SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/scuba-fly-after-multiple-days

After several dives a day or several days of diving, DAN recommends waiting how long before flying?

At least 18 hours.

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  1. At least 18 hours ✔
  2. At least 6 hours
  3. At least 72 hours

Why: More dives mean more nitrogen stored in your body, so it needs more time to leave. Dives that needed decompression stops call for substantially longer than 18 hours.

Huh, didn't know that: Longer surface intervals than DAN's minimums reduce the risk even more.

The dad joke
On the last day of a dive trip, I go snorkeling. Same fish, fewer bubbles.
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References

Answer: At least 18 hours. More dives mean more nitrogen stored in your body, so it needs more time to leave. Dives that needed decompression stops call for substantially longer than 18 hours.

  1. DAN: Flying After Diving dan.org/health-medicine/health-resources/diseases-conditions/flying-after-diving
    For multiple dives per day or multiple days of diving, the recommendation is a minimum preflight surface interval of 18 hours.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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Test yourself in the game

Sports & FitnessAfter a single no-decompression dive, DAN recommends waiting at least how long before flying?Sports & FitnessYou have possible decompression sickness symptoms before your flight home. What should you do?Sports & FitnessWhat is the first rule of scuba diving?

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