Originally Posted by ckiggins
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.
I've been flying with backpacks for 20 years & the only time when anything was damaged was when I ran a luggage trolley over a buckle.
All I've ever done is tie all the straps back-to-front so they are snug to the body of the rucksack & ensured there wasn't any dangly bits.
If you are really concerned get yourself a cheap cargo bag & stuff your pack into that.