Checking a backpack--Straps???
Feb 8, 2008 | 8:33 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Pasadena,Ca.,US.
Programs: AA, Delta, United, SPG plat, Hyatt dia
Posts: 7,140
Checking a backpack--Straps???
Do you need to remove the straps from a backpack when checking it as luggage?
Thanks in advance for the feedback.
Thanks in advance for the feedback.
Feb 8, 2008 | 9:45 am
#2
Join Date: Dec 2004
Programs: DL Plat
Posts: 794
I wouldn't trust the baggage conveyors with my backpack straps. Depending on the size of my backpack, I put it inside a garbage bag or giant ziplock bag (the XXL is big enough for a daypack). If you're feeling fancy, you can get a giant duffel bag from a discount store to transport your pack, but then you have to haul it around with you for your entire trip. I have friends who have had the straps of their backpacks ripped off by the conveyor belts-- not pretty if you're planning a backpacking trip...
Feb 8, 2008 | 10:15 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: west of DFW airport
Programs: AA LT Gold 1.9 MM flying my way to LT PLAT
Posts: 11,074
www.REI.com has zipper bags that cover specific sizes of back packs for the reason that straps can not only be torn off, but can get nasty dirty. If you are about to travel, a local store likely can sell you one.
Feb 10, 2008 | 8:25 am
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Greener Pastures
Posts: 10,515
I backpack quite frequently & I have a large nylon laundry bag that fits my backpack. It takes up barely any space when it's not in use & it protects the straps. Just put the pack in & tie it off.
Something like this - http://www.lnt.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1362037
Something like this - http://www.lnt.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1362037
Feb 10, 2008 | 8:48 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Greener Pastures
Posts: 10,515
Two ways -
1) They twist the top of it & put the destination tag around it (sort of like a twist tie on a bag of produce from a grocery store)
or
2) They put it through the white drawstring. I've never had the bag tag fall off.
1) They twist the top of it & put the destination tag around it (sort of like a twist tie on a bag of produce from a grocery store)
or
2) They put it through the white drawstring. I've never had the bag tag fall off.
Feb 10, 2008 | 8:55 am
#7
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: BNA
Posts: 2,076
The people at the check in desk should have clear plastic bags you could use. Big enough for even a giant backpacker-type bag. At least that's what they kept wrapping my pack in when I went on my AKL MR deal trip a few weeks ago.
Feb 10, 2008 | 9:25 am
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Greener Pastures
Posts: 10,515
They generally do (or they have the plastic bins to put the bags in) - but I prefer to rely on my own resources. Also, I find that its more likely that they'll have those at large airports & not the smaller ones. For example, we took flights into SGU a few years ago to go backpacking in Zion Nat'l Park & I wouldn't have expected the St. George, UT, airport to have the plastic bags available.
Feb 10, 2008 | 10:35 am
#9
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: SW WA
Posts: 4,061
If you're talking large backpack for backpacking type travel, some of them have zip covers for the backpack straps. When I bought mine 10+ years ago, I bought an Eagle Creek pack that had an integrated strap cover with a side handle for picking it up off the luggage conveyor belt -- that's where the luggage tag & destination tags went. Are you looking to buy one, or do you have one already?
Feb 10, 2008 | 11:29 am
#10
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: BFS
Programs: UA
Posts: 440
I have this bad boy and it comes with everything I need
http://www.tiso.com/shop/berghaus/jalan_60_15
http://www.tiso.com/shop/berghaus/jalan_60_15
Feb 10, 2008 | 4:45 pm
#11
Join Date: Nov 2007
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 87
www.REI.com has zipper bags that cover specific sizes of back packs for the reason that straps can not only be torn off, but can get nasty dirty. If you are about to travel, a local store likely can sell you one.
Feb 10, 2008 | 9:26 pm
#12
Join Date: Aug 2000
Programs: I am an AS employee, but my comments do not represent the company in any official capacity.
Posts: 4,343
Alaska Airlines provides a large clearish bag for the asking at check in (think big garbage bag, only not tacky.) If you have a backpack with straps, many agents will offer you one. If they fail to do so, please ask! Your bags go through a Rube Goldberg-esque system of belts and conveyors with twists and turns, and some straps get caught and ripped off in the process.
Feb 10, 2008 | 9:58 pm
#13
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: DL Silver, AS MVP, UA Silver, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Plat, SPG Plat, National Exec Elite
Posts: 3,883
I've sent my Lowe Alpine through with just the straps tightened/bound down as tight as possible without any problems... but I probably wouldn't do it again. I'd get a cheap nylon backpack cover (similer to or the same as a rain fly). A mesh laundry bag would probably work as well.
Feb 15, 2008 | 5:35 pm
#14
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Upstate NY
Programs: IHG Plat, HH Gold, EZ Pass Plat, Starbucks Gold, Whatever flight is cheapest
Posts: 7,035
I also tighten down the straps and waist belt as much as possible and then I duct tape the loose ends around the main straps so there's less to get caught.
Feb 23, 2008 | 9:29 pm
#15
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 1
Backpack Straps
Just finished a trip to Morocco with a checked backpack - on NWA/KLM and easyJet via Amsterdam and Madrid. After tightening down all the straps, I put a couple of cheap sleeping back straps around it to hold things together. Had no problems.