What's more important to you: prevent loss, or ability to use

[seaducer]

I'm packing right now, in fact.

Carry-on consists of my camera, strobes, laptop, mask (prescription lenses), dive computer and canister light. Everything else goes in checked luggage.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

Im packing now as well, and packing almost the same in my carry on (minus the can light)

I carry those items on because they are irreplaceable for a vacation. My mask has prescription lenses, I can't rent that. I prefer that my camera and strobes and computer(s) stay with me. I do not want to risk loss or damage in the cargo hold.

All else gets checked. It would stink mightily if my gear was lost or destroyed, but I can rent a BCD, reg, fins, and even an exposure suit if needed. Insurance means I get new stuff. A permanent reminder of a temporary feeling I suppose...

 

[TSandM]

I guess, for me, it's about 90% (b). I carry on my HID light head (canister and batteries in checked) and my computer. The rest of the gear gets checked.

At the risk of offending Mr. Murphy, I have been travelling fairly regularly for 20 years, and have yet to lose anything permanently -- some things have been misrouted, but nothing lost.

 

[NudeDiver]

At the risk of offending Mr. Murphy, I have been travelling fairly regularly for 20 years, and have yet to lose anything permanently -- some things have been misrouted, but nothing lost.

You just need to make a trip with Mr. Murphy and see what happens next