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Post by elaine on May 14, 2004 19:06:06 GMT -5
Hello seasoned backpackers! ;D I have a question on checking in my backpack..... I know it's bigger than "carry on" size  and I will have to check my backpack in..but it has so many "straps" around it that I'm worried that they might either make me cut off the straps or my backpack might get stuck somewhere??!! Is there anything I should know before I get to the airport?  (I'm leaving in 1 week) Thanks again! |
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Post by WillTravel on May 14, 2004 19:22:47 GMT -5
Tuck them in as well as you can and get a large clear plastic bag to place your pack in. I seem to recall someone suggesting duct tape to pad and tape also.
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Post by Eagle on May 14, 2004 19:22:48 GMT -5
ELAINE,
Damage to the straps is definetely a concern when checking a Backpack. I've heard of a few stories of Backpack straps getting caught on Conveyor Belts, etc., and being torn off.
Some Backpacks are designed so that the straps can be tucked behind a panel, so this isn't as much of a problem. A handle is often provided on the side so the Backpack can be used as a "suitcase" while the straps are stowed. However, if the model you are using doesn't have this feature, you have a couple of options:
> it's quite likely the airline will take care of this for you, by wrapping the Backpack in Cello Wrap. This seems to be quite common these days. This method certainly takes care of securing the straps, although it's a bit of a nuisance to take off. Might be worthwhile to call the airline you're flying with and ask them whether they are using this method?
> place your Pack inside a large green trash bag -- I've seen this suggested a couple of times, but I've never actually tried it.
> place your Pack inside a larger Duffle Bag or whatever.
I don't know whether any of these suggestions will work for you, but something to think about anyway. Good luck with this!!!
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Post by LHR02 on May 14, 2004 19:49:04 GMT -5
Second Eagles ideas and stress that if your pack does not 'convert' to suitcase mode then you'll have to take other actions to secure those straps. My Eagle pack has a zippered flap that completely encloses all the straps as do many others. If yours does not have this feature, then either in a tight plastic bag of some sort or shrink wrap. You can buy a roll of shrink wrap at a UPS or Mailboxes and More type store (that is if you don't have a friend who works at Target, WalMart or some such place that can 'supply' some for you  ) or as last effort duct tape it all down tight....although getting that off is a mess and leaves gummy goo on your pack afterwards. Bottom line, no matter how you do it, make sure there are no loose flopping straps at check in.....airlines can be deadly to them and your pack as a result. ging |
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Post by Kim on May 14, 2004 20:00:31 GMT -5
Also want to add that if you have a removable daypack, if there is no way of securing it on to your pack then remove it and put it inside and lock the zippers.
Futures husbands pack had a daypack that he locked on as well as a zip on small, waist bag kind of thing - it was firmly zipped on when we flew from Athens to Amsterdam and someone (probably one of the airline employees we were told by the airline), unzipped it and stole it. The zipper was locked on it which probably made it look tempting but there was nothing valuable inside.
Also, while you want to lock your zippers when flying, do so with electrical ties rather than locks. The airlines are really tight with security since 9/11 and often want to check things. I've had a couple friends since then that have had zippers on their packs and luggage ruined due to the fact if it's locked and they want in, they will cut your zipper.
Kim
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Post by Eagle on May 14, 2004 20:15:37 GMT -5
A few more thoughts on the aspect of locking Backpacks. A couple of good options to consider:
> use the new Travel Sentry Padlocks (either combination or keyed styles). These are designed so that baggage screeners can open with special tools, and then re-lock, with NO damage to either pack or lock.
> buy disposable Baggage Seals (available from Rick Steves or Magellans). Some are numbered so that one can "track" whether the seal was removed and replaced by someone. One nice advantage is that these can be removed by "twisting & pulling", a great feature since anything you might have to cut these off is packed inside the Backpack!
> as mentioned by Kim, use disposable Cable Ties. These work much the same as the Baggage Seals, however you WILL need something sharp to cut these off! There's no way these can be removed without some type of "sharp" instrument!
Hope these few thoughts are of some help. Cheers!!!
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Post by MuvverRussia on May 15, 2004 17:08:21 GMT -5
I've always been lucky with just chucking my pack through as outsized luggage (basically the pass it through by hand rather than through the conveyor belts), although in Riga airport I just chucked it straight through and it came out fine at Heathrow. I know a number of other people who just chuck them through and the packs have been ok- this is flying within Europe.
If you really want to be paranoid you can use disposable cable ties but put a small mark on each. That way if someone opens it and changes the ties then you'll still notice before it's too late to make a claim at the airport.
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and I will have to check my backpack in..but it has so many "straps" around it that I'm worried that they might either make me cut off the straps or my backpack might get stuck somewhere??!! Is there anything I should know before I get to the airport?
(I'm leaving in 1 week) 
) or as last effort duct tape it all down tight....although getting that off is a mess and leaves gummy goo on your pack afterwards. Bottom line, no matter how you do it, make sure there are no loose flopping straps at check in.....airlines can be deadly to them and your pack as a result.
