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Writer's pictureSarah

Skydive Gear on Flights: The Great Check in vs. Carry on Debate!

Updated: Jun 1


Skydiver and his big pink baggage ready for check in

There’s a big debate over to check in or to not check in your skydive gear. I was terrified before taking my first flight, after hearing horror stories of rigs being ripped apart and opened, missed flights and stranded luggage. 


I chose to check mine in after much consideration and discussion with other skydivers and learnt a lot along the way after taking 4 different flights in the span of two weeks. 



The number one thing I learnt was that checking it in was hassle free, but more importantly I learnt that on most airlines you can check it in as SPORTS LUGGAGE. Sports luggage can be more than half the price of usual check in luggage and have a higher weight limit! 


My top rules and learnings 

  1. Check in as Sport luggage to save $$

  2. Buy an AirTag or other tracking device for peace of mind

  3. Pack rig securely in a gear bag and put inside a strong wheeled case. Don’t go cheap on wheels - they break! 

  4. Print documents in an organised plastic wallet - they explain about the AAD battery and that it is eligible to fly on commercial flights. (See attached documents at the bottom of this post) 

  5. Take a photo of everything inside and the exterior bag.


You don’t need anything fancy to transport your baby if money is short because you prioritise jumping out of planes over saving money. You can grab a bag on Amazon for decent price like this Dakine Roller bag that has two sections. The back part I lay all my gear and helmet inside. And the front part I stuffed extra clothes and heavier items that I couldn’t take in my carry on luggage. - I actually stuffed my helmet with dresses just for laughs. 


Check-in prices example. May 2024 

Viva Aerobus - CDMX to Merida 

$33 32kgs - sports check in 

$90 32kgs - normal check in 



Below are the documents you can print and store safely with your rig or keep on hand to show anyone who may question its contents or verify the safety of your travel.








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