Hello - flying internationally next month and was thinking of taking an internal frame backpack for the week rather than a traditional suitcase or roll-bag. However, I believe that these are too big to carry on, so they must be checked.

The problem is that these backpacks tend to have some straps that hang loose, which just seems to spell disaster for getting caught in baggage carousels, etc.

Do airlines still provide boxes or bags for larger items or items that may be problematic in the baggage system?

People travel with these all the time (I see them in the airport) so they must be getting them there somehow. Am I missing something? Any tips?