Regulators and dive computers go in carry-on, tanks must be completely empty, and a hard-sided dive bag protects checked gear.
For the full breakdown, see our best Dive Bag for Air Travel guide.
Most divers worry baggage handlers will crush their gear, but the real risk is packing it wrong. Knowing how to pack scuba gear for air travel starts with understanding which items travel in the cabin and which go below. Get that split right and the rest is careful layering, proper drying, and knowing the TSA rules that apply to every bag.
Packing Scuba Gear For Air Travel: Layer From Bottom Up
The right packing order reverses how you suit up. Start with the BCD at the bottom of the bag—fully deflated and folded tight—to create a cushioned base for everything above. Add fins along the sides, positioned bottom-to-bottom with foot pockets stuffed with socks or a towel to maintain their shape and prevent bending. Pack the regulator in its padded bag, or wrap the first stage in a towel and place it in the center of the main bag surrounded by soft items—never near edges or the bottom where impacts hit hardest. Place the dive computer alongside the regulator in your carry-on, never in checked luggage where baggage handlers can damage sensitive electronics.