Is there any standard regarding air travel with scuba gear?  I've seen articles and posts before that say carry on your reg. and computer, but check the rest.  Not a problem...except that in reading the policy of Northwest (the airline I will be travelling with to Hawaii), I found the following:

"Scuba Equipment
Northwest accepts scuba equipment as checked luggage only. Scuba equipment is not included in a customer's free luggage allowance and is subject to a charge of $80.00 USD (each way) per item.

One (1) item of scuba equipment is defined as one (1) or a combination of the following:

Scuba tank must be empty. If the spear gun has a CO2 cartridge, the cartridge must be empty.

Northwest does not accept liability for loss, damage, or delay of scuba equipment. Excess valuation insurance may not be purchased for transport of scuba equipment."

If this reads correctly, my fins, knife and snorkel alone would cost $240 just to check.  That's insane and seems like pure robbery (especially when there's no charge for checking a firearm!).  Interestingly..they don't mention regulators (unless that the "generator").

What's is everyone else's experience?  I plan on just packing my gear in my checked luggage and hoping for the best, but surely don't want to incur a huge fee.

I have been travelling with scuba gear for the last 30 years on airlines. I am aware of some restrictions, but the above is just ridiculuos. maybe Northwest is just trying to cover their butt because they consider scuba equipment fragile and subject to damage and claims.

I wouldn't worry about it to much just make sure your checked bags weigh less than 50#. it seems the lighter I pack my gear the less the airlines throws it around and damages the bags. I pack everthing except camera and strobe in checked bags. Just make sure you have your regulator and computer in a regulator bag. Make sure all gear is packed in a heavly constructed and durable dive bag (if you want some recommendations contact me), not these dive bags that are configured like luggage. People love to purchase these bags because they look like fashionable luggage, but they don't last 5 flights. I have never had any problems with theft or damage (except to fancy bags or bags with rollers on them). Just make sure your bags are not to heavy. You don't need to announce you have dive equipment at check in. Also tell them to put fragile stickers on your bags. Tell them only that you have some gifts you want to protect not that you have dive gear, or else you you will get the third degree about how the airline won't be responsible etc.etc. Tell them you have religious statues! I really don't think you are going to have trouble or pay anything extra. 

While I have only traveled once with most of my gear, I agree that policy is nuts!

Last year I flew to southern California and was able to do my first shore ocean dive at Laguna Beach.

I took more than I needed, but actually checked everything and had not problem with any damage or theft. It was all in a regular Samonite luggage packed with a lot of towels!

Jeff

Wiz 77,

I had the same problem with lights coming back from Grand Cayman.  Security removed batteries and discarded them. Reason being, they said if it were to turn on and heat up there could be a potential for fire.  Interesting how this never happens traveling domestically and that was the first time international.  I think from now on, I will carry the batteries seperate until reaching destination.

Cubfan

Cubfan,

I have had one light do that to me.  It seemed to turn itself on and melt the lens.  It is amazing how much heat is created.  Grand Cayman was were I had them ask to take the batteries out too. 

Wiz77

J Couston