it. Maybe thieves realize that, for the most part, dive gear is not that portable, not that easily resold, does not hold its value that well in the re-sale market, and is not that expensive compared to, say, jewelry, electronics, camera gear, Louis Vuitton bags, etc.

 

[BarrelRoll]

Don't bash the guy for Spare Air. Lots of rescue personnel carry them for just what he suggested: to use in case of a land-based emergency where you might need to be under water or in smoke for a limited period of time.

He carries it as a safety device, not as a diving device.

Now, bash him for suggesting using it to extend bottom time by all means.

 

[idocsteve]

I dive exclusively on vacation

Is it that you dont participate in any activites besides diving when on vacation or the only time you dive is when you're on vacation?

 

[Fourseventeen]

idocsteve...
I only seem to dive while on vacation because I live in AZ and frankly there isnt any real diving here. We have a lake with nothing in it but algae and cat fish. I travel a few times a year, typically in the Caribbean where the diving is much better. I havent dove much but would like to start getting under more often. I have always had an issue with equalizing my ears but from what I am always told....its because I lack the experience. Hopefully thats the case and I will get past that.

Barrelroll...LOL. naw I wasnt suggesting it to extend bottom time...I hear thats what a lot of people get bashed on for doing. Mainly want to keep one with my work gear as apposed to expecting their to be one in whatever vehicle i am using that night. I had also planned to bring it with me when I dive incase of a malfunction with my gear or if I am stupid enough to run out of air. I would NEVER use one to extend my diving time.