How do you carry or check your dive gear on flights?

Question

What's the safest and easiest way to carry gear when flying, especially if you're making connections?

Answer 1

Pack your equipment in a bag that is not made specifically for dive equipment and that has no dive related emblems or patches on it.  This will help deter theft by those looking to steal dive equipment.

Answer 2

I recently took a trip to Cozumel and Playa del Carmen with full gear (minus tank and weights). I purchased an Osprey Farpoint 40L backpack and was able to fit all my diving gear besides fins. I did not trust the airlines with my gear and knew it would make my checked bag overweight and don't have a problem shouldering the weight.

I will take this same approach for all my future scuba trips. The last thing I want is for my gear to be lost, damaged, or stollen! I like to travel light (as possible with full gear) since I move locations on a single trip.

Answer 3

I have yet to fly with dive gear, however heading to Maui this summer so guess what I will be .  I will be taking my wife's and my gear  Here is my plan.  Carry on will have regs, computers, masks, gopro. Checked bag will have BCs, wetsuits, fins, booties, knives, save a dive kit, etc.

Answer 4

I pack my mask, regs, and computer in a carry on, The rest I check