TSA and Sea Pearls (weights on a plane)

[TMHeimer]

Why wear a wetsuit when water temps don't warrant it? Especially if you're doing multiple dives a day, gyrating to get into a (possibly wet) wetsuit is a hassle.

My thoughts exactly. Until last July when wearing my shortie in Long Island I ran into jellyfish city. Ouch.

 

[Jim Baldwin]

Has anyone had any problems getting Sea Pearls soft weight through TSA security at the airport? I want bring these on as a carry on item. Thanks.

TSA depending location may not let you even though they may not be specifically banned.

If you are planning a trip to Cozumel, MX you will not be able to put them in your carry on bag on your return trip. Big sign at the security checkpoint saying they are not allowed.

You can't see this sign prior to check in so your luggage is already tagged and gone.

 

[cruiser]

My thoughts exactly. Until last July when wearing my shortie in Long Island I ran into jellyfish city. Ouch.

Yikes, that had to hurt ! Sometimes those stings leave a scar, too.

So far I've managed to stay sting-free by donning a skin, especially for night dives.

 

[vladimir]

I haven't seen it enforced in the States, but airlines have weight restrictions on carry-on baggage, just as they do on checked baggage. For Continental, for example, it's 18 kgs. If you are traveling abroad you may run in to much more restrictive policies: Cathay Pacific is 7kgs in coach, 10 in business. Singapore Airlines and Qantas are similar. And it is enforced occasionally, in my experience.

 

[TSandM]

I've gotten through with small ones (1 pounders) but it WILL trigger a hand search, and you will have to keep reiterating an explanation. Do NOT try to travel with hard weights in hand luggage -- a lot of security folks, and not just in the US, think you will hit someone over the head with them.

 

[TMHeimer]

On a recent trip to Texas, the weight limit for BOTH checked and carry-on on United/Continental was 50 pounds. So, to save paying for a 2nd checked one, I had 46.5 pounds (weighed on 2 scales at home) in the carry-on. On the "small plane" leg of the trip, suitcase-type carry-ons could not be taken into the cabin with you--had to go underneath. The worker had me paged off the plane and gave me $#&! for having a carry-on that was too heavy. I told him it was legal and he said it may hurt one of his guys' backs! (What about the backs of those loading the checked ones?). I thought my stinging letter to United may result in them giving me $25 off my next flight--what an idiot, did I think it was 1989? Last time I checked Continental had lowered the carry-on to 40 pounds, but I'll check before my trip next month--it may just be 20 pounds by then!

 

[ReefHound]

TSA depending location may not let you even though they may not be specifically banned.

If you are planning a trip to Cozumel, MX you will not be able to put them in your carry on bag on your return trip. Big sign at the security checkpoint saying they are not allowed.

You can't see this sign prior to check in so your luggage is already tagged and gone.

Yep, I had a friend lose 8# at the CZM airport last July.

 

[rk288]

I took soft weights with me one time in my checked baggage with the rest of my gear...cost me an extra $50 to get off the island.
I use a weight integrated BC over a full 3 ml wetsuit...very comfortable and for multiple dives (3 to 5) on the same day I usually add a 3 ml beanie.
I use whatever the dive op provides for free...can't imagine being charged $50 for being 1 lb overweight...what about the accuracy of their scales? You can't argue with them...