Question about traveling on airlines, luggage-wise

[emttim]

So from reading some threads on here, looks like I'm best off concealing my dive gear inside of a regular piece of luggage and the more cheap or beat up looking the better. My question is where can I buy such a fine piece of luggage (new) that will have enough size to fit dive gear? My main concern are my fins since they will basically require the duffel bag to be at least as long as the fins which may be hard to come by.

I'm thinking of starting at Walmart. Any other ideas or suggestions?

 

[rrweather]

I am looking myself. I found one on walmart's site. I leave in 5 days so I need to find something locally or pay for it to be shipped. Here is a link to what I found:

http://www.stansport.com/2007/pdetails.php?pid=695

Seems like a decent bag for the money.

 

[PToone]

Wait, why? Do people steal your stuff or something? I'm going to Cozumel in a few weeks and would love to know why you need to hide it in crappy luggage...

 

[Jorgy]

Wal-Mart is where we buy our travel bags.......

Do people steal gear?.......sometimes, why be a target.....

Also when returning home wet/damp dive gear has a tendency to ruin/stink-up luggage so why wreck something expensive........

We also bring easy to store mesh bags for hauling our gear to the boat.........

Hope this helps......M

 

[jridg]

I have travelled the world with my dive gear - in dive gear specific bags - and never had anything taken.

Carry your regs on and your computer if you are worried.

TSA locks are great - barring that I use zip ties to ensure my bags stay closed.

I also like the large pelican cases for airline travel with gear - although they tend to be a bit heavy in today's weight limit world.

 

[vladimir]

Wait, why? Do people steal your stuff or something? I'm going to Cozumel in a few weeks and would love to know why you need to hide it in crappy luggage...

The risk is overstated. I made dozens of trips with a Stahlsac that is distinctively designed for scuba, and before that I traveled with a huge bag that had "US Divers" emblazoned across its face in large letters. None of my overpriced dive and camera gear was ever stolen. However, those bags are more expensive than generic luggage, they frequently hold more than you can check in one bag, they may attract the attention of thieves, and, honestly, they look kind of dorky. So if you haven't already committed to the "Joe Scuba Diver" look, go for generic luggage.

 

[vladimir]

I'm thinking of starting at Walmart. Any other ideas or suggestions?

Check this one out:

High Sierra Sport 30 in. Wheeled Duffel Bag, 60806 | Duffels & Totes | Travel | GEAR | items from Campmor.

Cheap ($60), stylish, pretty rugged, and within airlines' size restrictions for checked luggage. I have managed to tear one by over-stuffing it and throwing it around by it's end handle for a couple of years, but they're reasonably durable, especially if you stick to the telescoping handle.

 

[Grover48]

Posted via Mobile Device

 

[Grover48]

Posted via Mobile DeviceI use a Dive Caddy and take all my gear on as carry on.

www.divecaddy.net

 

[RJP]

You wouldn't buy dive gear from a luggage company...why buy luggage from a dive gear company?

:d

I bought two of these Samsonite 32" Wheeled Duffle bags from Macy's about two years ago. They were $65 each when I got them...

Samsonite 32" Duffle at Macy's

These bags have been to Truk Lagoon, Hawaii (x2) Florida (x5 or so), California (x5 or so), Caymans (Cayman Aggressor), Curacao, and Bonaire. That's >100,000 air miles carrying a full set of dive gear plus backups for almost everything plus clothing and other stuff for as many as three weeks travel with no problems.

They hold up well, hold a ton of stuff, and fold relatively flat which is great for storing them under a bunk or in a closet on a liveaboard.

Lastly, they don't have any logos on them that scream "Steal Me - Expensive Dive Gear Inside!"