Transporting SCUBA Equipment on Aircraft
Some scuba gear can be transported on-board an aircraft. These are rules for transporting such equipment as governed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Please refer to the guidelines below:
Regulators, buoyancy compensators (BCDs) and mask, snorkel and fins are all acceptable as checked or carry-on baggage.
A compressed gas cylinder is allowed in carry-on or checked baggage ONLY if the regulator valve is completely disconnected from the cylinder and the cylinder is no longer sealed (i.e. the cylinder has an open end). The cylinder must have an opening to allow for a visual inspection inside. TSA Security Screeners will NOT remove the seal/regulator valve from the cylinder at the checkpoint. If the cylinder is sealed (i.e. the regulator valve is still attached), the cylinder is prohibited and not permitted through the security checkpoint, regardless of the reading on the pressure gauge indicator. TSA Security Screeners must visibly ensure that the cylinder is completely empty and that there are no prohibited items inside.
Knives and spear guns cannot be brought to a checkpoint. Pack these items in your checked baggage. Any sharp objects packed in checked luggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and security screeners.
See
TSA: Transporting SCUBA Equipment
TSA: Traveling with Compressed Cylinders
