Going through the airport with my gear for the first time

[Lorenzoid]

A Pelican case for that kind of gear is a bit excessive. The mask needs no more than the protection afforded by the plastic box it comes in. Put the mask box in your regular checked bag or carry-on bag. As others have said, a dive computer should be carried with you onto the plane, as it is an expensive item to risk being lost or stolen. As for the knife, well, as others have said, you don't need a knife that big, but if you enjoy having it, put it in your regular checked bag, as it does not need the kind of protection afforded by a Pelican case, either.

People use Pelican cases for large camera gear (which they insure against loss or theft) and for esoteric diving gear that really needs the protection afforded by a hard case. Most other dive gear is durable enough to simply be put in a regular checked bag, in between your clothing items.

 

[pickens_46929]

Carry-on

• regulators
• dive computer
• go pro / uw camera stuff
• passport
• c-cards
• batteries, chargers and cables
• prescription meds (if any)
• laptop / tablet
• memory cards

Checked Dive Bag

• mask(s)
• fins
• backplate/wing or bcd
• lift bag / safety sausage
• spares kit
• wetsuit and booties
• clothes
• dive knife (shorty) or dive shears
• toilet kit

 

[L13]

Carry-on

• regulators
• dive computer
• go pro / uw camera stuff
• passport
• c-cards
• batteries, chargers and cables
• prescription meds (if any)
• laptop / tablet
• memory cards

Checked Dive Bag

• mask(s)
• fins
• backplate/wing or bcd
• lift bag / safety sausage
• spares kit
• wetsuit and booties
• clothes
• dive knife (shorty) or dive shears
• toilet kit

I would move one mask to carry-on.

 

[charko]

UPDATE:
Thanks everyone for your input!
I've decided to move most of the case stuff (mask, dive computer) to my backpack. The case will still travel in my checked luggage as planned. After flying, I'll put everything in place again, so I'll just carry the case when I go diving.

 

[inquis]

Suggest putting the mask in your fin pocket, both on the boat as well as in your luggage. I would not bring a hard-sided case like that on board.

 

[L13]

I prioritize my carry-on based on what I would least like to rent. What I actually carry-on varies from trip to trip. From most likely to carry-on to not:

1. computer
   1. a camera if I had one (maybe even before the computer)
2. mask
3. regulators
4. lights
5. fins
6. etc.

 

[Lorenzoid]

I prioritize my carry-on based on what I would least like to rent. What I actually carry-on varies from trip to trip. From most likely to carry-on to not:

1. computer
   1. a camera if I had one (maybe even before the computer)
2. mask
3. regulators
4. lights
5. fins
6. etc.

I would prioritize my wetsuit over fins (ewww, a rental wetsuit that people have peed in), but in reality it's moot because I pack the wetsuit and fins in a checked bag. As for regulators, I have carried them on in some instances, and put them in a checked bag in other instances. Depends on the circumstances. On some trips, I have more regs to take than on other trips. On some trips, the flight is non-stop, and I gamble that the probability is lower of my bags failing to make a connection.

 

[rjack321]

Pelican case is one of the most likely to get stolen kinds of bags. Get a cheaper non-descript carry-on for your valuable/delicate stuff. Leave the pig sticker at home.

 

[Jake 10]

I always take regs, computer, camera, etc as carry-on. Check the bigger stuff, in a non scuba branded bag.
Never any issues, just make sure knife, or cutting device is in checked bag.

I agree with @smiffy6four

Carry-on: regulator, dive computer, camera, passport, certification card, lithium battery, Rx, phone
Checked Bag: mask wrapped in t-shirt, fins, BCD, SMB, tool kit, wetsuit, boots, clothes, knife, etc.

 

[BoundForElsewhere]

That's a lot of padding. As you do this more often you'll learn that basically everything can all be thrown in together, in about the size of a 40L Duffel bag with your fins strapped to the outside. I can do a 10 day dive trip with just that. I don't use a wetsuit for most locations.

Not saying I smell good but traveling light is its own blessing.