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T'was for carry on weight restrictions mostly but also hoping it might circumvent their (Philippines ) "thoughts of regulators as weapons" why I carried 5 first stages sans hoses in Ziploc bags in my rain coat (4 for family and me and a spare or for pony) and all the hoses and second stages with hoses in Ziplocs in the carry on / personal bag sized bag. Of course either could be used as weapon, but it seems to work for two trips (second trip was just me and 2 sets for SM). Camera gear,housing, flashes, lights for that and lights for all 4 plus spares, Li-Ion batteries in individual small Ziplocs baggies, computer for those that brought it (a aparrently 3 of us could not be w/o. Chargers, another, smaller camera, ... plus all essential diving gear (suits, fins, masks, booties, BCDs / BP&Ws for four made for pretty funny looking carry-on and personal bag contents ... (being sure we can bring carry on and personal bag also is why we took an international flight to Cebu not an in country one). Flash lights, bagged Li-Ion Batteries and other heavies (I carry two 1 lbs ankle weights in case someone has trim issues) made for further funny rain jacket pocket stuffers (all to limit carryon weight as much as possible)Unfortunately, in the Philippines, I have seen some passengers turned away with regulators in their hand carry luggage. It is officially outlined in their aviation law that it is not allowed as they think it can be a weapon but I do know that enforcement is poor at best and it is very hit or miss. At that point, do you just check it in and continue your way or do you try to insist and perhaps miss your flight and possibly derail your trip? The passengers I have seen turned away chose to proceed with option 1. I think that is the only place that I have heard of or seen any issues with it being in carry on, though.
I'd like to hear suggestions from members' personal experiences with checked bag(s) for gear.
I saw this and, though okay in terms of size, gear doesn't appear to be secure in it.
TUSA Roller Duffle Bag
I have never come across any operator or liveaboard or anyone who has ever told me that an operator didn't provide weights. Save your weight for something else or travel lighter. With that said, in warm water, I need a 1/2 kg or 1 lb weight and that would be my exception - I've noticed not many ops have 1/2 kg weights in countries that use metric.
Has anyone ever worn their BCD on the plane? I've heard stories of such legend but never done it myself. Willing to try, though.