Check or carry on gear?

[divechaplain-sara]

When you fly what do you do with your gear? Do you check it all? Do you carry it on? Are there certain pieces of gear that you carry on and check the rest?

[Black-Gorrilla]

always carry on your regulators and mask... just cause that stuff should not be thrown around.
most everything else can be dispatched with no problems.. as long as you pack well.

[Charles R]

I carry everything on and check the non important stuff like clothes

[Flatliner]

Charles would be the guy whose dive vacation DIDN'T get ruined. If you have to have it carry it on. If you can survive the ENTIRE vacation without it (realizing that the airline will give you some money for stuff like underwear, shorts, t-shirts) then it is ok to check it.

In all seriousness, I have flown hundreds of times in the last few years and have only lost my luggage twice. BUT one time was a trip to Fairbanks, AK in December (-35 F on arrival) and my luggage didn't show up for 3 days. I had everything that was essential and two changes of clothes in my carry on so I was OK. If you are going on a once in a lifetime dive trip it would be a MAJOR bummer to lose 3 days due to luggage problems.

[WV Diver]

I carry on my mask, computer, wetsuit, camera and regulator system.

[DevilDiver]

I always carry on my camera equipment and check the dive gear. I can rent gear........ DON'T TOUCH MY CAMERA EQUIPMENT.

[jbres1]

I carry regs, computer, camera, mask, and 13 cu ft pony, and check the wing and fins.
I don't mind diving with a strange set of fins or a BC, but I like to have my own reg.
Jim Breslin

[ReefHound]

There's a thread on Decostop right now, Tim with TDL just returned from the Caymans, between Miami and Las Vegas someone rifled through his checked bags and stole a bunch of stuff. Cochran computer, Vyper computer, Green Force lights, and more.

[MEL-DC Diver]

I'm with most everyone else - carry on the regs, computer, etc. Check the big stuff.

[DevilDiver]

Originally Posted by ReefHound

There's a thread on Decostop right now, Tim with TDL just returned from the Caymans, between Miami and Las Vegas someone rifled through his checked bags and stole a bunch of stuff. Cochran computer, Vyper computer, Green Force lights, and more.

I have had a camera stolen and a set of IPod speakers before.
You can get locks for your luggage that are aproved for security.