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How Long After SCUBA Diving Can You Fly?

   January 13th, 2025   Posted In: Articles   Tags:

SCUBA diving opens a gateway to explore the wonders of the underwater world, but it comes with rules—especially when it comes to flying afterward. The short answer to “How long after diving can you fly?” is at least 12 to 24 hours, depending on the type and depth of your dives.

Why the wait? It’s all about your body’s ability to safely process nitrogen absorbed during your underwater adventure. Flying too soon after diving can lead to serious health risks, including decompression sickness. Let’s dive deeper into the science, safety guidelines, and what you need to know to plan your post-dive fly itinerary wisely.

Why Can’t You SCUBA Dive and Fly on the Same Day?

The reason you can’t dive and fly on the same day boils down to how your body reacts to changes in pressure. When you dive, the increased water pressure forces your body to absorb nitrogen from the breathing gas in your SCUBA tank. While this isn’t a problem underwater, that nitrogen needs time to safely leave your body once you resurface.

Flying introduces yet another pressure change—one that decreases as the airplane ascends. This rapid drop in pressure can cause nitrogen bubbles to expand too quickly, leading to decompression sickness. Often referred to as “the bends,” decompression sickness can cause symptoms ranging from joint pain and dizziness to paralysis or even life-threatening complications.

Avoiding flying immediately after a dive is a simple but crucial way to let your body properly eliminate excess nitrogen and prevent these risks!

How Many Hours After SCUBA Diving Can You Fly?

The wait time before flying depends on how many dives you’ve completed and how deep those dives were. Below are general guidelines based on recommendations from diving authorities like the Divers Alert Network (DAN) and the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI):

  • For a Single No-Decompression Dive: Wait at least 12 hours before flying.
  • For Multiple Dives or Decompression Dives: Wait at least 18 to 24 hours before flying.
  • For Repetitive Dives Over Several Days: Aim for the full 24 hours to be extra cautious.

These guidelines provide a safe buffer, but it’s always wise to err on the side of caution, especially if you’ve done deep or repetitive dives.

Factors That Impact Your Post-Dive Flying Wait Time

The recommended waiting periods above are general guidelines, but several factors can influence how long you should wait:

  1. Depth of the Dive: Deeper dives result in more nitrogen absorption, requiring longer off-gassing time.
  2. Duration of the Dive: Longer dive times mean more nitrogen exposure, which also increases decompression needs.
  3. Number of Dives: Multiple dives over a short period accumulate more nitrogen, making a longer wait necessary.
  4. Your Individual Physiology: Everyone’s body processes nitrogen at different rates. Factors like hydration, fitness level, and overall health can play a role.

If you’re unsure about how long to wait, use a dive computer or a dive table, which can calculate your specific nitrogen levels and recommend safe flying intervals.

Can You Shorten the Wait Time?

While there’s no way to eliminate the need to wait entirely, you can take steps to optimize your body’s nitrogen release:

  • Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can slow nitrogen off-gassing, so drink plenty of water before and after diving.
  • Avoid Alcohol: On that hydration note, alcohol dehydrates you and impairs your body’s ability to safely off-gas nitrogen.
  • Get Some Rest: Physical activity and stress can also hinder nitrogen elimination, so take it easy after your dive.

Discover more tips on what not to do after diving (and even what to do before a dive) if you’re interested in knowing more!

how many hours after scuba diving can you fly
Remember to have some fun but take it easy and give it some time before heading out on a flight!

Why Are the Rules So Strict?

Even if you feel fine after diving, decompression sickness can have delayed symptoms. Minor issues might only show up hours later, and serious cases can escalate quickly. That’s why sticking to the recommended guidelines isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a must.

There’s also the factor of cabin pressure in airplanes, which is lower than atmospheric pressure at sea level. Even though airplane cabins are pressurized, they’re typically maintained at an equivalent altitude of 6,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level. This reduced pressure accelerates the expansion of nitrogen bubbles, increasing your risk of that nasty ol’ decompression sickness we’ve been warning you about!

Planning Your Post-Dive Itinerary

If you’re planning a diving trip, the key is to schedule your dives early in your vacation, leaving the last day or two for land-based activities. Use that time to explore local sights, enjoy some beach relaxation, or even do a little shopping.

This approach ensures you’re not cutting your trip short by waiting to fly and still gives your body the recovery time it needs.

What Happens If You Fly Too Soon After Diving?

Flying too soon after diving can have severe consequences. The nitrogen bubbles that form in your body can cause symptoms such as:

  • Mild Symptoms: Joint pain, fatigue, or skin rash.
  • Moderate Symptoms: Dizziness, numbness, or difficulty breathing.
  • Severe Symptoms: Paralysis, loss of consciousness, or even death in extreme cases.

If you suspect decompression sickness, seek immediate medical attention. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is the standard treatment and can prevent permanent damage if administered quickly. Something else to consider is any ear or ear pressure issues you might get during a flight if it’s too soon post-dive.

Making Safety a Priority

We know, we know. While the waiting periods may seem inconvenient, they’re a small price to pay for your health and safety. Diving is meant to be an enjoyable and relaxing activity, and part of that enjoyment comes from knowing you’re taking every precaution to avoid diving dangers or risks.

Remember, your safety doesn’t end when you exit the water—it extends all the way to your flight home. By adhering to these guidelines, you’ll set yourself up for a stress-free and unforgettable diving experience.

Wrapping It All Up

So, how long after diving can you fly? At least 12 to 24 hours, depending on your dive profile and circumstances. The exact waiting period varies, but erring on the side of caution is always the best choice. Avoiding the temptation to fly too soon will protect your health, ensuring your next dive trip isn’t your last.

If you’re gearing up for your next dive, don’t forget to check out our wide range of SCUBA diving wetsuits and accessories. Whether you’re exploring tropical reefs or cold-water wrecks, we’ve got the gear to keep you comfortable and safe—both in and out of the water!

Lauren has been turning words into blog posts for Wetsuit Wearhouse since 2014. She learned to surf for the first time ever in Costa Rica but she gravitates more towards SUP. You can almost always find her doing something outdoors or in her hammock swing reading a good book.

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