traveling with dive weights

[segundo3000gt]

so i don't have a scale here but NWA says my checked luggage can't exceed 50 pounds. i'm packing my clothes along with a bunch of my dive gear in my bag. given that i've got 22 pounds of weight with i'm wondering if i can just bring that with my carry on as to not push the weight of my bag over 50 pounds. anyone have any experience with this? know if there's a problem carrying a bunch of weights through security? thanks.

 

[dimitrik]

Where are you traveling that you require your own weights? Most dive shops include tanks and weights as part of the base package they offer. I would just leave them behind.

 

[spectrum]

Generally weights and cylinders are provided or obtained at the destination. As you can see carrying them is prohibitive.

Pete

 

[nereas]

I cannot imagine needing weights at your travel destination. If they have tanks there, they should have plenty of weights too, in all sizes. The weights available normally are the old fashioned indestructible solid uncoated lead style. But those will work fine.

For dive travel, I normally bring a pouch weight belt (empty) with me, and an integrated b/c with trim pouches (empty) mounted up high on the shoulder straps. Some people travel with aluminum backplates, and others with their steel backplates as well. But a steel backplate would represent a lot of weight as well.

 

[redrover]

If shore diving, tanks and weights not included. :blinking:
A domestic option is to mail them and any other heavy things like batteries. USPS Flat Rate Box is $8.10. My mail carrier complains about the divers visiting here.

 

[Doc]

so i don't have a scale here but NWA says my checked luggage can't exceed 50 pounds. i'm packing my clothes along with a bunch of my dive gear in my bag. given that i've got 22 pounds of weight with i'm wondering if i can just bring that with my carry on as to not push the weight of my bag over 50 pounds. anyone have any experience with this? know if there's a problem carrying a bunch of weights through security? thanks.

The tanks alone will put you over the weight limit. Even aluminum 80's

 

[segundo3000gt]

okay let me clarify. i'm heading to arizona. i'll be using a 7mm wetsuit that i'm brining along with boots and fins. i'd like to bring my bc and integrated weights. i will be renting tanks down there. if it's not a big deal i can save the $15 a day rental by bringing my own bc. Then, I can save the $6 a day by bringing my own soft weights. I guess I'm just trying to figure out how much of a hassle it would be to save this money.

 

[RAD Diver]

I also believe that there is a weight limit on carry on items also, so unless you have no other items to bring it will probably be better to rent. Your arms & shoulders will probably thank you afterward.

 

[Allison Finch]

As they have said, you don't need to carry weights. They will be provided by the people renting you the tanks. If they charge for the weights, it will be nominal. Not nearly as expensive as paying overweight baggage charges. aren't your integrated weights pockets that you can put rental weights into? I know soft weights are easier on hips in a belt. In pockets, it is not as noticeable.

Overweight baggage is charged by the pound and a lot more expensive than 6.00.
And yes, carry-on has a 15 pound limit. If that is all you carry on the plane.......

 

[Wildcard]

I have never been weighed for carry on. Yes there is a limit but it's not enforced. Ive stagered in there with a 60 lb pack. You can also wear your weight belt if you like. As Lisa suggested and I have to others many times, the USPS flat rate boxes are the ticket. Dive weights are usualy only a few bucks a day so it's better for trips of a week just to rent them and save yourself the headaches.
BTW overweight is charged in incriments. Most charge $25 for over 50 up to 70.
One other trick I use all the time is I weigh an over weight bag, take the weight out and set it aside. Then weigh the second bag. Then I put the extra back in the bag before I give it to TSA. They see me do it and I have never been stoped. As much as US airlines screw us, I have no problem trying to save a few bucks any way I can.