Traveling with gear on airplane.

[diverbrian]

When I went to Provo a few months ago, I packed my reg/d.c. and mask/snorkel in my carry-on bag with a change of clothes, toletries and books (including my log book) for the flight. My "personal item" was my yellow camera case with my underwater camera. I packed my b.c., dive lights, wet suit, and my other "diving essentials" in a garment bag.

I got stopped by TSA at every stop over the camera and the fact that I don't think that anyone had seen a regulator with a Cobra attached. But at least they were polite about it.

 

[DennisW]

I carry on my Mask, Regulator w/Computer, and my fins. I check everything else in my boat bag (I've had this bag for 25 years), inside a military duffel bag that has back pack straps (about $35). I lock the bag with a master lock combo lock and give them the combination if they decide they want to search the bag. IMHO, a pelican case screams "Steal Me, I'm Expensive".

I can rent a wet suit, BC, etc., but my mask has prescription inserts, it fits my face and another would be hard to find. My regulator is irreplaceable (Scubapro doesn't make it any more), and you usually can't rent Scubapro Jet fins. I like my jets.

 

[scubasean]

I recently traveled within the US and both of my checked bags were searched by TSA.

If you lock it and they want in, you aren't around to give them the combo.....Am I the only one to have this happen to them?

You are notified that they opened it when you open the bag later and find a printed note telling you so within the bag.

The note also says something to the effect that locks preventing them from searching a bag will be cut off if necessary.

--Sean

 

[DennisW]

Sean,

You are absolutely correct. If you are at an airport where TSA is out in front of the check in desks, no problem. Just wait until they either send the bag to the plane, or give them the combo or key when they want it. I haven't been to an airport where TSA is behind closed doors, so I have not had to worry about the locked bag problem.

 

[diverbrian]

I used tie wraps. They cut the one on my garment bag and then replaced it. I knew that they had been in there before I saw the note as I saw a black tie wrap that wasn't cut right down the way that I do it, (And I used clear tie wraps.) When I opened the bag, sure enough the note was in there.

 

[kymma]

I am going to cayman in August. I plan on checking everything but my regulator and dive computer. Hopefully my gear will arrive. It always seems like a miracle when my luggage doesn't get lost.

 

[jimisurf]

I just returned from travel to Cozumel and Thailand where I brought my Computer, Mask and Regulator on a carry on. I checked my dive bag with all the other goodies below. I was able to lock all my checked baggage after inspection in all of the following airports: PDX, SEA, CZM, BKK (Bangkok), NRT (Tokyo/Narita), HKT (Phuket). Although the carry on was always X-Ray'd only NRT wanted to physically check it. All my gear arrived in-tact in all cases. I was always worried about it, but I would have fewer reservations about doing it now. I flew Continental, United and Bangkok Airlines without incident.

On the onther hand I found that rental equipment in the popular dive areas to be of good quality and in good condition. Just my experience.....

 

[oversea]

Alright, maybe it does not need to be that dramatic. I'm going to Hawai for my honeymoon and am taking gear for the fist time. This is my plan. I have the 1550 pelican case (hope I can bring it on the plane, I'm going to the AA terminal to see if it fits for carry on, anyone know) In it I am going to put my housng, camera, computer and regs. Then under the plane, I'll put my suit, BC, fins, boots etc. Someone said that I should put my regs under the plane but I thought B.S. they cost more than the computer. Ay other suggestions
Thanks

 

[dnhill]

I have been on several trips to CZM the past year on Continental and Allegro. Each time I carry my regs and computer in carry-on and the rest of my gear in the Pelican. So far (knock on wood) I have had no problems at all. No extra charges or lost stuff. Perhaps it helps in CZM that the cases are in site of the passenger almost all of the way. I am more concerned about things getting stolen in Houston than Mexico.

dnhill

 

[kevink]

Been on 3 trips in the last 6 months (Florida x2 & Bonaire).

If you can't afford to loose it, don't check it. I don't know what category this puts kids in.

Camera Euipment, computers, masks, and regs are always carried. This only leaves room for toothpaste, snacks and bathing suits in carry-on. What else do you need on a dive vacation? The regs count as the personal item, and everything else gets counted as a carry-on.

When you put your gear through the x-ray machine make sure the operator knows it is SCUBA gear in advance. This generally calms them before something that looks like an overgrown spark plug appears on the screen.

HAND CARRY and HAND CHECK all film, developed or undeveloped. Don't be persauded to let them irradiate the stuff.

Make sure the TSA-Idiots are nice to your gear when they hand search it. Be nice to them, but be firm with them. They have the right to inspect it, but they also have the DUTY to re-pack and not harm any gear. The cost of the camera equipment is more than 2 months pay to them, make them aware of it. I cringe everytime they want me to do more than just pop the pelican case with my camera equipment in it.

BCs, Fins, and Wetsuits could all be rented if the gear was lost or stolen along the way. Some of DAN's plans cover gear replacement and rental costs. AMEX also has supplemental insurance coverage for gear for $9.50 per ticket. Just document what you had to begin with.

Go to RADIO SHACK and pick up the $2.99 pack of multi-colored mini tie wraps product# 278-1676. Your locks will be cut on your luggage if it gets screened after you hand it over (every NYC airport). These tie wraps are not meant to keep people out of your checked bag, but I know in an instant if my bag has been opened. Every trip my carry-ons have been searched without my presence. The TSA replaces the tie-wraps with a white one and includes a little note inside. How many other people in the world will carry flourescent tie wraps when they try to steal from my luggage?

When I see my bags have been gone through I open them again at the airport to see if all of the important stuff is there. If anything would be missing just report it at the Baggage office. So far I have not only not had anything stolen, but another traveling companion came away with an extra set of wire cutters (left by accident by the TSA).