How To Travel With Scuba Gear

Traveling with Scuba Diving equipment can be plain obnoxious. However, traveling with your own gear ensures mental and physical comfort.  There seems to be so many hoses and items to take with you and everything is so bulky. Here are some inside tips of what to take AND where to put it!

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1. Get a split suitcase if you can!

These are usually hard on the outside with a zipper in the middle. When you open the suitcase there are two halves to fill. Use one half for your clothing and swimsuits. Use the other half for goggles, non-clothing items, wetsuits, fins, and scuba gear! Remember to never put any cameras or valuables in checked bags. 

2. What if I can't get a split suitcase?

NO WORRIES! My mom who travels with me does not use a split suitcase and it works just fine for her. I like my system because it keeps me organized and I know how to repack to come home, but if you don't have one, do not stress. Pack all your clothes FIRST and then place scuba gear on top! This keeps them out of your clothes in case they need to go through your checked bag (they sometimes do) because you have unknown items. 
TIP: another way to keep them from going through your bag because they can is to zip tie it. They sometimes will cut the zip tie but only because it was necessary. This keeps them out if it is not necessary. A lock works too but in case they cut that off you will lose $5 instead of 1 cent. 

3. Do not check all of your dive gear

First, let's start with the parts of your gear you will want to check. 
-BCD ( the vest looking thing)
-Fins
-Wetsuit
-Booties (watershoes)
-any hoods, vests, or gloves
​-Divers log

Dive Gear to CARRY ON
-regulator
Why? If they lose your bag, this will be the one piece of dive gear you will not want to rent because you put your mouth on it. 
-mask
Why? Again, for the purpose of a lost bag. Buying a new mask, breaking it in, making sure it fits. That is a HUGE hassle. At least if you just bring yours, you know you have it. It is small after all. 
-snorkel (optional, I sometimes check this)
Why? Many people can not detach the snorkel from the mask, so just throw it all in the carry on. However, I can get mine off and they might be easier to replace. If you have space to carry it on, just do it for the safe side.
-Computer
Why? The dive computer is normally attached to the regulator so if yours is, then do not worry about this and just put it all in there. I just got a new computer that is watch style. It is considered a valuable so I will carry it on the plane.
-Swimsuit
Why? Just do it. It cannot hurt. Swimsuits are small and do not take up much space. If they lose your bag (again haha I could not mention this anymore) then you have a swimsuit. You have all your essentials. Do not let one mistake keep you from having a great trip and diving experience!