How? Oh, how do you pack?

[Trisha]

I have enjoyed the information on what to pack for an airline trip -- what goes into the carry-on bag, what (if anything!) is checked in, check lists so that c-cards and logbooks are not left in the car.
But how do you pack it?

For instance, somewhere I read about putting fins along the sides of baggage, not on the bottom. X-rays can't go through the fins, so the chances of inspection would increase.
Any other tips and tricks? Thanks for your expertise.

 

[scubasean]

I have enjoyed the information on what to pack for an airline trip -- what goes into the carry-on bag, what (if anything!) is checked in, check lists so that c-cards and logbooks are not left in the car.
But how do you pack it?

For instance, somewhere I read about putting fins along the sides of baggage, not on the bottom. X-rays can't go through the fins, so the chances of inspection would increase.
Any other tips and tricks? Thanks for your expertise.

This is the first I've heard that xrays can't go through fins....Is there metal of some sort inside of the fins? Sounds a bit goofy to me...

 

[cyklon_300]

LEAD fins?

 

[Ber Rabbit]

Kinda depends on the bag. If I'm using something with soft sides I put the fins on the bottom and exposure suits on the sides and top for cushion. If you're using plastic containers for save-a-dive kit I recommend getting Rubbermaid instead of cheaper versions. I had a Sterilite container get crushed once, it was upright on the end of the bag helping protect the gear.

Make sure the bc hose and dump valve(s) are protected and anything that's attached to the bc (knives, etc) should be oriented so they won't puncture the bladder in case of rough handling.
Ber :lilbunny:

 

[pitah]

On a carry on bag i pacK my wetsuit, back plate, wing, booties, with some clothes in between, and the cover has a mesh large enough to acomodate the fins and snorkel. mask, flashlight and accesories can fill the spaces.
On a cushioned backpack i take my reg, camera and computer.

 

[chienfou]

I usually carry on all the personal gear that is important to me... reg, BC, u/w camera, computer, mask and try to put everything 'inside' the bc for protection, with a wetsuit (shorty) wrapped around that. Coming home, I generally check all of it and hand carry my 'souvenirs' and irreplaceable stuff like film/video etc. During your return trip (outside of the US) it is important to remember to use your wetsuit to cushion the 2 liters of alcohol you are allowed to bring back! Never had anyone comment about my fins being x-ray opaque tho?
:34:

 

[Trisha]

Cyclon 300: "Lead fins?"
Given how heavy my husband's old Jets are, could be....

Here's another -- instead of packing a wetsuit flat (compressed neoprene, creases) pack t-shirts and shorts between the folds as a cushion. I don't think I'll try it on the way back from whereever unless I want that "just caught" smell in my luggage, so how does damp gear make its way back home without creating a mess?

 

[Bob]

Cyclon 300: "Lead fins?"
Given how heavy my husband's old Jets are, could be....

Here's another -- instead of packing a wetsuit flat (compressed neoprene, creases) pack t-shirts and shorts between the folds as a cushion. I don't think I'll try it on the way back from whereever unless I want that "just caught" smell in my luggage, so how does damp gear make its way back home without creating a mess?

If you're flying to your dive destination, you'll need to observe the 24 hr from last dive to fly rule. This would be the perfect time to rinse and hang your gear up. Your wetsuits and BC's will be dry in that amout of time, no more "just caught" smell. almtree: Bob

 

[diverrick]

Your right about wrapping your alcohol. I did just that last time I was down in warmer climes (November2003), had to pack what was left of a bottle of gin, can't leave it in the cabin, as that would constitute alcohol abuse But end result was on the flight home, it leaked all of the remains into my wet suit. The suit wicked up all of the liquer, and nothing else got wet, but boy did my car smell on the way back from the airport!! Whew-eeee! good thing I didn;t get stopped by the police. Plus my suit is now sterilized! Next time I guess I'll have to take one for the gipper, and finish off that bottle.

 

[Tim Ingersoll]

I too pack my regs and computers in my carry-on and always tell the TSA screener that they are in there. If they know what they are looking for my chances of getting pulled aside for a closer look go down. I haven't been pulled aside since I started telling the screener whereas prior to that I almost always got the closer look.