Diving luggage on airlines – what you should know before your diving holiday

When travelling to Egypt with Lagona Divers, sooner or later the question arises: Where to put your diving gear – and what does it actually include? This guide will help you plan your luggage cleverly, avoid unnecessary fees and board the plane with peace of mind.

What should you pack for diving?

Your diving luggage contains all the equipment you need for your underwater adventures. Typical items include:

• Diving jacket/wing or BCD
• Fins and booties
• Diving mask, snorkel
• Breathing regulator, pressure gauge, dive computer
• Wetsuit
• Weight belt or lead pockets
• Signal buoy, underwater lamp or action camera if necessary
• Accessories such as clips, adapters, dry bags

Diving tanks are not usually included. Why? Quite simply: most diving centres abroad – including ours in Dahab – do not fill tanks brought by customers for safety reasons. This is due to national regulations, safety standards and maintenance requirements, which are regularly checked for local tanks. Therefore, it is neither sensible nor necessary to take your own tanks with you on the plane – this saves you weight, space and discussions at check-in.

If you still wish to transport a cylinder (e.g. for XR dives), the following applies:

• The tank must be completely depressurised.
• The valve must not be closed so that inspectors can see inside.
• Observe the safety and packaging requirements of your airline.

Why do airlines differentiate between travel luggage and diving luggage?

It’s simple: diving equipment is often bulky, heavy and subject to special safety regulations – especially regulators, diving tanks and batteries. Many airlines therefore classify diving equipment as “special baggage” or “sports baggage”.

Some allow it to count as normal checked baggage, others charge special fees or only allow it up to certain dimensions or weights.

Important: Read your airline’s baggage conditions carefully – this will save you money at check-in.

Can diving equipment be packed in normal luggage?

Yes – but with restrictions.

Advantages:

• Less luggage
• No extra luggage required
• Often possible within the free baggage allowance (depending on the fare)

Disadvantages:

• Many airlines require separate information or charge fees for sports equipment.
• Mixed luggage may lead to queries at check-in.
• Higher weight → Risk of excess baggage
• Special safety rules for devices with batteries or tanks still apply.

Our tip: If you are travelling light and your equipment is compact, one piece of luggage may be sufficient. For more extensive equipment or long diving trips, a separate bag is worthwhile.

Standard weight restrictions & charges

Different rules apply depending on the airline and fare:

• 1 PC = 20–23 kg: Standard for many economy fares
• Hand luggage: usually 7–10 kg, dimensions e.g. 55 × 40 × 20 cm
• Additional baggage (sports equipment): approx. £80–£140, cheaper or even free with some airlines’ sports tariffs

Example:
You have 23 kg of free baggage allowance. Your diving equipment weighs 12 kg, your clothing 10 kg – that’s fine. But: if your bag is heavier than allowed, you may incur excess baggage charges or have to check in a second piece.

Some airlines, such as Turkish Airlines (usually 2 x 23 kg of free baggage allowance, which is ideal for us divers), allow diving equipment as part of the regular allowance, while others charge extra – find out in advance!

Is one piece of standard luggage sufficient for diving and travel gear?

It depends. If you:

• Compact equipment has
• Take few clothes with you
• You have a generous baggage allowance (e.g. 30 kg for certain fares)

…then yes.

However, BCDs, regulators, fins and wetsuits quickly add up to 10–12 kg. Combined with clothing and cosmetics, you often exceed 20 kg. In this case, it is worth taking a separate sports bag – or you can hire equipment from the local diving centre.

Conclusion: How to travel to Egypt with diving equipment without stress

• Pack your diving gear wisely: leave tanks at home, put sensitive equipment in your hand luggage.
• Find out about your airline’s baggage rules in advance.
• Depending on the size and weight, decide whether one or two pieces of luggage are appropriate.
• Allow for a buffer – even on your return flight
• Diving luggage is not rocket science – but preparation saves time, nerves and money.

Are you planning your next diving trip to Dahab or Hamata? Then feel free to contact us – we can also advise you on choosing the right equipment.

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