How to Fly with Scuba Gear:
Airline Rules, Packing & Travel Tips

Flying with scuba gear doesn’t have to be stressful—but it does take some planning. From weight limits to packing strategy, this guide walks you through everything you need to know to avoid extra fees, protect your equipment, and make sure nothing important gets left behind.

1. Know the Airline Rules

• Checked vs. Carry-On: Most scuba gear will need to go in your checked baggage due to size or restrictions (e.g. fins, knives, BCDs). However, fragile or high-value items like regulators, dive computers, and your mask should go in your carry-on if possible.
• Weight Limits: Most airlines allow 50 lbs per checked bag. Going over that can result in significant fees. Budget airlines may allow even less, so always check before you fly.
• Oversize & Overweight Fees: Many dive bags are large. Even if they don’t look bulky, they can exceed dimensional limits. Check both weight and linear inches (length + width + height).
• Scuba-Specific Exceptions: Some airlines allow an extra checked bag or higher weight allowance for scuba gear. This isn’t common, but it’s worth researching for international carriers and island destinations.
• Lithium Battery Rules: Dive lights, cameras, and scooters with lithium batteries typically must be carried on. Spare lithium batteries are never allowed in checked luggage.

2. What Gear Should You Bring?

• Essential vs. Optional Gear: Prioritize personal-fit items and anything critical to your safety or comfort. Examples: your mask, dive computer, exposure protection, and regulator.
• Renting at Your Destination: If you’re trying to save weight, it may be worth renting a BCD, tanks, or even wetsuits. But check the rental quality first—low-quality gear can ruin a dive trip.
• What Not to Pack in Checked Bags: Do not check regulators, computers, or anything fragile or expensive unless absolutely necessary. Never check lithium batteries.
• Note from Dive Otter: I always carry my mask, computer, and regulator in my carry-on. If I need to reduce weight, the regulator is the first thing I’ll move to checked baggage—since it’s easier to rent a backup than a mask or computer I trust.
• Don’t Overpack: It’s easy to bring too much. If you're diving with a reputable shop, ask what gear they provide—you may not need everything.

3. Packing Strategy

• Choose the Right Bag: Roller bags are easier in airports, but duffels often weigh less. Some dive-specific bags come with padding and drain holes for wet gear. Just watch the empty weight. See our Dive Bag Buying Guide (Coming Soon) for recommendations.
• Protect Fragile Gear: Use clothes or neoprene wraps to cushion your mask and regulator. Consider a padded reg bag for extra safety.
• Don’t Pack Wet Gear: Wet gear can cause mold, stink, or even damage your bag’s liner during a flight. Saltwater residue can also corrode zippers and fabric. Let everything dry completely before your return flight.
• Don’t Bring Weights: They’re heavy, bulky, and universally available at your destination. Save the space for gear that matters.
• Use a Packing List: Forgetting your computer, gloves, or bolt snaps is more common than you think. Download our Travel Packing Checklist (Coming Soon) to make sure you have everything.

4. Tips for Avoiding Baggage Fees

• Use Your Carry-On Wisely: Carry anything heavy, expensive, or irreplaceable. Regs and dive computers are ideal for this if you have room.
• Weigh Bags at Home: A portable luggage scale is cheap and avoids nasty surprises at the check-in counter.
• Split Gear with Your Buddy: If you’re traveling with a friend or spouse, divide gear across bags to keep each one under the weight limit.

5. Suggested Gear to Carry On vs. Check

6. Special Cases & Common Issues

• Flying with Dive Tanks: Leave them at home. Empty tanks may be allowed if the valve is removed, but it’s usually not worth the hassle or cost.
• Dive Knives, Trauma Shears, and Tools: These must go in checked baggage. TSA will confiscate them if found in your carry-on.
• Delays or Lost Bags: If your checked gear is delayed, make sure your first day of diving isn’t scheduled immediately after arrival. Pack a minimum kit in your carry-on just in case.

7. Extra Tips for International Flights

• Some airlines have different baggage rules for domestic vs. international legs—especially on codeshare or partner flights.
• Print or screenshot the airline’s baggage policy in case you need to show it to a check-in agent.
• Be prepared for customs agents or airport security to inspect dive bags. Some countries check for spearfishing gear or prohibited tools.
• Confirm that your dive insurance (such as DAN) covers international travel, medical evacuation, and chamber treatment if needed.

8. Before You Head to the Airport

• Weigh your luggage at home
• Move all lithium batteries to your carry-on
• Double-check that knives/tools aren’t in your carry-on
• Make sure all gear is completely dry
• Carry digital or printed copies of your certification cards
• Bring proof of DAN Travel Insurance if traveling internationally

9. Final Thoughts

With a little prep, flying with scuba gear doesn’t have to be a hassle. Know your airline’s rules, weigh your bags, and pack smart. The time you spend planning now can save you hundreds in overweight fees and protect the gear that protects you underwater.

Need help building your ideal travel setup?
- Visit our Dive Bag Buying Guide (Coming Soon)
- Check out our Scuba Travel Guide
- Read our Responsible Diving & Conservation tips for reef-safe product recommendations
- Future guide: How to Choose a Regulator (Coming Soon)

For peace of mind on bigger trips, we also recommend looking into DAN Travel Insurance. It can help cover trip delays, lost gear, and unexpected emergencies—especially when diving in remote locations.

FAQ: Flying with Scuba Gear

Have a question about flying with dive gear? Send it to Ask Dive Otter — we might include your question in a future update.