Everyone who has bought their first set of proper freediving fins has imagined the places that they will go and use them. They inevitably will wonder “how do go about flying with freedive fins?” Do you tempt fate and carry them on? Do you disassemble the blade from the foot pocket and try packing both pieces in a checked bag? Do you buy a specially made fin bag to check your fins in? Or do you leave your fins at home next time you head to some far-off dream destination and regret it every day you are there?
Today we will break down each option, as well as let you know our personal choice for flying with freedive fins.
Fly with your Freedive fins as Carry On
Carrying your fins on the plane may be the choice for you, especially if you are someone who likes to travel light. As your fins are long and thin they can easily fit in the overhead bin of a plane. Avoid damage to your freediving fins by placing them across the top of other luggage in the overhead bin. You might get some looks from the flight attendant, but you can fly safely knowing your fins are above your head.
A note of caution, however, make sure you keep an eye on them during boarding so that other luggage doesn’t get added on top of them. This is especially applicable if you board first.
Airline’s baggage allowances can be misleading and give you the impression you aren’t allowed to fly with your freedive fins. Digging deeper into what airlines will allow as carry-on you can reveal some important information. For example, British Airways states that a musical instrument up to 80cm in length can be carried on as a small musical item in place of your large cabin bag. If you are still not convinced, why not invest in some shorter 70cm blades specifically for travel.
Important Considerations
The two most important things to remember when carrying your fins are:
1) Confidence is king- even if your fins are brand new act like you have done this 1000 times. If anyone asks tell them you have carried your fins on with you before.
2) Your fins are your carry-on item. This means your luggage bag needs to meet the requirements of a personal bag and fit under the seat in front of you.
PROTIP: Show your freedive fins you love them by buying them a seat next to you for the flight. Some airlines will even give you 50% off the price of your freedive fin seat.
Fly with Disassembled Freedive Fins
If you are checking a large bag you have the option of packing your fins into your suitcase. Most 80cm blades will have a hard time fitting in smaller checked luggage. That being said, having the most fragile part of your fins, the blades, surrounded by clothing and other accessories is one of the safest ways to travel with freediving fins.
I recommend packing a base layer of clothes along the bottom of the suitcase, then laying your fin blades on that cushion of clothes. Next add another small layer of clothes on top, followed by the foot pockets and other miscellaneous gear.
PROTIP: Make sure not to pack any hard or pointed object directly above or below where your fin blades are located in your bag. Hard or pointed objects and a little bit of compression are a recipe for cracked and broken fin blades. Pack your hard or pointed objects around the outside edges of your bag to ensure your freedive fins fly safely.
Fly with a Freedive Fin Bag
Without a doubt, one of the safest options for flying with freedive fins is to have a dedicated fin bag. A dedicated freedive fin bag will ensure that your fins will arrive with you in one piece. Most of the time.
Opt for a bag that has thick padding to ensure that even if it is handled roughly your fins stay safe. Many fin bags also have pockets for your mask, snorkel, wetsuit, and other miscellaneous accessories. Choose a bag that you are sure is long enough for your particular fin length. When checking your bag make sure to ask the desk agent for a fragile tag. This is important as most fin bags are soft-sided and can still be crushed if handled incorrectly.
A downsides to having a dedicated fin bag is that you run the risk of your luggage being lost along the way. Nothing is worse is getting to the beach and your fins are in an altogether different country.
PROTIP: Make sure to take photos of your fins being packed into your bag and of the bag when it is fully packed to show your airline in case of damage.
Leave Your Freedive Fins at Home
If you are still unsure about flying with freedive fins, leave your fins and only take your mask and snorkel. It is ok to not take you fins everywhere, really. Most beach town these days have locations to buy regular snorkeling fins for reasonable prices. Pick up a pair of fins and get diving. At the end of the trip, take your new small travel fins home or donate them to a local or the nearest dive shop.
Using snorkeling fins can give you a new appreciation for the power and speed your freedive fins provide.
PROTIP: Go finless and practice your frog kicks, dynamic no fins (DNF), or constant weight no fins (CNF).
Conclusion
Don’t let the fear of flying with freedive fins stop you from taking them on your next aquatic adventure. It can be a nerve-racking experience the first time you try. With the options listed above, you should now have an idea of how to safely fly with your fins. Taking your fins, whether to Dahab, Raja Ampat, or anywhere in between will be well worth it!
Remember, Be safe, respect the ocean, and happy diving!