Backpack carry on size

[lynn]

What is the best and safest way to wrap a backpack for check in, just in case the backpack is too big and it has to be checked. Flying British Air...thank you

Do people usually carry on their backpacks. Going for 3 mos. thanks again

[MuvverRussia]

BA won't allow backpacks (at least decent sized ones) on as carry on. Their max allowed size in economy class is 55x40x20cms, with a max weight of 6kg. This would mean something like a 35 litre backpack, probably not big enough for your trip- even if you did fit everything in it would be overweight and would have to be checked.

Normally I just check my backpack though. Before checking it I truss it up though to make sure that there aren't any loose straps. Some people cover theres with cellophane, but I don't see the point- I've even chucked my pack on without trussing it before and it's been fine.

[lynn]

By trussing it up, do you mean tying it with rope or string?? What do you use...thanks a lot for your help ;D

[MuvverRussia]

I just tie the straps in such a way that they can't get loose (e.g. around the pack etc). You don't need string or anything to do it.

[Kim]

Some airports offer a shrink wrapping service for bags.

Also, some bags (Eagle Creek for one) come with built in cover that you take out from a little velcro pocket that covers the whole one side that has straps.

Alternatively, just throw your pack in a big black garbage bag if nothing else works and tie the top.

Kim

[WillTravel]

BMI gave my son a plastic bag to stick his backpack into. Because it was placed in this plastic bag, he had to take the backpack to the oversize luggage window, even though it was less than 10 kg! The carry-on limit for BMI is 7 kg, and the backpack with all his stuff was around 9 kg or so. It came around the luggage carousel with all the other luggage, though.

[MuvverRussia]

I've had to put my pack through oversized luggage many times before- it always comes out ok in the end though.

Once when I was flying from Oslo Torp they actually put my pack into a plastic box and that seemed to do the job ok- it's one of those things that's just up to the airport and the ground handlers though.

[Eagle]

LYNN, a few more comments for you. You didn't specify what model Backpack you're using, however I suspect it will be too large for carry-on so will have to be checked. The airlines seem to be getting more strict in this regard (which is understandable, given the very packed conditions in the aircraft).

The Backpack I use (EC Continental Journey) is advertised as being carry-on size without the Daypack attached. However, I've found that the airlines won't accept this, either due to size or weight considerations. I use the Daypack as carry-on, and check the Backpack. As Kim pointed out, some Packs are equipped with a panel to stow the straps, and the CJ Pack has this feature. It usually takes me about 30 seconds to stow the harness.

If your Backpack doesn't have this feature, a couple of options (some as suggested on previous posts:

> Airlines will sometimes offer to "Saran Wrap" the harness, to keep this from catching on conveyor belts, etc. This is probably as much for their benefit as anything, as if the conveyor "jams" it disrupts the luggage handling and could delay one or more flights. I've been taking an "informal survey" whenever I travel by watching the Carousels, and I find some Backpacks come "wrapped" while many others have nothing at all to secure the straps.
> Use a Bin / Garbage bag to stow the pack in, discard this when you reach your destination (it will probably be torn a bit at this point anyway).
> I've heard of some travellers buying a cheap Duffle Bag just for this purpose. This serves also to pack the "overflow" (souvenirs, etc.) on the way home.
> Use some black electrical tape (relatively cheap at hardware stores) to secure the straps against the pack. This is easily removed without a cutting instrument, and doesn't leave much glue or residue to deface the Pack.

One other point, were you planning on locking your Backpack when you check it? This presents other challenges. If you want further info, post another note.

Hope this helps. Happy travels!!!

[LHR02]

Be aware that all/any luggage must be unlocked these days to be checked! There are plastic/cable tie type 'locks' that you can use which will allow you to quickly see if your bag has been opened. But luggage locks, small padlocks, etc must be left in the unlocked position.