16 replies to this topic

[Bubble2Bubble]

I have always heard of waiting awhile before flying on high altitude jets after diving and there has been a many thread about this and of course in dive training books also. I dont beleive I have read or heard about diving right after flying ? what is the rule of thumb on it. Mike

[Walter]

There isn't a pressure related problem. OTOH, it is very easy to become dehydrated while traveling. Hydrate before diving.

[Diverbrian]

I have an article in one of my journals that I meant to send to NP for verification of facts and I have been busy.

It points out two things. The recycled air in plane cabins is quite a bit dryer than desert air. Realistically, we should be asking for water when they come around with the drink cart or bring our own water bottle. As someone pointed out to me yesterday, we are typically dehydrated in any case over the normal course of our lives due to the other options that most of us choose for drinks over plain 'ole water.

The other factor is the increased recycling of the air can lead to issues with people picking up germs and that type of thing from other passengers. The article does not mention a "rule of thumb" as much as common sense.

Yet again, the sage Walter is correct. I just thought that I would elaborate a bit.

[Walter]

I read a lot.

[Diverbrian]

I read a lot.

Gee, we thought it was from clean living.

Now you're giving your secrets away, O' wise one.

[DandyDon]

It points out two things.  The recycled air in plane cabins is quite a bit dryer than desert air.  Realistically, we should be asking for water when they come around with the drink cart or bring our own water bottle.  As someone pointed out to me yesterday, we are typically dehydrated in any case over the normal course of our lives due to the other options that most of us choose for drinks over plain 'ole water.

Actually, if it was all recycled air, it'd be pretty humid from mutual respiration - as that's one way we lose water in our bodies. The air that is blended in with the recycled cabin air is from outside - at 35,000 feet, which has virtually no humidity to it. Airlines don't add humidifieds to their planes as that would add weight and costs, so - breathing this dry air in and humid air out (just like we do on Scuba tanks) dehydrates us. Therefore, it's best to hydrate on planes.

The other factor is the increased recycling of the air can lead to issues with people picking up germs and that type of thing from other passengers. 

Yep, that's the only real danger to air travel.

As far as landing, then diving, I know of no evidence or warnings. I activated a computer once on a flight from Dallas to San Juan PR, and the increase of pressure coming down made the puter think it was a 5 foot dive - that tracked for 2 hours before the puter turned off.

Edited by DandyDon, 27 April 2004 - 11:47 AM.

[No Pressure]

Up late the night before trying to find fins, wetsuit, computer, C-card. Not much sleep thinking about how fun the diving vacation will be. Miss breakfast cause it's an early flight. Grab a cup of coffee on the drive to the airport. Aircraft dry air is a relatively minor, but true factor. Sitting in one place for 2-4 hours (or sometimes 6-12) is not good for circulation, and the tissues need some time to recover. Not much fluid intake on the plane. Get to the destination, standing in the sun waiting for luggage, customs, transportation, stand in line to check in, one fruit punch drink in the lobby if in the caribbean, then rushing to get wet. Excited about getting in the water. Too much weight, too many pizzas in the past (why is this wet suit so tight?). Who is this person assigned as my dive buddy? I wonder if he/ she is paying attention to me. breathing faster than normally. I wonder why my bouancy is off. Must have been a short fill, I can't have used up this much air already. I have to pee.


Good question, Mike. Diving after flying is all about timing. Remember the diver's corollary to the boy scout motto Be Prepared? It's "Be rested, be hydrated, be focused."

Edited by Giant Kelpfish, 27 April 2004 - 09:30 PM.

[Diverbrian]

Up late the night before trying to find fins, wetsuit, computer, C-card. Not much sleep thinking about how fun the diving vacation will be. Miss breakfast cause it's an early flight. Grab a cup of coffee on the drive to the airport. Aircraft dry air is a relatively minor, but true factor. Sitting in one place for 2-4 hours (or sometimes 6-12) is not good for circulation, and the tissues need some time to recover. Not much fluid intake on the plane. Get to the destination, standing in the sun waiting for luggage, customs, transportation, stand in line to check in, one fruit punch drink in the lobby if in the caribbean, then rushing to get wet. Excited about getting in the water. Too much weight, too many pizzas in the past (why is this wet suit so tight?). Who is this person assigned as my dive buddy? I wonder if he/ she is paying attention to me. breathing faster than normally. I wonder why my bouancy is off. Must have been a short fill, I can't have used up this much air already. I have to pee.


Good question, Mike. Diving after flying is all about timing. Remember the diver's corollary to the boy scout motto Be Prepared? It's "Be rested, be hydrated, be focused."

Actually Doc, I am about to use that concept in a little exercise. I thought about it at work tonight. Stay tuned.

[No Pressure]

Ah, a research study in the making. We will await your report, professor Brian.

[Diverbrian]

Actually it is ongoing. I have a thread in the general diving section. If it works out, we will have more.

I am researching the possibility of stealing your concepts in this forum and applying it to safe diving in general. It won't be as good as the master's (ie. this forum) , but it should be informative (and knowing this crew totally perverted in about two days, LOL).

[No Pressure]

Thanks, Brian. I checked your thread out in General DIving. Great idea. Maybe we could also do a study on the rate of change from innocent informative topic to perverse responses. I think this crowd would rival the speed of sound.

[Walter]

Perverse? Can you believe he said, "perverse?"

I resemble that remark.

[Marvel]

Perverse? Can you believe he said, "perverse?"

I resemble that remark.

Well, Walter- I'm glad you're honest.....

[No Pressure]

Perverse? Can you believe he said, "perverse?"

I resemble that remark.

Walter, it's a good thing there is room in that gutter for all of us. Hope you enjoyed the diving this weekend.

[triggerfish]

Maybe we could also do a study on the rate of change from innocent informative topic to perverse responses. I think this crowd would rival the speed of sound.

in all fairness, you should conduct this study when i'm completely offline (instead of just OUTTA line)...

otherwise your data might be scewed (screwed?)