Squashed mask case

[LI Diver]

Have any of you guy's ever had this problem, when I got to Florida my mask case for my spare mask (the semi hard plastic case that a new mask comes in) was shattered. I was thinking wow what kind of force would it take to do this??? Of course this was in my cked luggage and I had visions of someone running it over w/ a forklift. But.. the mask was fine. So then I thought about a pressure/or lack of in the cargo bay. I always drill a few 1/2" holes in the cover for the mask to dry better if put away wet, so
the case itself is vented. What can I do other than bringing it in my carry on with my primary mask,regs,camera's etc.Any ideas??

[MSilvia]

Yeah, I had a mask box break in checked baggage on a trip to the keys once. I just patched it with clear packing tape and called it good enough for keeping the dirt off my mask. After watching baggage handlers in action on several occasions, I have no doubt how it happened... my dive bag was handled roughly. That's part of the reason my regs and gauges come carry-on.

[awap]

Cargo bay pressure and cabin pressure are the same. Bags get handled roughly and piled deep. I keep regs and masks in carry-on.

[RoadRacer1978]

Only way I could see protecting the contents of your checked baggage is having a hard case that everyting is stored in. Other than something nearly bulletproof, the baggage guys are gonna find a way to destroy it at some point.

[dallasdivergirl]

my masks (yeah, I travel with 2 but they do fit in the same case) are in my carry-ons. I make the most of the two items that the airlines allow with my rolling carry-on & my backpack.

Things I can dive with out or are easily rentable are in the checked luggage. Wetsuits, fins, lights, etc. Carry-on is my regs, mask & bcd.

[divechaplain-sara]

You could wrap your mask case in bubble wrap.

[Damselfish]

Shows you how checked luggage might get treated. I keep my mask in carryon.

You can use a hard case, but besides the weight they might just break the case instead. (I had this happen.) Bags and stuff that flexes and bends seems to fare better in checked, just need to be careful how you pack it (and hope TSA doesn't screw up your careful packing job.)

[Buoyant1]

I always take my primary mask, lights, computer and regs in my carry-on (well and my camera) and if I have enough room, my back up mask! I've resigned myself that if I'm flying to Florida, I'll just ship my gear rather than let the the apes at the airport toss my stuff around!