Checked Luggage: Backpacks?
Dec 25, 2006, 4:48 pm
#1
formerly Mdanner423
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: North Carolina
Programs: Delta Platinum, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 506
Checked Luggage: Backpacks?
Hey,
This is my first FlyerTalk post. Merry Christmas!
I have a large camping backpack that I would like to take on an AA/BA flight to Munich. The bottom compartment has a yellow cover that comes out and zips around the entire backpack making it look like a duffel bag. It says to use this for rain, or for checked luggage on a flight. But, I noticed there are NO straps anywhere on the bag, so, how would they put the tracking/baggage tag onto it? I know on suitcase they put it on the handle. But if there are NO handles or straps..... Will that be a problem?
Is there any problem with checking backpacks in general? If they aren't covered and have several straps?
Thanks,
Matthew
This is my first FlyerTalk post. Merry Christmas!
I have a large camping backpack that I would like to take on an AA/BA flight to Munich. The bottom compartment has a yellow cover that comes out and zips around the entire backpack making it look like a duffel bag. It says to use this for rain, or for checked luggage on a flight. But, I noticed there are NO straps anywhere on the bag, so, how would they put the tracking/baggage tag onto it? I know on suitcase they put it on the handle. But if there are NO handles or straps..... Will that be a problem?
Is there any problem with checking backpacks in general? If they aren't covered and have several straps?
Thanks,
Matthew
Dec 25, 2006, 4:57 pm
#2
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,554
Hey,
This is my first FlyerTalk post. Merry Christmas!
I have a large camping backpack that I would like to take on an AA/BA flight to Munich. The bottom compartment has a yellow cover that comes out and zips around the entire backpack making it look like a duffel bag. It says to use this for rain, or for checked luggage on a flight. But, I noticed there are NO straps anywhere on the bag, so, how would they put the tracking/baggage tag onto it? I know on suitcase they put it on the handle. But if there are NO handles or straps..... Will that be a problem?
Is there any problem with checking backpacks in general? If they aren't covered and have several straps?
Thanks,
Matthew
This is my first FlyerTalk post. Merry Christmas!
I have a large camping backpack that I would like to take on an AA/BA flight to Munich. The bottom compartment has a yellow cover that comes out and zips around the entire backpack making it look like a duffel bag. It says to use this for rain, or for checked luggage on a flight. But, I noticed there are NO straps anywhere on the bag, so, how would they put the tracking/baggage tag onto it? I know on suitcase they put it on the handle. But if there are NO handles or straps..... Will that be a problem?
Is there any problem with checking backpacks in general? If they aren't covered and have several straps?
Thanks,
Matthew
In my opinion, you have a rather unusual backpack for travel but it sounds like a very useful item. I have checked a more conventional travel-related backpack with no problems but of course, one must take care that straps, etc. are secure enough that they will not snag during loading/unloading or you will have a damaged bag.
Perhaps others will have additional guidence for you but my first instinct without knowing any more detail is to recommend you consider checking without the cover deployed.
By the way, could you simply "carry-on" ?
Dec 25, 2006, 4:58 pm
#3
In memoriam
Join Date: May 2005
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Hey,
This is my first FlyerTalk post. Merry Christmas!
I have a large camping backpack that I would like to take on an AA/BA flight to Munich. The bottom compartment has a yellow cover that comes out and zips around the entire backpack making it look like a duffel bag. It says to use this for rain, or for checked luggage on a flight. But, I noticed there are NO straps anywhere on the bag, so, how would they put the tracking/baggage tag onto it? I know on suitcase they put it on the handle. But if there are NO handles or straps..... Will that be a problem?
Is there any problem with checking backpacks in general? If they aren't covered and have several straps?
Thanks,
Matthew
This is my first FlyerTalk post. Merry Christmas!
I have a large camping backpack that I would like to take on an AA/BA flight to Munich. The bottom compartment has a yellow cover that comes out and zips around the entire backpack making it look like a duffel bag. It says to use this for rain, or for checked luggage on a flight. But, I noticed there are NO straps anywhere on the bag, so, how would they put the tracking/baggage tag onto it? I know on suitcase they put it on the handle. But if there are NO handles or straps..... Will that be a problem?
Is there any problem with checking backpacks in general? If they aren't covered and have several straps?
Thanks,
Matthew
Dec 25, 2006, 4:59 pm
#4
formerly Mdanner423
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: North Carolina
Programs: Delta Platinum, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 506
Thanks for the quick response. I wouldn't be able to carry it on, it's way too big and heavy for that. Here is a pic of the bag that might help answer the question http://www.ebags.com/products/index....rceID=DEALTIME
Over that (optionally) is a yellow cover that zips completley around, no straps or anything coming off of it.
Over that (optionally) is a yellow cover that zips completley around, no straps or anything coming off of it.
Dec 25, 2006, 5:02 pm
#5
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: MA
Programs: UA 1K, SPG PLT, Avis First
Posts: 245
They'd put the luggage tag on just like you would on boxes that were being checked. They'd just apply the entire thing to the flat surface you described.
Might make taking it of a bit hard.
Might make taking it of a bit hard.
Dec 25, 2006, 8:13 pm
#6
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I have a separate back pack cover that I've used for checking my hiking bag to and from Alaska. It does have a handle. I close the zipper with a zip tie (you can buy them super cheap by the dozens at hardware stores). I've never had anything damaged shipping bag in bag this way. I do take the precaution of putting my back pack into a large bin liner (trash bag) and closing that to make sure that all stays as dry as possible.
Dec 25, 2006, 8:17 pm
#7
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: NORWAY
Programs: UA Gold-1MM, SAS Diamond
Posts: 742
Maybe the check-in agent could put your backpack in one of those big plastic bags. That`s what they do with prams here in Norway. Then you can have all the loose straps you like and maybe a little bit more..
Dec 26, 2006, 1:05 am
#9
Join Date: Jun 2003
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Ive never had a problem checking my hiking pack (5500 cubic inches) without any detailed advance preparation...only one airline (UA IIRC) made me put a large clear plastic bag around it (which they provided at checkin) for strap control, otherwise all others that Ive taken it on have accepted it as is...just remember to have all the buckles together, including the waist belt, and find ways to minimize the number of loose straps/strap tighteners (rubber band the excess or something)...you shouldnt have any probs at all...
Dec 26, 2006, 6:27 am
#10
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,554
Thanks for the quick response. I wouldn't be able to carry it on, it's way too big and heavy for that. Here is a pic of the bag that might help answer the question http://www.ebags.com/products/index....rceID=DEALTIME
Over that (optionally) is a yellow cover that zips completley around, no straps or anything coming off of it.
Over that (optionally) is a yellow cover that zips completley around, no straps or anything coming off of it.
Good travel,
747LWW
Dec 26, 2006, 9:47 am
#11
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: CLT
Programs: Choice Hotels/FFOCUS
Posts: 7,256
Matthew:
Welcome to Flyer Talk. At my airline we get checked back packs all the time. Based on your post I see no problems. As far as the straps go I hate them. They get hung up on the belts all time & may completely rip off.
Welcome to Flyer Talk. At my airline we get checked back packs all the time. Based on your post I see no problems. As far as the straps go I hate them. They get hung up on the belts all time & may completely rip off.
Dec 26, 2006, 10:19 am
#12
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The tags are adhesive, they can just stick it to the bag if they have to. I would put a strap around it to make it easy for you and them to move once you pack it up, just one in the middle, and they could tag around the strap.
Dec 26, 2006, 10:50 am
#13
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Kyoto, Japan
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No-cover means damaged or missing strap at conveyer hookup.
Built-in cover means claim tag peeling off on the way thus missing.
Plastic bag means claim tag sticking tight, and protection from rain and dust during transfer.
Ask for one at the check-in counter, +/- bring your own garbage bag from home just in case.
Built-in cover means claim tag peeling off on the way thus missing.
Plastic bag means claim tag sticking tight, and protection from rain and dust during transfer.
Ask for one at the check-in counter, +/- bring your own garbage bag from home just in case.
Dec 26, 2006, 11:10 am
#14
Join Date: May 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: UA-IP Priority Club-Gold AC-General
Posts: 148
When I first travelled with my back-pack (to Africa on a camping safari), I made a heavy clear plastic bag from plastic sheeting I got at a hardware store and used duct-tape to seal the side and bottom and then used plastic reusable ties to close the top.
The advantage of this heavy plastic and having my own was not having to rely on the airport having bags and the plastic was heavy enough that it lasted the whole 6-week trip. I just folded it into an outside pouch when not needed and had extra ties. It was also just the right size for the pack with a little extra room so I could grab it under the tie.
The advantage of this heavy plastic and having my own was not having to rely on the airport having bags and the plastic was heavy enough that it lasted the whole 6-week trip. I just folded it into an outside pouch when not needed and had extra ties. It was also just the right size for the pack with a little extra room so I could grab it under the tie.