Traveling with scuba gear: our tips
Traveling with scuba gear requires just a little more preparation than a regular vacation. From luggage limits to safely transporting your regulator or camera: with the right preparation, your diving trip starts relaxed. Based on our experience, below we share our most important tips for traveling with diving equipment.
Check baggage rules
Not every airline handles sports baggage the same. Sometimes diving equipment falls under sports baggage, sometimes everything just counts in your checked baggage. For some destinations, extra baggage is almost unavoidable. Keep that in mind when booking. Also, if you take domestic flights, you may be allowed less baggage than on an international flight.
Our tips:
- Check baggage limits and surcharges well before departure
- Screenshot the airline’s terms and conditions
- For diving trips with multiple flights: check all routes
What do you take in carry-on luggage?
Certain parts of your diving equipment you would rather not lose or find damaged.
In carry-on luggage:
- Regulator
- Computer(s)
- Mask
- Lamps (without batteries)
- Camera & electronics
In checked baggage:
- Trim vest
- Wetsuit
- Fins
- Shoes
Choose the right diving case: hard case + wheels
Your diving equipment can take quite a beating on the road: lugging, rolling on the belt and sometimes rough treatment by baggage handlers. The right suitcase can really protect your gear.
Our tips for a good diving case:
- Hardcase instead of softcase
A hardcase case model offers the best protection for your diving equipment. The hard exterior cushions impacts and prevents sharp or heavy luggage from damaging your belongings. This is especially important for fragile items such as your computer, regulator or camera. - Wheels are a must
Suitcases with wheels are so much easier on the go, especially if you have multiple flights or transfers. Go for a model with four caster wheels for maximum maneuverability – ideal on airport floors, stairs or tight dive travel choices. - Label your suitcase as well as mark fragile
You don’t necessarily have to put a dive brand label on it, but a few simple tweaks will help: sticker “Fragile / Breakable” and/or a brightly colored label or ribbon.
This will make your suitcase more readily identifiable and give baggage handlers a subtle hint to handle it a little more carefully.
A good suitcase may cost a little more, but pays for itself in peace of mind AND equipment that won’t get damaged.
Smart and safe packing
A good scuba bag really makes a difference.
Helpful packing tips:
- Roll wetsuits and use them as protection
- Place fins along the edges of the bag
- Protect fragile items with clothing
- Use dry bags for wet equipment on the return trip
A light, sturdy bag without wheels often saves precious pounds.
Renting vs. own equipment
Not everything always has to come with you. Consider renting if:
- You only dive in occasionally
- You are taking a long or complex trip with multiple domestic flights
- Weight is an issue
Many dive centers have fine equipment. Of course, bringing your own remains nice for fit and confidence, especially with masks, computers and fins.
Batteries, batteries & rules
More and more diving equipment includes batteries.
Notice:
- Lithium batteries usually only in carry-on luggage
- Tape off contacts when batteries are loose
- Check diving lamp rules per airline
Insurance & backup
Good travel insurance is not a luxury.
Check that:
- Diving equipment is co-insured
- Loss, theft and damage are covered
- Diving accidents are explicitly mentioned
And our golden tip: whenever possible, bring a backup (for example, an extra mask or computer). Especially if you’re taking a liveaboard trip where it’s trickier to replace materials.
Return trip
After your last dive, it’s tempting to pack everything up quickly.
Still important:
- Rinse your material well
- Let it dry as much as possible
- Pack wet items separately
This will prevent mold, odor and damage. And don’t wait too long to unpack. You can also rinse and dry your materials at home, but don’t do this in a place where it is very humid. That way it takes too long before everything is dry.
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