Is it possible to carry-on a full set of gear?

[fel]

quick/potentially dumb question: I was planning to take a carry-on and have the fins in a mesh bag by themselves (instead of a personal item). Would that "fly" (pun intended)?

 

[smw]

quick/potentially dumb question: I was planning to take a carry-on and have the fins in a mesh bag by themselves (instead of a personal item). Would that "fly" (pun intended)?

I don't see why not. People bring back some pretty strange stuff when traveling. You often see shopping bags with odd shaped things. It would probably just depend on how big they are.

Hmmmm maybe I should design a purse with fin pockets.

SMW

 

[fel]

Thanks, You are right, I have seen really weird things too...
I am taking full foot fins so they are long but light and skinny so I don't think it would be a problem.

Thanks

 

[fel]

or maybe a purse/laptop bag that turns into fins

 

[cave_diver]

Try to store your gear in a big suitcase. Most airlines now charge for additional luggage, and you pay by the piece, not only by weight. Most airlines allow one piece of cabin luggage – if your fins fit the allowable size and you have nothing else you need (I recommend a passport to make it back), go ahead and use your allowance for a pair of fins.

 

[stcroix2]

You might want to check with the airline you are using, we've encountered something a bit different with United. They require that the checked bag/s be under #50 (I think), regardless if you were paying the excess baggage charge or not. And it seems that all these charges are very dynamic at the moment, so it is best to check with the carrier first. Also we've discovered that our bags at 10~15 lbs empty are real weight-hogs. Another thing we discovered, but you can't depend on it, is tipping the Porter rather well, he grabs your bags and off they go... ours were within ten pounds of the limit, a little extra vigorish and off they went!

 

[The Anchor]

While it doesn't apply to carry-on, some carriers will waive the overweight fee if you can demonstrate that some of the stuff in the bag is recreational equipment.

My Aunt and Uncle were able to do this on their way back from Cozumal last year. It probably wouldnt work for a whole extra suitcase, but it is worth checking into.

 

[Scuba Ken]

Being a photographer I found lots of ways to carry on lots of stuff. Here is what I do.

1. Largest allowable carry on: Stuff it full.
2. Vest with big cargo pockets. There is no rule about what you can have in your pockets. I've carried on 4 huge lenses in my vest alone. I don't use my photo vest for anything other than traveling on a plane.
3. A large plastic bag obtained from one of the airport vendors. I use this as my personal carry on. Airlines never seem to care about what you may have purchased in the terminal and walk on with. Its great for weird shaped, light items like fins.

 

[fel]

Thanks for the idea Ken! I am now thinking a duty-free shop bag for my fins would be perceived far better than a mesh bag

 

[cave_diver]

The large plastic bag from an airport vendor is a new idea! I guess duty free doesn’t count since purchases are always delivered to the gate.

However, I would assume that the size limitations for the carry-on luggage also apply to the vendor bag? Furthermore, many restrictions and fees added by airlines are new. I’m not sure if the vendor bag will help you to avoid the add-on fees now.