Flying with dive gear can be a tricky decision because some airlines have restrictions on traveling with specific gear. Also, you have to properly pack your dive gear to suit the weight requirement and check stops before and after your flight.
In this article, you will find everything you need to know about flying with dive gear, organizing your dive gear, and the best way to keep your gear once you are onboard.
Typically, many airlines do not accept equipment in the check-in area. However, some airlines may operate using different policies. Ensure you confirm first with your carrier to determine whether or not you can bring equipment along with you.
Flying With Dive Gear
Investigation on Prices and Restrictions
The first thing you need to do is to carry out price investigations and restrictions.
You should first determine the additional rates your gear may attract and make inquiries about restrictions, if any.
When you are flying with dive equipment, you also need to ensure it is packed safely.
For instance, your tank should not be placed in an overhead compartment because you may be without air if you are asked to put everything above you away.
The best thing to do is confirm with the airlines before the day of your flight.
Don’t be surprised if there is more restriction in some of your gear than your clothing.
You can request the particular guideline for your airline and also observe the following:
- Have someone carry the dive tank if it doesn’t fit into a wheeled bag.
- Also, get the exact weight of and precise size of your gear beforehand so that you can select a seat with baggage capacity.
How Do You Fly With Scuba Gear?
Diving equipment is quite heavy, and usually, you may need to pay additional fees and ensure weight limits. It is best to discuss and make plans ahead with your airline, so you can determine what to include or not in your scuba gear.
Also, your diving destination will dictate your choices to a large extent. If you can readily rent equipment, you may not necessarily fly with your entire scuba gear.
However, if you cannot access equipment, take on only the critical pieces of equipment because the less luggage, the better.
If you are flying with your scuba gear in a bag, ensure that the bag is waterproof and crushproof. You can always obtain specially made bags for diving equipment from dive shops. However, any hard case bag might be good.
Another option is a scuba duffel bag. In a commercial flight, the best way to pack your scuba gear is in a duffel bag. Just ensure it is spacious enough to contain your diving equipment and your travel necessities.
Whatever packing method you decide on, ensure it is waterproof and safe for air travel because these types of bags are made of heavy-duty plastic, and they have reinforcements in the right spots to keep the items protected.
Can You Fly With Scuba Tanks or Dive Weights?
If you are careful enough only to take items that you need, you may have very little or no difficulty traveling across the world with your gear.
Before deciding to leave your weights and tanks behind, first check and confirm the dimension and the maximum weight for your airline.
Some inexpensive airlines are pretty particular about an inspection.
However, with a back-inflation BCD, a 3mm wetsuit, and a regulator (a light one), you can make the most of your diving trip.
What Happens if You Scuba Dive and Fly-In The Same Day?
It is imperative to allow at least 12 hours before diving. It can be very tiring and dehydrating, flying long hours. Though most divers do not give it much thought, it is best to rest first, enjoy a good night’s sleep, and stay away from alcohol before diving.
It is understandable if you want to make the most of your scuba diving trip, but you shouldn’t risk your life in the process. If possible, plan a day off and enjoy the view and scenery of your destination before discovering what is underwater.
Bottom Line
Flying with dive gear requires much thought and adequate packing skills. It would be best if you were pretty smart about packing by ensuring that all the items you will not need during your lifestyle trip are arranged at the bottom of your luggage, while your passport, books, and liquids should be at the top.
Also, before you arrive at security, take precautions and organize your dive gear to save you additional trouble and cost. Overall, all you need to do is travel as light as you can and make inquiries with your airline to confirm restrictions.
