packing regs

[granthammer]

Should I pack my regs in my suitcase and check it in or in my carry-on and have it with me? I was told to put it in my carry-on...why is this? What will happen if I put it in my suitcaes? It'll take up alot of room in my carry on...

 

[MikeS]

The replacement cost for a good regulator and computer is $1500. They make a tempting theft target; large value in a small package, with a thriving secondary market (eBay). There is also the possibility that they can be damaged in transit. Even if you pack them well there’s no guaranty they’ll be repacked as well by TSA.

Mike

 

[miked]

Hi granthammer,
I put my reg (including computer console,etc.) in my carry-on, along with camera/housing etc., and yes,it does make for a full, and somewhat heavy, carry-on bag.
The reasons: (agreeing with what MikeS said), the reg/computer/etc are the parts of the dive gear that I would least like to lose,have damaged,or have to rent when I get to my destination.
All the other gear is in a checked bag-no fun if that gets lost,or delayed, but at least I'll know that "the thing that brings me the air" is one that I am familier with, and know is in working order before I need to use it.

Regarding the photo gear in the carryon : I believe that this gear less likely to get damaged in a carry-on,as opposed to the more rough treatment I have seen given to checked bags.

BTW, other folks on the board have said that they manage to get even more in their carry-on: Mask, BC, suit....expert packers, I guess

Good luck,
Mike

 

[Tractor Tom]

...and carry my regs, dive computer, compass and mask in a medium sized carry on bag that also usually contains my wallet and tickets, book and magazines, maps and the like. I have never had the guys at the security gate have any problem with my carrying my regs this way, and I have the peace of mind that they will not be taken from my divebag. Then, in my divebag, I usually have some room for some of my wife's stuff (why do women travel with so many pairs of shoes????)

 

[DivingGal]

Basic stuff goes in my carry on: Regs, computer, c-card, cameras and film , book to read, bathing suit, sunscreen. As a few have said, the regs are what I trust with my life, and I know it will arrive when I do.

Placing your film on your carry on is an absoulte as the checked-baggage x-ray is almost guaranteed to zap your film where the carry on one is likely to only affect it after being scanned 5 times -- according to both the Canadian and US Transportation authorities.

frankenmuth_tom -- don't know about the shoe thing, I usually only take a pair of sandles, and wear my tennies.

 

[RICHinNC]

TSA...for all you USA flyers....or those coming here...has finally come up with a published guideline on scuba gear. Only one big surprise...which actually isnt all that clear....and....the rest is common sense. Here it is....
========================================================
Travelers & Consumers Printable Version
Transporting Special Items

Transporting Scuba Equipment

Some scuba gear can be transported on-board the aircraft. Please refer to the guidelines below:

Regulators, Buoyancy Compensators and mask, snorkel and fins are all acceptable as checked or carry-on baggage.
Dive tanks or any compressed gas cylinders are prohibited from carry-on and checked luggage.
Knives and tools are prohibited from carry-on luggage. These items should be packed in checked luggage. Any sharp objects packed in checked luggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and security screeners.
Spear guns are prohibited from carry-on luggage. These items should be packed in checked luggage.
============================================================

The part that is "fuzzy" to me is regarding tanks. Do they mean if they have
been totally drained, valve removed and plastic plugged....can they go in
check in luggage as before??? I have sent email and gotten no answer and
sent another one last night.
Any recent experience anyone????

 

[CA Diver]

I traveled to Guam four times last year. Reg, computer and camera gear were always carried on without a problem. I do not trust baggage handlers with this critical gear. Allow time to have your bags searched at the security check point as not all screeners recognize the regulator under the x-ray.
________________________________________________________________

Made enough money to buy Miami, but I pissed it away so fast

Jimmy Buffett

 

[diverlady]

regs - carry-on. Never had a problem.

Diverlady

 

[DWJ]

I checked my reg/console on a recent trip. I buried it under the wetsuit and other scuba gear. I know it was risky but I simply did not have room for them in carry-on. I got the little sheet that the TSA guys put in the bags when they search the bags and that little blue zip tie they use to seal the bag. No problem but I use a scuba bag that does not scream "Scuba Gear-steal me". Gear arrived with no problem. But then again I'm just tempting fate. I'm getting a bigger carry-on bag.

Dave

 

[cyklon_300]

very costly dive vacation nearly ruined by airline baggage foul-ups I now carry ALL of my gear in a carryon suitcase. Reg, gauges, BC, mask, wetsuit, fins...it all goes with me and then in the overhead bin.

I can always get by with the clothes on my back and later buy a t-shirt and shorts somewhere if the checked bags with the clothes gets lost, not so for the dive gear.