I have yet to fly with any of my gear, so I'm curious what people choose to bring. The two boat trips I'm going on charge $25 each for a full rental, so the money is about the same vs. a checked bag. Any comments on this list?
Must carry on:
- Regulator
- Computer
- Card / log
- Mask / snorkel / defog
Probably carry on:
Might carry on:
- Boots / hood / gloves
- Wetsuit / skinsuit
Rent even if you own:
It's not always about the money, but convenience vs. having your own gear that you like and are used to. If I was on a trip for other reasons and was just sneaking a couple dives in, I'll likely need more regular clothes and stuff, and it might be hard or not worth the trouble to haul all my dive gear. If it's mainly a dive trip, all my gear (sans weights and tanks of course) is coming with me.
Reg I usually carry on, but depends where I'm going. Some places are very restrictive on carry on weight/size, and Philippines is an example of a place that doesn't actually allow regs in carry on.
Computer carry on, unless it's attached to a reg I'm checking. (No, you don't need to worry about pressure changes in the hold, it's the same as where you're sitting.)
Card carry on you for sure. Log if you take one with you, I don't. Better to have it on line where you can't lose it anyway.
Mask carry on. Snorkel checked. Snorkel is rarely important enough to carry on - most people don't even carry one at all. Defog checked, not worth the space in my quart bag. They'll probably have some where you're going anyway.
I would not carry on a BC, though I know some people insist on trying. There are too many things I'd much rather use the carry on space for. Ditto for any exposure protection, although I might tuck a thin dive skin in carry-on.
Fins checked. I would always take mine, not rent. Rental fins often suck, you want the ones you're used to that fit well, don't give you blisters, and behave how you like. I'd almost rather rent a BC than fins. Plus, if you have a chance to do some snorkeling as well, you have fins ready to go.