I dont check my bags - how to get knife there?

[Charlie99]

I've had no problem taking EMT shears onboard for my last few flights, but did not declare them and don't know if they are OK or I was just lucky to sneak them through.

Has anybody had theirs taken away by airport security?

I have used my EMT shears fairly often to clean up monofilament on the reef. The advantage of shears over a knife is that it's easy to snip mono one-handed, while cutting with a knife you sometimes have to use one hand to hold the line and the other to cut.

I don't mind diving w/o a knife, but I won't dive w/o my shears.

 

[terrylowe]

Get a "z" knife or trauma shears and you will be able to carry it on.

Had my Z knife pulled in Cozumel on the way home to US.

 

[Jorgy]

With shears or a z-knife it is hit or miss, just depends on how the screeners are interpreting the rules that day.....in my opinion not worth the risk or the hassle....

Checking a bag also allows for bringing liquids greater than 3.4 oz such as sunscreen and saline solution for the family (2 of 4 wear contacts) and some tools to have just-in-case....

M

 

[FireInMyBones]

Let me make sure I understand. You don't want to check luggage which means you will never be taking your own regulator, or bc/backplate(whichever)/ You would rather rent these life critical devices because you won't be able to fit them in your carryon? Have I got that right? Ok, I'm making some assumptions here, such as you want to take something besides you bc, regulator, computer, fins and mask (I can see renting a wetsuit), like clothing and a toothbrush, perhaps a laptop. Nevermind, I can clearly see that I won't understand. Just a helpful thought, you can wear your bc on the plane. That will save you some weight and space. Hope it is a short flight though cuz they are NOT usually comfortable for a long haul.
For me the inconvenience and risk of checked baggage is far less risky that renting life vital gear which may or may not have been properly maintained and or which may or may not fit like a glove. I have used a rented bc and reg twice. Once when I certified (I immediately went out and got everything) and once in Hawaii when I did not want to haul my 50 lb dive bag for one dive. I took my own reg, and mask. The bc was not a good experience. I know where the dump valves are on mine, I can open pockets and get stuff out without even looking and close them again, I can take it off and put it back on blindfolded, I know exactly which pockets into which to insert the different amounts of weight, on and on. You would rather trust your life to rental stuff to avoid checking baggage. Good luck I truly think you might need it in the not so distant future. May good fortune always smile upon you. I mean it. You might be a very efficient packer and get everything you need in carryon luggage. I can't. If you get on a puddle jumper be aware that sometimes your carryon is limited to 7 kilos. Yes, about 17-18 lbs. To pull this one off you will have to be a world class efficient packer.

I can fit the following in my dedicated dive carry-on (which is currently just a small cheap luggage):
BP and hog harness
STA w/ 2 cam straps
2 velcro weight pockets
2 masks
reg set w/ long hose
wrist compass
wrist bottom timer
size L Jet fins
3 mil wetsuit with sewn on pocket
finger spool
3.3' DSMB
snorkel for snorkeling
mini save a dive kit
log book and necessary C-cards

I also carry a small backpack with any clothes I will need, toiletries and my laptop.

I get two carry-ons, I use them to the fullest.

--------

To the OP, I second Jim's sugestion for a knife. I have made it on with trauma sheers before with a nice TSA agent (some do exist). I have a printed list of allowable carry ons which includes:

Item Carry-on Checked
Box Cutters No Yes
Ice Axes/Ice Picks No Yes
Knives - except for plastic or round bladed butter knives No Yes
Meat Cleavers No Yes
Razor-Type Blades - such as box cutters, utility knives, and safety razor blades (disposable razors and their cartridges are permitted) No Yes
Sabers No Yes
Scissors - metal with pointed tips and blades shorter than four inches Yes Yes
Swords - cutting or thrusting weapons, including fencing foils No Yes

The only problem is that you can not count on it passing. Thus...Jim's suggestion.

Had my Z knife pulled in Cozumel on the way home to US.

Bummer. Sorry, Terry. I guess they figured the "box cutter" argument?

 

[bkotheimer]

I agree, I think it's quite possible to carry on everything you need to dive (except weights and tanks of course), and it IS a big pain to check/claim a bag.

As others have posted, EMT shears can do everything you'd need a knife for, and if you buy the colorful, plastic-looking ones, you should have no problem carrying them through security.

 

[ktomlinson]

I think the buy one when you get there is the best suggestion. If you were to ship it, even domestically it would be at least $5 each way. I especially like the borrow one idea. Maybe you could call ahead to the place you will be diving and ask if they have one you could rent/borrow. Personally, I check my bags because it's easier than shipping, but I also wouldn't put anything in my bags that I couldn't just run out and buy either.

 

[jbb]

I can fit the following in my dedicated dive carry-on (which is currently just a small cheap luggage):
BP and hog harness
STA w/ 2 cam straps
2 velcro weight pockets
2 masks
reg set w/ long hose
wrist compass
wrist bottom timer
size L Jet fins
3 mil wetsuit with sewn on pocket
finger spool
3.3' DSMB
snorkel for snorkeling
mini save a dive kit
log book and necessary C-cards

I also carry a small backpack with any clothes I will need, toiletries and my laptop.

I get two carry-ons, I use them to the fullest.
QUOTE]

How heavy is the bag. This only for domestic?

 

[FireInMyBones]

I can fit the following in my dedicated dive carry-on (which is currently just a small cheap luggage):
BP and hog harness
STA w/ 2 cam straps
2 velcro weight pockets
2 masks
reg set w/ long hose
wrist compass
wrist bottom timer
size L Jet fins
3 mil wetsuit with sewn on pocket
finger spool
3.3' DSMB
snorkel for snorkeling
mini save a dive kit
log book and necessary C-cards

I also carry a small backpack with any clothes I will need, toiletries and my laptop.

I get two carry-ons, I use them to the fullest.

How heavy is the bag. This only for domestic?

About 35lbs. I need to weigh it again, I forget the exact weight.
International.

 

[Bogie]

Ship it or just buy one when you get at your destination.

 

[terrylowe]

Bummer. Sorry, Terry. I guess they figured the "box cutter" argument?

Not sure why they pulled it. They saw it on xray. Searched the bag, went right to it, pulled it out and then sorta acted like they had never seen one before. He asked his supervisor in rapid fire Spanish something and they told me in broken English that I couldn't take it with me. I had really meant to put it in checked luggage anyway. They were about to keep it when I asked if I could run put it in my checked luggage...they agreed. I went back out to the check-in line...my luggage was already gone. I found another person hauling scuba gear and asked him if he would check it with his things and he was happy to do it. Got it back in Houston. (by the way scuba guy...if you are reading this...THANKS for being a mule for me!)