Equipment on Airplane?

[TessDarling]

Does anyone know if you can bring scuba regulators and computers as a carry-on on an airplane??

I am going on a trip to the Dominican Republic and want my own (renting everything else). I have a feeling whether I check it or not, the security will think it's some sort of explosive...

Any advice? :D

[DiveScoop]

There's a guy that has a new product that lets you take ALL your gear on flights as carry ons. Here's a link: Dive Caddy Details (http://diverwire.com/scuba-equipment-news/154-divecaddy.html)

BTW-I try to take my reg and computer as carry-on whenever possible.

[RJP]

Does anyone know if you can bring scuba regulators and computers as a carry-on on an airplane??

I am going on a trip to the Dominican Republic and want my own (renting everything else). I have a feeling whether I check it or not, the security will think it's some sort of explosive...

Any advice? :D

No problem at all. Carry my stuff on all the time.

[princessaprilia]

Amazing what they packed into that Dive Caddy!

[BobinNC]

Amazing what they packed into that Dive Caddy!

Yes I had not seen that before either and was quite impressed. Unfortunately all of my disposal income for scuba has been disposed of!

[steve1969]

You can carry anything except for a tank with the valve attached.

If it will fit in your carry-on and do not mind getting checked more than once going thru security then you are good to go.

Oh ya, no knives

[evad]

The "Dive Caddy" doesn't make any sense.

[mk706]

I use my Eddie Bauer Adventurer backpack. It fits:
- Regulator Bag (computer, regulator, primary light & Dive Alert)
- Primary mask
- Canon camera & housing
- Books, magazines, etc
- Snacks
- Cell phone & XM Helix
- Lightweight fleece
- With room to spare

I use this bag everyday to get my things to work. It's better to get a multipurposed bag than a specialized bag that will get infrequent use.

I use the backpack as my personal carry-on back, and a 22" pullman to carry my clothes. Then I check one modest sized duffel to move my BCD, fins, et cetera. My $.02.

[simmonsjr]

The "Dive Caddy" doesn't make any sense.

Just out of curiosity what did you mean that it doesn't make sense. I haven't seen one on person, but the concept seems solid enough to me. You put your gear in flat, roll it up, and you get the combined benefits of stability compressed space. What is your take (beyond it not making sense that is)?

[Dockmaster]

Just be sure to tell the TSA that it's a scuba regulator when it goes through the x-ray machine; they see dials an batteries and get overly excited. On my way to Coz with a LDS group, I was the first one through the line and they pulled me out for further inspection. I told the guy who checked my bag that there were about 20 people in my group and most of them had their regs as carry ons, so he was going to be busy that morning. After he checked my bag, he told the x-ray checker what it was and nobody else from my group got pulled out of line.

On my way back through Atlanta, the same thing almost happened again, but I told the lady it was a scuba regulator. She asked me where I was coming from and when I told her Cozumel she said "Mexico, how nice" and let me through with a smile.:crafty:

[Saspotato]

Yes you can take them on though often I get stopped and questioned about them after they go through the scanner. Out of six flights (all interstate not overseas) with stuff in my carry on I have been stopped four times to explain my regulators. Most wave me through as soon as they realise it is scuba equipment but one guy had a real issue with my first stage and reel saying I could hit them with the first stage and then tie them up with my reel :confused: That took a bit of effort not to have to go back to check them in...

If it weren't for the fact my other gear is *just* on the weight limits, I would put them in my checked luggage.

[reo]

I've brought my computer (Pro Plus 2) and regulator with me as carry-on several times. The only I had to open up my carry-on was when I had a couple of lead weights with it. Apparently, the lead blocks looked like something that could go boom. My wife was surprised when they wanted to look at her carry-on. I forgot to tell her I put some weights in her carry-on as well.

Ron

[battles2a5]

I just got back from a trip w/ my rebreather, tanks, regs, computers, HID, wetsuit, fins, etc. etc. I raised some eyebrows in security, but the body cavity search wasn't all that bad and I made my flight :)

[mk706]

Just out of curiosity what did you mean that it doesn't make sense. . .

1) That bag when full is way too big to fit in the overhead. Example, I fly Delta all the time. Their carry-on allowance is approximately 22" x 14" x 9". My pullman is about that size and i've got to squeeze it in if I put anything in the outside pocket. Even if you make it on the plane, if' you're not in zones 1 or 2 there won't be any overhead space left and you may end up having to plane-side valet.
2) Rube Goldberg. That bag is overly complicated. Too many buckles, compression straps, et cetera.
3) Price. For $240 I'd rather buy multiple bags that will serve more than this one singular purpose.

[evad]

What is your take (beyond it not making sense that is)?



MMM.....it's silly? It's too tedious to get into but for starters a bag that size, on the flights I've been taking, would be gate-checked at best and I don't want my regulators, gauges, canister light, back-up lights, masks, and back-up gauges gate-checked. I especially don't want my regulators dangling by the hoses from my "Fin Caddy" which would not hold my fins anyway.

[sohnje]

I always carry on my regs and computer. I dont wish to donate either to a baggage loader or inspector. Be prepared to be pulled from line on occasion to explain a regulator to some undereducated TSA official. I also want to be sure that my reg and computer hasn't been jumped on a few times by the "ever caring" baggage handlers. I just got back from the atlanta area and the actually cracked my pelican box. The same box that got ran over by a firetruck and only suffered minor scrathes. ( dont ask how this happened)

[Garrobo]

In three years I have been pulled out of line twice. Once in Columbus, Ohio and once in Fort lauderdale. Regs both times.

[miked]

As others have said, putting regs, computers,etc. in your carry-on bag is not a problem-just realize that you are at the mercy of the individual TSA/security person regarding how much of a search you will have to undergo.
In my experience, about 40% of the time I get waved through, sometimes with the scanner person asking "scuba gear?". The other 60% I'll get pulled aside for a hand search of the carry-on bag.
Also remember-no knives, and be careful of how many/if any spare batteries you have in the carry-on. The rules are not uniformly inforced. as before, it is VERY much dependent on the individual agent.
On a "lighter" note- one time the agent picked up my wrist mount computer, asked me what it was- I said "a dive computer". He asked me to turn it on, which I did. He got really nervous as the comp did its self diagnostic countdown...9..8...etc. :)
Enjoy your trip.

[Dr Neil]

I always carry my regulator and computer. I tell the TSA person that I have a regulator and dive computer in my bag. I've been stopped on several occasions. Usually I am waved through.

However, on one occasion a few years ago in the Orlando airport I got pulled into a side room and was grilled. The one TSA person wanted me to show how the regulator works. I told him I couldn't do that without an air tank. He then said I was notgetting on the plane with that thing if I couldn't make it work. I was finally rescued by a very kind police officer who explained that it wasn't dangerous.

To end it all, the TSA "official" performed another search of my person and my bag just to show that he was in charge.

Be up-font with the screeners, it usually helps.

[SoybeanQueen]

I have a padded bag that holds two reg setups along with dive computers, one for me and one for my husband. I usually have him carry that bag through security, so he gets the "what are all these hoses??" screening while I zip through with just the laptop and camera. ;)

I don't feel comfortable checking the regs and dive computers, though, because I don't want them thrown around. Being stolen also would suck, but I see my reg and computer the same way I do my laptop. I just wouldn't put it in a checked bag. If I have space, I also carry my mask with me. That way, if my luggage gets lost, I can still dive with the equipment I really want. I could live with a replacement set of fins, I could rent a wetsuit, and I could even manage to dive with a rental BC (though I'd likely curse the poor fit the whole time), but I definitely prefer to have my own reg and computer, and a mask that fits right.

Allowing a little extra time for the possible screening and the "I have scuba gear in this bag" warning does help.

[promocop]

Just curious. WHY would anyone carry lead weights on a dive trip? Dont trust the lead in faraway lands? That maybe the lamest thing I've ever heard.

[avlena]

When the hubby and me went to Bonaire, we packed our BCs, regs, flashlights, masks, & snorkles into 2 carry-on rolly suitcases. Seems to have been a popular idea, since the flight was packed with the same types of bags in the overhead compartments. It was partially for weight concerns, but mostly cuz we didn't want to check in 3k worth of gear and trust the luggage carriers.

When we went through security, we were initally confused as to why the xray person waved a few other TSA people over, and our bags got ran through the scanner a few times... until it occured to us what all that scuba gear must look like, and then once we told them it was scuba gear, they were fine with it.

[tridacna]

I've brought my computer (Pro Plus 2) and regulator with me as carry-on several times. The only I had to open up my carry-on was when I had a couple of lead weights with it. Apparently, the lead blocks looked like something that could go boom. My wife was surprised when they wanted to look at her carry-on. I forgot to tell her I put some weights in her carry-on as well.

Ron

You brought weights? Where did you stow your tanks? :shakehead:

[dry heat diver]

We carry our regs and computers including a full face mask all the time. Never been questioned about any of it.

[highdesert]

In my reg bag, I can pack my reg set with 2 second stages, a big AI computer, and an SPG, plus my backup wrist computer, backup light, and all my rechargeable batteries. That whole bag goes inside my carry-on. It gets inspected often in security, probably because of 16 AA and C batteries, but never had a problem once they see what's in it. Then also my primary mask in my carry-on.

[k ellis]

I always carry my mask regulator and computer on. If I have room left which I usually do I try to pack an extra change of clothes with them since there is a good possibility of bags getting lost.

I have flown many airlines and continental seems to have a 100 percent guarantee of messing up the baggage or flight every time :-( So carry on as much of your pricey items as you can.

As far as what you cant carry on is a simple list. Tanks with valves attached and dive knifes. Honestly with the cost of transporting tanks and weight restrictions and all the other non sense I would not tank my tanks regardless as in most cases its a lot cheaper to just rent one at the destination!

[DiveCaddy]

1) That bag when full is way too big to fit in the overhead. Example, I fly Delta all the time. Their carry-on allowance is approximately 22" x 14" x 9". My pullman is about that size and i've got to squeeze it in if I put anything in the outside pocket. Even if you make it on the plane, if' you're not in zones 1 or 2 there won't be any overhead space left and you may end up having to plane-side valet.
2) Rube Goldberg. That bag is overly complicated. Too many buckles, compression straps, et cetera.
3) Price. For $240 I'd rather buy multiple bags that will serve more than this one singular purpose.
Hi MK706,

Thank you for weighing in on the DiveCaddy TravelBag System. Everytime we pack a DiveCaddy we still find it hard to believe we can fit all of our gear into the bag and still get it into an overhead bin on a commercial airliner. (See attachment) NOTE: If you unattach the TurtleBag (the top bag) you can turn the bag 90 degrees in the overhead compartment.

Feel free to view our actual airport videos on our website: divecaddy.net/index-7.html

The DiveCaddy Staff has 80+ combined trips using the bag system. We have never been denied boarding and only stopped for TSA inspection a handful of times. A key point to consider is that when your first stage and regs are being viewed through the X-Ray with other obvious dive gear, it puts the shapes in context for the tech. Mask, fins, boots, etc., help the tech identify your gear as dive gear. (See attachments)


Please feel free to post, email or call our offices anytime; we're here to help you protect your gear and save money.

Chad
DiveCaddy

[all4scuba05]

Regs, Computers, camera and housing always go as carryon for me. Airlines never hassle me. I've been lucky there.

But a cruise? Different story. They called me during first night's dinner to tell me that my dive bag was back on land. My backplate and weighted STA scared them and they forgot to call me outside to open it for them. So I ended up renting evrything next morning at my first port of call...

[promocop]

I must me losing my mind...WEIGHTS???TANKS??? why would you carry any of this on an airplane? It's bad enough trying to carry on cameras and regs!! PLEASE help these people.!

[TessDarling]

On a "lighter" note- one time the agent picked up my wrist mount computer, asked me what it was- I said "a dive computer". He asked me to turn it on, which I did. He got really nervous as the comp did its self diagnostic countdown...9..8...etc. :)

OMG that is soooo funny!!!


I will definitely warn the security person that I have scuba gear. Thank you everyone for your advice!

[roturner]

I've carried my regulator, computer and compass with me on my carry on lots of times. Usually it gets looked at but nobody ever makes trouble about it.

I'm happy airport security is there and it makes me feel better when I see them being thorough. There *is* a line after which you're just harrassing people, but most problems can easily be avoided by just acting friendly and relaxed.

R..

[tridacna]

I must me losing my mind...WEIGHTS???TANKS??? why would you carry any of this on an airplane? It's bad enough trying to carry on cameras and regs!! PLEASE help these people.!

I always carry on my steel 120 doubles on every flight with me. Getting it through the metal detector, now that's another story. :rofl3:

[reo]

You brought weights? Where did you stow your tanks? :shakehead:

In the overhead compartments, just like everyone else...:D...just kidding

When I moved to Washington from Florida, my employer shipped all of my household goods (except for my Al 80 tanks) to Washington. I kept my house in Florida and rent it out to one of my daughters. I make a couple of trips a year to Florida to visit my daughters and grandchildren, and usually get in a couple of WPB dives in while on my visits.

Shortly after I moved to Washington, I bought some steel tanks (Faber 100s) for a very good price and the seller sold me some weights, also at a very good price.

I left the steel tanks in Washington, and I carried the the weights to Florida--a one-time event. Now I have a set of weights and tanks in Washington, and another set in my Florida home. When I travel to Florida, I take my BC, reg, computer, mask, snorkel, and fins, so I can dive with my own stuff while in Florida.

Ron

[reo]

I always carry on my steel 120 doubles on every flight with me. Getting it through the metal detector, now that's another story. :rofl3:

Did you put them in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you?:rofl3:

[TessDarling]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I carried my regs on (warning security before the xray) and only got an extra search 1 out of 3 times (had to go through customs). Had a few great dives in the Dominican Republic and so glad to have my own reg/computer! :)

[Clammy]

I must me losing my mind...WEIGHTS???TANKS??? why would you carry any of this on an airplane? It's bad enough trying to carry on cameras and regs!! PLEASE help these people.!

Weights I don't understand unless it's because you want a few smaller increment weights that many places just don't rent.

Tanks, well if you are doing anything other than open water dives, you may need to drag the doubles along and stage bottles as well. It might be hard to find a place that will rent O2 cleaned tanks and unless you're in cave country, it's going to be tough to impossible to find a place that rents doubles.

[Skunky]

When you guys carry your reg, do you pull off the second stages and hoses to make it all separate so all the hoses are not protruding out from the 1st stage? Thanks..

[diver 85]

Does anyone know if you can bring scuba regulators and computers as a carry-on on an airplane??

I am going on a trip to the Dominican Republic and want my own (renting everything else). I have a feeling whether I check it or not, the security will think it's some sort of explosive...

Any advice? :D

That's the ONLY way I've ever carried them--ie in my carryon bag.....Wife has her's in her carryon & I have mine in my carryon.....

For over 50 trips on jets since '85...

Sometimes they want to hand check them after going thru x-ray, but what the heck...

[diver 85]

When you guys carry your reg, do you pull off the second stages and hoses to make it all separate so all the hoses are not protruding out from the 1st stage? Thanks..

(Just saw this post)----no---carry them completely assembled ie 3 regs & SPG connected together........

[Scubagolf]

When you guys carry your reg, do you pull off the second stages and hoses to make it all separate so all the hoses are not protruding out from the 1st stage? Thanks..

Nope. They are loosely coiled along with my wrist-mount computer in my reg bag (about 1' x1' x 3") into my carry-on bag, which in my case is a backpack.

[underwasser bolt]

my regulator and computer fit in my laptop bag even with the laptop in it. took some effort, but it worked.

[Skunky]

Thanks for the info.