- Time of past OR future Camino
- September 2023
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The airline website will tell you what size of bag you are allowed to take on as hand luggage. A 36lt pack will probably fit but you´ll have to measure it to be sure. If you do decide to check your backpacks (we usually do) you can attach a label with your email address, destination and flight number - bags are very, very rarely lost but can be delayed. If your details are visible you will get it back much more quickly because the airline can identify it. But as Pafayac says, Qatar are pretty reliable.Hi Caminantes,
My wife and I are leaving for Madrid from Brisbane - AU on May 4th to walk the Frances. We are flying with Qatar. I am a bit worried that if I check in my backpacks, they have a chance of getting lost and not arriving with me. I was thinking of carrying them on the plane, but they might be too big, 36L and 30L.
I am looking for other past experiences doing the same route. "To carry or not to carry" that is my question
Buen Camino
Nando
Can you post a picture of the backpack and solution you are using?As I carry poles, I check my rucsack. I put my rain cover on backwards, so that it covers the straps and back. This makes them less likely to get snagged. I finish it with a nylon strap, with buckle around the middle, and a good label, with my details. It has worked for my last six Caminos.
Have a good Camino.
Hi Caminantes,
I am a bit worried that if I check in my backpacks, they have a chance of getting lost and not arriving with me. I was thinking of carrying them on the plane, but they might be too big, 36L and 30L.
Another thing we always do when we travel is put Apple Air Tags hidden in each and every piece -Hi Caminantes,
My wife and I are leaving for Madrid from Brisbane - AU on May 4th to walk the Frances. We are flying with Qatar. I am a bit worried that if I check in my backpacks, they have a chance of getting lost and not arriving with me. I was thinking of carrying them on the plane, but they might be too big, 36L and 30L.
I am looking for other past experiences doing the same route. "To carry or not to carry" that is my question
Buen Camino
Nando
I’ve only once been required to check my backpack in all my trips to Spain (Lufthansa last year), but I put all the items I have to have on my trip in a dry bag in the top of my bag that I can remove , so if it gets lost replacing a backpack isn’t that difficult. All the rest of my gear would be.Hi Caminantes,
My wife and I are leaving for Madrid from Brisbane - AU on May 4th to walk the Frances. We are flying with Qatar. I am a bit worried that if I check in my backpacks, they have a chance of getting lost and not arriving with me. I was thinking of carrying them on the plane, but they might be too big, 36L and 30L.
I am looking for other past experiences doing the same route. "To carry or not to carry" that is my question
Buen Camino
Nando
It never matters that checking a backpack has previously gone without a problem. What matters is that it only takes one time for it to become a major headache.Hi Caminantes,
My wife and I are leaving for Madrid from Brisbane - AU on May 4th to walk the Frances. We are flying with Qatar. I am a bit worried that if I check in my backpacks, they have a chance of getting lost and not arriving with me. I was thinking of carrying them on the plane, but they might be too big, 36L and 30L.
I am looking for other past experiences doing the same route. "To carry or not to carry" that is my question
Buen Camino
Nando
When I flew Air Canada for my CF serveral years ago, their check-in counter in the airport provided me a large see-through plastic bag to "contain" my backpack and hiking pole as one a large bag and security-scan / checked it at a diffenret place, no hassel. Not many airlines provided such service at that time.
OK to some extend it is a very valuable info and pretty good idea. That said (and is evident from the stories of folks who did not get their luggage on time) - just because you found out where your backpack is - does not mean that 1. it is in the same facility as you are and 2. that they somehow would be able (or I'll even stretch to "and willing") to get it to you ASAP. The stories are abound out there in the WebLand... one that always stuck in my head was this lady who easily tracked her bag to ORD...where it lived for the next 3 weeks (and with that she finally gave up and drove to ORD; something like 3-4 hours o\w from here town)Another thing we always do when we travel is put Apple Air Tags hidden in each and every piece -
Checked or not.
I have always been able to carry on my hyperlite pack which lessens my stress! You can always buy poles in SJPP.Hi Caminantes,
My wife and I are leaving for Madrid from Brisbane - AU on May 4th to walk the Frances. We are flying with Qatar. I am a bit worried that if I check in my backpacks, they have a chance of getting lost and not arriving with me. I was thinking of carrying them on the plane, but they might be too big, 36L and 30L.
I am looking for other past experiences doing the same route. "To carry or not to carry" that is my question
Buen Camino
Nando
And my Hyperlite is a Southwest 40LI have always been able to carry on my hyperlite pack which lessens my stress! You can always buy poles in SJPP.
Easy and cheap to Saran Wrap your pack , I have never had a problem and pack stays clean , also I separate my walking pole and tape together so as not to be the longest thing in pack and therefore not subject to breakageThanks for the help. Yes, Qatar only accepts packs of 50Cm, and mine is 60Cm, so check-in will have to be
Do you plastic wrap the backpacks or tie the straps?
Kudos to Qatar Airway for being in phase with Camino standards !1 piece of baggage weighing no more than 7kgs
I used a Hyperlite backpack that I was able to take the internal structure out and and make it foldable. I grabbed all of my gear, plus my folded pack and jammed that all in a carry-on suitcase to avoid checking it in. Once in SJPP, I used Express Bouricott to forward my suitcase to a hotel in SDC for my arrival. Worked out perfectly. If you can fold your empty pack into a suitcase with your gear, that'd be the way to go.Hi Caminantes,
My wife and I are leaving for Madrid from Brisbane - AU on May 4th to walk the Frances. We are flying with Qatar. I am a bit worried that if I check in my backpacks, they have a chance of getting lost and not arriving with me. I was thinking of carrying them on the plane, but they might be too big, 36L and 30L.
I am looking for other past experiences doing the same route. "To carry or not to carry" that is my question
Buen Camino
Nando
I flew Qatar last May to Madrid for Camino. Always check in poles in my big luggage. Always carryon Camino back pack with Camino shoes and important items I wouldn’t want to have to repurchase if per chance luggage got lost. Posted main luggage to Santiago from Madrid with Correos. Worked fine. I also use Apple AirTags to see where luggage is.Another thing we always do when we travel is put Apple Air Tags hidden in each and every piece -
Checked or not.
No. It is an unnecessary addition to plastic waste. Clip the straps together. The airline will put the backpack in a special tray.Thanks for the help. Yes, Qatar only accepts packs of 50Cm, and mine is 60Cm, so check-in will have to be
Do you plastic wrap the backpacks or tie the straps?
As requested two photos. I am happy using this method on European flights. On longer global flights I would most likely use a cheap outer holdall.Can you post a picture of the backpack and solution you are using?
This is the only thing I do, but I wind them around each other once before snapping the buckle shut which reduces the excess even more which helps keeps it cinched snug.Just tie the straps.
Hi Caminantes,
My wife and I are leaving for Madrid from Brisbane - AU on May 4th to walk the Frances. We are flying with Qatar. I am a bit worried that if I check in my backpacks, they have a chance of getting lost and not arriving with me. I was thinking of carrying them on the plane, but they might be too big, 36L and 30L.
I am looking for other past experiences doing the same route. "To carry or not to carry" that is my question
Buen Camino
Nando
I checked a shipping tube with my poles and other sharp objects in it and carried on my pack. The shipping tube came through just fine. If it had been lost it would be no big deal.Per prior comments, if you have sharp objects (e.g., poles, Swiss Army Knife, etc.) you need to check your bags. I've carried backpacks up to 24 L onto planes with no problems but my Camino pack is 38L and I doubt will qualify.
My solution on my last Camino (2022) was an adjustable duffel bag (https://www.piorama.co/collections/the-adjustable-bag-a10). It will hold my fully packed pack and then some. It's tough and compressible into a small ball. When I get to my destination (Paris on my last Camino), I simply remove the pack from the bag, compress the duffel bag into a ball, and put it in the pack. That way, I can easily carry everything on my back out of the airport an onto a train, taxi, bus, etc.
This works well for me because I use a luggage forwarding service on the Camino. Each day I carry my valuables, water (hydration pack), clothing layers (windbreaker, rain jacket, etc.), pharmaceuticals, and any irreplaceable items in the pack and forward everything else in the duffel bag to the next overnight accommodation. Since I don't have a huge amount of other stuff, I can compress the duffel bag into a smaller version so it doesn't flop around.
I did this on my 2022 CF and I plan to do it again on this year's CP.
I agree and have done that in the past.I usually prefer to not head to the luggage conveyer belt and wait as it can take too much time when I need to get to my next connection on a train or bus.I checked a shipping tube with my poles and other sharp objects in it and carried on my pack. The shipping tube came through just fine. If it had been lost it would be no big deal.
I agree, usually my time in Madrid is short and I use it for getting a few supplies before I catch my train for my starting point.I agree and have done that in the past.I usually prefer to not head to the luggage conveyer belt and wait as it can take too much time when I need to get to my next connection on a train or bus.
Exactly what I did @DTCamino . Worked out the Decathlon store location and picked up poles. Also bought a pocket knife - that was confiscated at the train station as it was a millimeter or 2 larger than the limit (groan).I agree, usually my time in Madrid is short and I use it for getting a few supplies before I catch my train for my starting point.
Since walking poles in Spain only cost $20-30 a set, I don’t mind buying them and donating them on my way out. Especially as it saves me time packaging them, checking them in twice, waiting in baggage twice. Money well spent!
Check them in....Hi Caminantes,
My wife and I are leaving for Madrid from Brisbane - AU on May 4th to walk the Frances. We are flying with Qatar. I am a bit worried that if I check in my backpacks, they have a chance of getting lost and not arriving with me. I was thinking of carrying them on the plane, but they might be too big, 36L and 30L.
I am looking for other past experiences doing the same route. "To carry or not to carry" that is my question
Buen Camino
Nando
I made an outer drawstring sack (of lightweight ripstop nylon) for our back packs. This way we could put our hiking poles in too.(best to stick those inside your backpack before covering. I sewed a handle on each sack so we could attach our identification info (and airline tags) in case they got lost. We have successfully received our luggage this way now 6 times for long trekking holidays. I will do the same this Fall to Ireland. The rip stop bag is very light weight and fits nicely in the bottom of my back pack waiting for my return flight. It also works nicely as a sit upon on the trail. Buen Camino.Thanks for the help. Yes, Qatar only accepts packs of 50Cm, and mine is 60Cm, so check-in will have to be
Do you plastic wrap the backpacks or tie the straps?
I carried my backpack on the flight from the US without any problems. The aircraft on international flights have large overhead bins.Hi Caminantes,
My wife and I are leaving for Madrid from Brisbane - AU on May 4th to walk the Frances. We are flying with Qatar. I am a bit worried that if I check in my backpacks, they have a chance of getting lost and not arriving with me. I was thinking of carrying them on the plane, but they might be too big, 36L and 30L.
I am looking for other past experiences doing the same route. "To carry or not to carry" that is my question
Buen Camino
Nando
This is what I want to do for exactly the reason you said. Where did you get the shipping tube from. Are you poles fixed or telescopic? Many thanks.I checked a shipping tube with my poles and other sharp objects in it and carried on my pack. The shipping tube came through just fine. If it had been lost it would be no big deal.
Hola Nando,Hi Caminantes,
My wife and I are leaving for Madrid from Brisbane - AU on May 4th to walk the Frances. We are flying with Qatar. I am a bit worried that if I check in my backpacks, they have a chance of getting lost and not arriving with me. I was thinking of carrying them on the plane, but they might be too big, 36L and 30L.
I am looking for other past experiences doing the same route. "To carry or not to carry" that is my question
Buen Camino
Nando
Just a remindrt that the OP is asking specifically about the journey from Australia to Spain. That journey is quite different from other routes from Europe or North America - the length, the type/place of connections, the servicing airlines, and the rules and policies about luggage. Everyone's experience on other routes is of limited value.
We only fly QatarHi Caminantes,
My wife and I are leaving for Madrid from Brisbane - AU on May 4th to walk the Frances. We are flying with Qatar. I am a bit worried that if I check in my backpacks, they have a chance of getting lost and not arriving with me. I was thinking of carrying them on the plane, but they might be too big, 36L and 30L.
I am looking for other past experiences doing the same route. "To carry or not to carry" that is my question
Buen Camino
Nando
I got the shipping tube at an office supply store. My poles telescope. I taped everything together so things didn’t rattle around inside the tube.This is what I want to do for exactly the reason you said. Where did you get the shipping tube from. Are you poles fixed or telescopic? Many thanks.
I had plenty of time before I had to catch my train. I did have to look in the oversized baggage area for the shipping tube though.I agree and have done that in the past.I usually prefer to not head to the luggage conveyer belt and wait as it can take too much time when I need to get to my next connection on a train or bus.
You could tie the straps and maybe if it has a rain cover put that over it.Thanks for the help. Yes, Qatar only accepts packs of 50Cm, and mine is 60Cm, so check-in will have to be
Do you plastic wrap the backpacks or tie the straps?
Thanks for the noteWe only fly Qatar
Carry on always ...........................we shorten minor straps [ waist and length ] with duct tape
When we arrive at the check in ......we might be wearing extra clothes. [ fleece etc ] with the backpack over one shoulder . I buy all my shaving creams etc when there in StJPP
We have never had a problem in a decade.
I have a Deuter 42l , wife a 32l Osprey.
You will be on the 777's and should have no problems
They will put a tag on your shoulder strap for Doha transfer .
Buy your poles there and leave them @ Muxia albergue with the other 100's
Relax , have good weather and we envy you.
My Deuter 42l is 60cmThanks for the notecan you tell me how tall is your 42l. I have a 36l osprey with a frame that is 60cm and Qatar only accepts 50cm.
Saludos
Very luckyMy Deuter 42l is 60cm
I repeat , they have never stopped me with this as “carry on” in over a decade.
If you want to put crap in the top then the 60 cm increases .
That’s why toiletries are purchased on arrival .
I don’t have a favourite shampoo
The dearest clothing in here in Australia , be 7-8kg
Please note the people ahead of you once ticket allocation commences 3 hours ahead.
Have a look at the bags these guys will be placing below.
Your backpack is non existent .
*****It takes 30 minutes “”””with “”””carry on to exit Madrid airport.
Make it easy for yourself
Last year when I bought a new Backpack at a reliable place in Canada the person in charge of hiking equipment went online to check the requirements for Air Canada and was able to confirm my backpack would be allowed in the plane compartment. All was good.Hi Caminantes,
My wife and I are leaving for Madrid from Brisbane - AU on May 4th to walk the Frances. We are flying with Qatar. I am a bit worried that if I check in my backpacks, they have a chance of getting lost and not arriving with me. I was thinking of carrying them on the plane, but they might be too big, 36L and 30L.
I am looking for other past experiences doing the same route. "To carry or not to carry" that is my question
Buen Camino
Nando
I would advise placing your hold luggage rucksack into a lightweight rucksack storage bag. I had a pristine 35litre rucksack I had only used a couple of times. Yes, I did the straps up snug and tucked away any excess strapping. When I picked it up at the destination carousel, it had black scuffs all over it (it was red) and abrasions on the meshed bottle side pockets. It had aged 5 years during the flight. I think they must have played football with it on the runway tarmac. At the time I just thought, well sh*t happens and left it. Thinking back, I should have reported it. So, a rucksack storage bag next timeThanks for the help. Yes, Qatar only accepts packs of 50Cm, and mine is 60Cm, so check-in will have to be
Do you plastic wrap the backpacks or tie the straps?
When we get to the check in counter with only a back pack ................ you then get your booking papers and passports from the pocket of the said back pack.Thanks for the notecan you tell me how tall is your 42l. I have a 36l osprey with a frame that is 60cm and Qatar only accepts 50cm.
Saludos
I simply took a carrier bag as my “day bag” and did a cellophane wrap at the airport . It was fine - I also hid an AirTag in my bag as it is so essential. I carried my pack for my two week stint, my father had his couriered day by day to save his back- ideal for him. I like the challenge of it- even though some days were tough. Heading back in 3 weeks to complete it- hopefully . Buen CaminoHi Caminantes,
My wife and I are leaving for Madrid from Brisbane - AU on May 4th to walk the Frances. We are flying with Qatar. I am a bit worried that if I check in my backpacks, they have a chance of getting lost and not arriving with me. I was thinking of carrying them on the plane, but they might be too big, 36L and 30L.
I am looking for other past experiences doing the same route. "To carry or not to carry" that is my question
Buen Camino
Nando
It happens (been there done that but not on Qatar).We are flying with Qatar. I am a bit worried that if I check in my backpacks, they have a chance of getting lost and not arriving with me.
We're facing the same dilemma with our flight from LA to Madrid on IBERIA. The rucksack idea is interesting. Perhaps something fairly inexpensive and post it forward to Santiago? We're going to post our trolleys ahead from our starting point in Leon, so stuffing it in one should work. FWIW, we also have APPLE AIR TAGS in everything!Thanks for the help. Yes, Qatar only accepts packs of 50Cm, and mine is 60Cm, so check-in will have to be
Do you plastic wrap the backpacks or tie the straps?
Hi, this will be my first walk on Camino Frances. A friend is joining me in Sarria but is looking at where to send her suitcase while she completes her walk. I read that you mentioned sending ahead by post to Santiago. Is there a specific address that she can use to send her suitcase in Santiago?Just tie the straps. This came up recently on the forum, Spain has enough issues dealing with massive amounts of plastic waste without us adding to it!
You can of course get proper bags to put your backpack in (I have one for my larger rucksack), however you would need to then post that ahead to Santiago. Which of course is an option as you could then use it for the journey home.
Should you wish you could get a cheap duffle or laundry bag or similar to put it in.
Look at this video or this page https://casaivar.com to find out about Ivar's services.Is there a specific address that she can use to send her suitcase in Santiago?
I've done both. First with checked baggage that worked fine. The next couple with just carry on (cheaper flight that way), which meant I needed to buy poles on arrival. Next Camino will be with my daughter. She'll be carrying a smaller backpack (30L) that fits in carry on. Mine will be a similar volume but a little too long for carry on. So we'll check one bag and carry on the other. For the flight we can mix up the contents so all the essentials are in the carry on and if the checked one gets lost we can get by.Hi Caminantes,
My wife and I are leaving for Madrid from Brisbane - AU on May 4th to walk the Frances. We are flying with Qatar. I am a bit worried that if I check in my backpacks, they have a chance of getting lost and not arriving with me. I was thinking of carrying them on the plane, but they might be too big, 36L and 30L.
I am looking for other past experiences doing the same route. "To carry or not to carry" that is my question
Buen Camino
Nando
Thank you. Appreciate it!Look at this video or this page https://casaivar.com to find out about Ivar's services.
In Hondarribia, which is the town next to Irun where the airport is actually located, we stayed at Hotel Palacete. It is a lovely hotel within easy walking distance of the airport. Hondarribia is amazing and a great place to start the Camino del Norte. Hotel Palacete is storing a suitcase for us until we return for it in a little over a week.Hello
Please let me know the name of the hotel in Irun that was able to store your suitcase.
So much appreciated!
Lisa from Portland OR
Planning camino Norte 7/24
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