Snorkel Gear as Person Item?

[LysaC]

Hey'all,

Can we get away with a small snorkel gear backpacks as personl items?

It won't weigh anything if we stick to snorkel gear only but it is a little awkward shaped- longer and skinnier rather than traditional person item bag shaped.

I'm determined to go carry-on only, even without a washer/dryer at the cottage.

[patr]

We always carry-on the snorkel gear - DH puts it in his backpack. We use short fins however - not sure how the regular-sized ones would fit.

[mahojim]

Find either a "Boater's World", or an outdoor sports store.
Get yourself a large mesh snorkel/ diving bag with a shoulder strap. Not the XL! That's just too big. We got ours @ 5 years ago at Hurricane Alley, and they're still great. They hold 2 pairs of large fins , and 2 masks and snorkels, with room to spare.
Plus, if you don't have large snorkel gear, you'll have more space, still, for underwater cameras,magazines, snacks, etc...for the plane ride. You'll also find room in them on the way home for your 'keep-sakes', that you're sure to buy.I've never had a problem as far as "carrying on" my snorkel gear. Strangely, it's also as equally convenient on the beach...maybe these guys are on to something.
Smiles-
MJ

[lprof]

We encountered the same question two weeks ago. We called to ask if we could carry on a snorkel bag as a personal item plus a regular carry-on sized "suitcase". The answer was that the roughly 30" snorkel bag could not be a personal item but could be carried-on if it met the usual size and weight requirements. Delta did offer that for $30 both the bag and suitcase could be carried on plus a personal item. We elected to check our suitcases and carry on the snorkel bag and had no problems.

[RickG]

We have taken a double snorkel bag as a personal item on 10+ trips on AA, United, US Air, Delta and Spirit coming and going.

Cheers, RickG

[LysaC]

Good to know! You guys are awesome!

We have two small mesh hybrid backpacks for each set and lightweight split fins (plastic instead of rubber) so the weight will not be an issue. I's probably stuff some t-shirts, maybe some flipflops in with the fins to save space in the carry-ons.

I was concerned about the length of the backpacks due to the fins- a bit awkward. We might chance it and if we have to pay an extra $30 bucks, then we'll do it.

I love my split fins. Way less drag when snorkeling. We can rent from Crabby's while down there but I'd prefer not to.

[RickG]

My fins are full size dive fins. No problem.

Cheers, RickG

[tjwgrr]

I may be wrong, but my understanding is carry-ons must fit in the overhead bin, personal items must be able to be stowed under the seat in front of you.

My giant dive fins would never fit under the seat in front of me....

[siberacuse]

We bought the short fins because they're easier to pack. They work fairly well.

[arenee]

I'm embarassed to admit that I took your subject line to mean something completely different than what your actual question was. I thought you wanted to keep the snorkel gear on your person ie. WEAR it onboard the plane rather than pack it in a carry on to give you more room in your carry on. I am glad to see I am a complete moron. I had visions of two people boarding the plane wearing their snorkel, mask & fins.

[LysaC]

arenee- that's wicked funny!

ya, i'm a typo kinda gal. my brain works faster than the fingers and i even miss typos when i do a quick read through.

oh vell!

[nothintolose]

Grab a blanket when you get on the plain and drape it over yourself covering the floor infront of you, and if they stick out from under the seat in front, the flight attendant will not see it.