SkyService Question....

[Canuck]

Hi everyone....I'm leaving Friday morning for Puerto Vallarta on Sky Service and I was curious about their baggage policy. I read their web site, and it only mentions scuba tanks. I've also been told that the mesh type bags are not liked by the airlines (although I'm not sure why).

Anyone have experience with bringing scuba equipment (BCD, Reg, Fins, boots, mask, snorkel, and UW camera) on a flight (specifically Sky Service) and any problems with a mesh bag?

Thanks for any help.:confused:

[cobaltbabe]

Hello there Wayne,
Welcome to the board. I'm new too. Myself and my dive partner are not far from you at all. If you want to get together sometime to go for a dive, I'm sure we would both welcome you. I would have to ask of course but the more the merrier. Try to come to the dinner and if possible the weekend we are trying to plan. I have found people who dive are usually very friendly. Hope to talk to you around the board.

[sparky30]

Canuck once bubbled...
Hi everyone....I'm leaving Friday morning for Puerto Vallarta on Sky Service and I was curious about their baggage policy. I read their web site, and it only mentions scuba tanks. I've also been told that the mesh type bags are not liked by the airlines (although I'm not sure why).

Anyone have experience with bringing scuba equipment (BCD, Reg, Fins, boots, mask, snorkel, and UW camera) on a flight (specifically Sky Service) and any problems with a mesh bag?

Thanks for any help.:confused:

I recently flew down to Florida with American Airlines.. All my dive gear was in a soft case with wheels.. Its was overweight and they made me pay extra :(
Im not sure how security is in Canada right now, but in the states you are not allowed to lock your luggage as they will open it after you check it.. They left a nice little note in my gear bag. I was terrified that my bag would get lost (wouldn't be the first time) so I carried my regs and photo gear (all the expensice stuff) in my carry on..
As for the mesh bag, make sure you get something nice ans sturdy and padded.. you want to protect your gear.. The mesh bag just invites theft.. Its like advertising your scuba gear..
Besides, I don't know how a mesh bag would handle being on the bottom of two other 75lbs suitcases..
Just my two cents worth..
My big gear bag has wheels and a handle.. great to get around airports..Also has backpack straps once I get out to carry it..Its made by Akona.. I'd recommend it..

[Canuck]

Thanks for the info, I think I actually saw the bag your talking about in a local DS today....I think it was about $350. and I'd love to get it, but I'm paying for my trip right now. =(
Maria thanks for the welcome and invitation also!

[cobaltbabe]

Your welcome and I know I was off topic but wanted to say hello.

[Scuba_18]

When I flew with equipment I made sure i packed it well and had it protected but I told them it was sports equipment and they allowed me extra weight without the extra fee. I wouldn't use mesh bags and like sparky30 said I would carry on the expensive stuff.

scuba_18

[Bubble Boy]

I just flew to Cancun with Skyservice. The luggage policy is quite clear on sporting equipment such as scuba gear. It allows you to go over your weight without penalty. They initially charged me $25 for being over the baggage weight but then I went back after reading the ticket closely. They gave me my money back. Make sure you tell them it is sporting gear and specifically scuba. I put all my scuba gear in a seperate suitcase to avoid any problems. I had none. You will want your film in your carry on luggage. The extra x-rays and trace testing is not the easiest thing on the film . Visit Transport Canada's web site and review the prohibitted items list for carry on luggage before you pack. With the US's announcement earlier tonight the hightened security is a given.

[Big Bubbles]

I flew to PV a couple years ago with a mesh sided bag and had no problem. You were talking about a new bag at the lds for 350.00. I just bought a wheeled backpack duffel at Mountain equipment Coop I know there is one in Ont., for 130.00.

[Canuck]

well thanks for all the great info everyone.....I'll call them tomorrow just to double check so I don't have any problems at the airport in light of all the heightened security.
Marie....sorry for calling you Maria, my bad!
Bubbles...that bag sounds like a good deal. I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the tip!

[Canuck]

Big Bubbles....would this be the bag you speak of? If so, how do you find it? Enough room for all of your gear, and is the equipment able to "breath" through the fabric? I don't want to put wet equipment in there if it will get stinky and gross!

[Pez de Diablo]

Canuck once bubbled...
Big Bubbles....would this be the bag you speak of? If so, how do you find it? Enough room for all of your gear, and is the equipment able to "breath" through the fabric? I don't want to put wet equipment in there if it will get stinky and gross!

Big Bubbles (I was going to short'n in to Bubbles, but that sounded funny and Big just wouldn't work sorry B)and I use the same one... and that's it. It is a great deal, nondescript and bullet proof. I put half my stuff into rubbermaid containers (for protection) and it still all fits in. I have never had a problem with my gear gettin stinky, but it's only sat wet for a day or two at the most. Any longer and I would be concerned about mildew and mold.

[Butch103]

and to answer your question.......Put your regs, computer, camera in your carry-on. A little heavey however safer. Put the rest of your gear in a non-descript generic suitcase. Preferably one with wheels. Personally I locked mine with cable ties.. Do not advertise your gear. Great way to lose it. as far as worrying about the smell, dry the gear out before you repack it to come home. Gie it a good rinse in the shower at the hotel/resort, and let it dry thoroughly. You will have at least a day before you fly home after your last dive so it will dry. When you get home take it out ASAP. If you can I would re-rinse it. And clean it.

[Bubble Boy]

TSA suggests that you help prevent the need to break your locks by keeping your bags unlocked. In some cases, screeners will have to open your baggage as part of the screening process. If your bag is unlocked, then TSA will simply open the bag and screen the bag. However, if the bag is locked and TSA needs to open your bag, then locks may have to be broken. You may keep your bag locked if you choose, but TSA is not liable for damage caused to locked bags that must be opened for security purposes. If you are transporting a firearm, please refer to the on "Transporting Firearms and Ammunition" section at the bottom of this page for directions on locking your bag.

If TSA screeners open your bag during the screening procedure, they will close it with a tamper evident seal and place a notice in your bag alerting you to the fact that TSA screeners opened your bag for inspection.

In the near future, TSA will provide seals at the airport for you to use to secure your bags as an alternative to locks. Until that time, you may want to consider purchasing standard "cable ties," which can be found at your local hardware store. The 4 to 5 inch variety cable ties generally work best since they are the easiest to remove at your destination and can be used to close almost every bag with zippers. If TSA needs to inspect your bag, the screeners will cut off the seal and replace it with another seal.

[pufferfish]

I would concur with BigBubbles that the MEC bag is just awesome especially for the price. It is called the MEC Rolling Odyssey and is $130 Canadian. Features include 1000 denier, wheels, , AND hide away back pack straps. There are four ways to carry this bag (wheels, backpack, handle, shoulder strap). It has 136L capacity so it is big.

I have field tested the bag on several trips and the thing is bullet proof. My only problem was it would tip over sometimes if cornerning too quickly.

As for getting smell out of any bag, Mirazyme works wonders. Just soak for ten minutes and hang to dry.

Mirazyme (http://www.backpacker.com/gear/article/0,1023,1756,00.html)