How much will a BC self inflate in checked luggage?

[NAM001]

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How will it self inflate if it's not hooked up to anything? There will be an atmospheric drop in the hold that may allow some expansion but in a tightly packed bag the BC should not be affected. If you're really worried unscrew one of the dump valves.

---------- Post added November 18th, 2014 at 09:44 PM ----------

Less ambient pressure means any air put in at sea level in a closed flexible container will expand as the ambient pressure drops. Unless the plane crashes and drops to the bottom of the ocean. Then it will get smaller.

 

[Texasguy]

If you hear a big pop below the sitting area, calmly reassure the passengers that it was just a wing on your BC.

 

[Zeagle Eagle]

Next time you go on a jet, check out a potato chip bag or a bottle of water. It will expand with altitude; but, not to the point of breaking. When you return to sea level it will return to normal. If you landed at a high altitude it will remain partially inflated. Your BC will inflate somewhat as you go up; but, not enough to worry about. Would it crush a sandwich? I suppose if your bag was packed tight enough it might squish it a little bit.

I had a Pelican box that I opened at 41,000 feet, probably 8,600 feet of pressure altitude and then closed it at altitude. When I tried to open it at sea level I couldn't. Fortunately, it came equipped with a little pressure relief valve and I relieved the pressure that way. A lot of the better cases have those little bitty valves.

---------- Post added November 20th, 2014 at 06:19 PM ----------

If you hear a big pop below the sitting area, calmly reassure the passengers that it was just a wing on your BC.

Best post of the thread...

 

[Roatan Joe]

A friend and dive buddy of mine lives for sandwiches EVERY day. I'll be sure to warn him about packing BCDs and sandwiches together. Jim did you see this?