Flying After Diving: How Long Should You Wait?

At the end of an amazing trip, it’s always tempting to squeeze in one last dive. Keep in mind divers have to be conscious about how long to wait before they can fly post-dive to avoid decompression sickness (DCS). But how long is long enough?

FLYING AFTER DIVING

The U.S Navy recommends waiting at least 2 hours before your board a plane after diving, but the U.S. Airforce says you should wait 24 hours. And, the DAN recommends a 12-hour minimum surface interval before flying after your dive.

There’s not a lot of data available to support the current guidelines, so the DAN (Divers Alert Network) is conducting an experimental research study to help us better answer the question. But as of now, the recommendations differ due to the wide variety and types of dives. So, we’ll narrow it down a little for you.

SINGLE DIVES:

Wait at least 12 hours between your dive and flight

CONSECUTIVE DAYS OF DIVING:

Wait at least 18 hours between your dive and flight

Unfortunately, these guidelines can’t eliminate the risk of DSC, but it will reduce your risk.

DIVING AFTER FLYING

There’s no risk of DCS if you hop off your flight and right into the ocean. That’s because DSC is caused by a high concentration of nitrogen in the blood, which after diving, can become supersaturated and form bubbles at lower pressures.

However, before your big dive, you should be sure to drink water. After a flight, you may be a little dehydrated, which can contribute to the cause of DSC. So make sure you drink plenty of water (before you go in the water) and maybe pass on that post-flight beer.

The good news? You can get a little extra land time on your trip and see sights beyond the sea. We recommend getting a birds-eye view of your day-before dive to get a fresh perspective—and maybe pat yourself on the back.