Help - Checking a Backpack on AA?
 

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?

I've done this on two international trips on AA in the last few months without issue -- I just wrap the waist and chest straps around the arm staps, and then clip them in (so there's less hanging loose; it also makes the arm straps a better handle for carrying the bag). I haven't had a problem, though I am always relieved when I get it back in good condition.

I have a large travel pack that I check in all the time, and it's never had any damage (though it really doesn't have anything loose to damage). I've seen some backpacks wrapped in plastic bags, but not sure if that is provided by the airline or the traveler (if the airline, mine never gets put in a bag). I've also seen backpacks inserted in some type of travel bags, but to me that just seems like something more to bring along that you'd have no use for.

If you have been to the "BUDGET TRAVEL FORUM" there is a thread on good items to bring on your "budget trip". One of the items mentioned was a small amount of Duct Tape...to tape town the straps. You'll even learn a trick on where to store it when not in use. ;)

On one of the AA Links, there is this very interesting/detailed page in regards to substitution of luggage for snowboards, antlers, Jevelins, and all sorts of other items.

It might be of some help, but then again there might be some bending of the rules for backpacks and more common items.

AA Baggage Allowance

I use a big cheap duffel bag to check my backpack. I'm not willing to risk damage to my backpack-- if the straps get ripped off or the waistbelt gets damaged, it's trashed and hard to carry. The duffel is not that heavy and doubles as a pack fly if it's raining. Friends of mine who are more weight conscious pack a couple of big trashbags and wrap their packs in a trashbag to prevent airline damage-- weighs almost nothing, costs almost nothing.

When I went trekking in New Zealand last year the UA agent gave me a plastic bag to wrap the pack. It was large enough to fit the whole thing and tie off the end; we made a slit near the top to attach the tag to the center strap (i.e. not the belt but the small piece of webbing for hanging the pack) and to make it easy to carry. Did the same on the return with NZ, though I had to request ithe bag.

You could do the same with a clear plastic bag of your own, but to be of any use it should be thick enough to resist tearing, in other words not an ordinary garbage bag.

I'd be willing to duct-tape floppy cloth straps down, but a hip belt with any structure will still stick out. The hip belt on my Gregory pack comes off in two pieces with a U.S. dime (or any thin coin from anywhere) to remove the screws. Then the pieces could slide inside the pack or be taped to it without sticking out. With the hip belt removed, it should even fit in an overhead compartment if it's not too stuffed. The only problem I foresee is that my usual hiking mode (and therefore usual packing mode) includes lots of stuff tied to the outside, which wouldn't work for flying. (I've never flown with this pack, so this is all still theoretical, but the first test may come soon.)

Thanks for all of your responses. A backpack that I am looking at says that it has a removeable waist belt and vertical stays. I think this may solve the problem, altogether, no?

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.

I saw this just today at the outfitter's: Pac-safe

I've always used the giant duffel bag but though this looked interesting.

I've always wrapped the little straps around itself and tuck the end in, which has worked well. Buckle all the snaps as well. Then I pack a few large garbage bags (one for each flight) and put the pack in one each time I check it. Also if the airport has lots of golf bags, there is often plastic bags that fit well. Finally, have them put it in the plastic bins as it goes down in to the pit....

Great site - I've bookmarked it. Thank you!

Just a heads up - these things are really heavy! Plus it makes people wonder what you have in your backpack that is so valuable... :eek:

If you need to lock your backpack to something (eg. bed, train rack, etc), I recommend this cable plus lock instead - very light, inconspicuous, and can double as a laundry drying line if you have hooks or little suction cups.

Cable and lock

In reply to the original question, my travel backpack has a panel that zips over the shoulder and waist straps so nothing is loose. For hiking packs, I'd use a large garbage bag or two - also good for a rain cover.

I personally like the Pac-Safe. When I travelled around Europe/South Africa it was a good piece of mind thing - also negates the need for locks on your back pack.

Since you're in STL, check out REI's Gear Sale still going on. They may have some cool stuff in store for you, or at least at their website and you can have 'em ship it to the STL store for no extra charge. There's several travel-savvy employees there who will def. have some good ideas for you. I don't usually shop the Alpine Shop ('cuz I'm down the street from REI), but they'd probably have similar help ideas.

You're gone for a week, right? For me, if I'm only gone for a week, I try at all costs to avoid checking luggage, ESPECIALLY on international flights. If they lose it, it could be near the end of your trip b4 you see it again.

Is your frame remove-able? If so, I've seen people use their backpack and frame as their two carry-ons.

Have you scoped out your pack in terms of the options suggested above for tying up straps, stuffing straps inside, etc. I don't mean to insult your intelligence if you already have...just a thought.