backpack on airplane

[emily19]

Hi,

Just a general question-- when taking the airplane to Europe, do you bring your big backpack as a carry-on item, or is it too large??  I figured it's too big, and I should just bring my daypack on the plane and check the backpack, but I'm not sure.

Thanks!
emily

[Kim]

It really depends on how big your pack is and how long you are going for.

There was no way that we could have brought ours on the plane, we checked the big pack and took the daypack on the plane (with things to do inside).

If you are only going for a week, you might be able to get away with bringing a pack small enough for the plane. For an extended journey, just check it, it's not that bad waiting for it to come off the plane.

Note-even when your pack is just going on the plane, make sure to lock all zippers. If you are not detaching your daypack from your main pack, make sure it is locked on. We found this out the hard way in the Athens airport. My boyfriends pack came with a hip sack that zipped on as well as a daypack. Sometime after we checked it on the plane, someone stole the hipsack off the pack. Luckily, it had nothing of value in it...

Kim

[snorkelman]

Kim's advice (above) is right on the money.  Keep in mind, if you bring a swiss army knife or any metal utensils, be sure to put them in the bag that you check (not your carry-on).  In general, I usually bring my daypack on the plane with by Let's Go type of book and i read up on the first place that I will be landing.

Dave a.k.a. snorkelman

[Cat]

This is a tip; some airlines sell 'backpack-packs" (I can't come up with an other word to descibe them). It's a sack wich will fit your backpack. You can lock it and then you won't have any trouble with damage during transport and I think it will also be a lot less attractive for potential thieves. One problem: you will have to carry it on you trip...

[scottsrbackpacking]

Hey guys/gals,

Just joined up and was looking thru some past posts. This one on backpack protection from Cat got my attention. How much do the airlines charge to buy these things? I had heard that they provide them for no charge if you ask, sort of like when one packs a cycle. (I haven't checked this out yet) How bulky are these bags if I had to buy? I'l be on a year long trek starting this Jan/03 traveling on a RTW ticket (10 airstops) and MEGA Europe train time. I don't want to burden myself with copious weight.

[Kim]

I know some airports also have this shrink wrap where they will shrink wrap your bag during transport for you. You do pay for it but I think it's only something like $5.

As far as travelling with protection for your backpack, don't bother. I tried the Pac-Safe and it was more of a hassle than anything, I sent it home after a week.

Just make sure to have small locks for all the zippers on your pack and daypack. Some people like to have a cable lock to lock their pack to a leg of the bed but besides that, I wouldn't worry about it. You should have all your valuables on you at all times anyway, in a money belt or something similar.

Kim

[candy]

this is actually for scottsrbacking -
you said that you had a RWT - i'm assuming that that's a round the world ticket. i've heard a little about them, but would like to know more. how exactly do they work? where did you buy it? and how much did it cost ? [if you don't mind me asking.]
candy

[nitsansh]

RTW is just a generic type of ticket. You start and finish at the same place and fly around the world. The cost of a RTW ticket depend on the # of stops and airlines. Price varies between 1500-2000US$.

[scottsrbackpacking]

Reply to candy,

Yes, RTW is round the world. These are valid for a max of 1 year. They are based on total KM traveled. 3 seperate catagories each having a maximum travel distance before bumping you into next catagory (39000km/34000km/29000km) The 39000km tier can have up to 15 stops. Each of these catagories also has a maximum number of stops as well. Once you have your stops itemized they can calculate the cost. There is no charge for changing flight times but if you start changing actual destinations, the $$$ can start adding up - a minimum of CAD$75 and they recalc your total distance again to make sure you are within the allocation distance of that ticket class.

I'd recommend you hitch up with a good travel agent to get started if you want a RTW. The bookings can get quite complicated. I went with Carlson Wagonlit because they are an international company with offices all over. I requested that mine use all the Star Alliance airlines so that I get max benefit of airmiles to my account. My original plan was maxed to 15 stops and was almost the full 39000km. I freaked a bit at the cost (CAD$6500), so trimmed it out a bit.

Hope this helps.