Baggage on a plane - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

ravishon · 08-29-2006, 02:40 PM

3 of us are flying from London to Amsterdam on Friday and we are taking backpacks, the type shown on this site and like those you would take camping or hiking.

I just heard that apparently you cant check in bags like that because they have too many loose straps and things like that...is this true, and if it is, what can i do about it.

we cant go backpacking with a suitcase.

thanks

**BelfastFlyer** · 08-29-2006, 03:26 PM

Hey!
You can check them in. The problem with the lose straps is that if they get caught on the conveyor belt they will take a knife to it!

Best bet would be to tape them together or cover the pack in a big plastic bag

**omisan** · 08-29-2006, 03:30 PM

A lot of airports (at least in Europe) now separately handle backpacks or put them in this plastic tray so that the straps don't get caught up. Some of them will even wrap them up in a plastic bag for you! I wouldn't worry about it.. But as a precaution, I'd tighten down all the straps and tuck in/tie down all the loose bits.

**tumblezweedz** · 08-29-2006, 10:56 PM

Some packs have a flap into which you can tuck the straps, which works fine. Otherwise, as mentioned, they either have plastic bags or a special tray to set the packs in, but it's always a good idea to tighten the straps as much as possible, so they also won't get snagged on other gear in the hold.

**space virgin** · 08-29-2006, 11:18 PM

I have a cheap duffel bag that my backpack perfectly fits into expressly for this purpose. It packs down VERY small, about the size of a softball. If your pack didn't come with one you can probably pick one up for cheap.

ravishon · 08-30-2006, 03:01 AM

if i had a duffel bag to put my bag in, where would i put the things that go in the bag? all that wont go down to a sleeping bag.

also we are travelling easyjet if that makes a difference, and one more thing, by a plastic bag, do you mean a bin liner kind of thing. like a big black bag?

**BelfastFlyer** · 08-30-2006, 04:26 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ravishon @ Aug 30 2006, 11:01 AM) [snapback]137391[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

if i had a duffel bag to put my bag in, where would i put the things that go in the bag? all that wont go down to a sleeping bag.

also we are travelling easyjet if that makes a difference, and one more thing, by a plastic bag, do you mean a bin liner kind of thing. like a big black bag?
[/b]

yep thats the one!

ravishon · 08-30-2006, 04:49 AM

its free, it works, and its easy, i love it!

thanks

**TheJake** · 08-31-2006, 09:50 AM

we don't knife the straps btw... we aren't allowed to play with knifes.

**travelchick75** · 08-31-2006, 09:59 AM

Do most packs have a lot of straps??? Cause mine dont have any that stick out that bad.

**TheJake** · 08-31-2006, 10:01 AM

you dont have belt straps? or tightening straps on the sides?

**Joker** · 08-31-2006, 10:21 AM

Why is it I read this title and saw "Snakes on a Plane?"

Tie 'em down tight, and roll with it.

**benna2** · 08-31-2006, 10:27 AM

I think what Space Virgin meant when she said that the pack fits into the duffel bag was that the backpack and its contents fit in the duffel bag. Mine came with one of those as well. It's like a....condom for your backpack if you will.

If you don't have one of those then tuck the straps in as best you can or if you really want to be safe, then use some strong electrical tape to tape them down.

Have a safe flight and REMEMBER TO CHECK ALL YOUR LIQUIDS AND GELS!

On my last flight, they took away half the contents of my make up bag. And for those who know me, will know that that is a LOT of expensive stuff! Lipgloss and mascara just thrown in the garbage.

**Joker** · 08-31-2006, 02:51 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(benna2 @ Aug 31 2006, 10:27 AM) [snapback]137701[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

On my last flight, they took away half the contents of my make up bag. And for those who know me, will know that that is a LOT of expensive stuff! Lipgloss and mascara just thrown in the garbage.

[/b]

Cripes, I hope they had a Bath and Body Works where you were headed!! :D

**benna2** · 08-31-2006, 03:23 PM

Yeah, unfortunately there are not too many Bath and Body works here in the DR....None to be exact!

I am just going without mascara. Poor girl eh?

**Joker** · 08-31-2006, 03:30 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(benna2 @ Aug 31 2006, 03:23 PM) [snapback]137761[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Yeah, unfortunately there are not too many Bath and Body works here in the DR....None to be exact!

I am just going without mascara. Poor girl eh?

[/b]

Egads! You poor thing! You have it so rough. I mean, living in paradise, avoiding a hard Canuckian winter, sunning yourself daily, and drinking good cheap rum, all without mascara!

I'll pray for you.

xanthuos · 09-01-2006, 11:54 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Joker @ Aug 31 2006, 12:21 PM) [snapback]137695[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Why is it I read this title and saw "Snakes on a Plane?"

Tie 'em down tight, and roll with it.
[/b]

I have HAD it with these MUTHAF**KIN' BAGS on this MUTHAF**KIN' PLANE!

**lost in texas** · 03-20-2007, 11:30 AM

I've got an Eiger 55. It didn't come with a duffel or anything, but I'm thinking about picking up something to stuff it in before I check it as baggage. I like the bag, but there are so many damn straps hanging everywhere, it looks like it's just begging to get torn up in baggage transfer.

Any thoughts, is it worth the hassle? Thanks!

**Delaney** · 03-20-2007, 11:57 AM

I think if you ask behind the counter they have pretty strong plastic bags you can put your pack in. That has been my experience anyway. Then you don't have to spend any money on a duffel or anything!

**SuDz** · 03-20-2007, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delaney

I think if you ask behind the counter they have pretty strong plastic bags you can put your pack in. That has been my experience anyway. Then you don't have to spend any money on a duffel or anything!

Just in case, lost in texas, you might want to check with the airline first. You don't want to get there and find out otherwise.

SuDZ