Checking pack into plane hold precautions

[Anniew]

i would appreciate some tips to ensure no damage to my 35ltr Lowe Alpine ladies pack as I need to check into luggage because of my walking poles. They are expensive pacer poles and I cannot afford to get them taken

Would anyone suggest wrapping in cling film at airport if available? I am travelling Dublin to Biarritz with Ryanair this coming April

I am afraid some of the cords/ties might get caught in other stuff or luggage roll at or

Many thanks

 

[Waka]

Hi
I went from Gatwick and like you had my poles in my backpack. I had me bag wrapped in cling film and it worked perfectly, a bit expensive but when you consider the price of the poles then it's worth it.
I know that some people wrap the straps of the backpack to the back and cover it with the rain cover, but I was worried about that getting damaged.

 

[Mike Savage]

I checked my Pacer Poles in the mesh bag they ship in and had no problems.

Buen Camino!

 

[Mark Lee]

Get an inexpensive, throwaway duffel with lock to put the pack in until you reach Biarritz, then toss it in a bin.

 

[Anniew]

I've just found another thread here from 2012 with half a book on this same subject!! The upshot is that I am happy to pay to check my bag In With the poles to have peace of mind. I think I might get it cling film wrapped or a diy job maybe? Someone on the other thread mentioned putting the pack Into a black refuse sack secured with duct tape? Or maybe using cheap lightweight "knicker" elastic to secure straps

 

[WildPlace]

Hi, In 2015 I had my bag wrapped in the plastic wrap to fly from Glasgow to Paris and again when I flew back from Santiago -> Stanstead -> Glasgow. All fine. I have Pacer Poles too and dismantled them and they fitted in my pack nicely. I plan on doing the same this year.

 

[dougfitz]

I've just found another thread here from 2012 with half a book on this same subject!!

You will find a more recent discussion on the same subject here -->> https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/backpack-as-checked-baggage.45236/

 

[alipilgrim]

One year I put my poles and small folding knife in my pack and had it professionally plastic wrapped at the airport. It arrived safely in Madrid, but after I picked it up at the luggage carousel I realized I had this clumsy, awkward lump to carry with no way of getting off the plastic! I rushed to the awaiting bus and spent the whole journey to downtown Madrid slowly peeling/picking off the plastic, leaving myself a huge pile of trash to carry off the bus!

Subsequent trips I've either put my pack in a garbage/rubbish bag or a light nylon duffel bag (which I then mailed on to Santiago with some travel clothes I brought for after the Camino).

 

[trecile]

I'm not planning to check my backpack on the way to Spain, but may on the way back. I will be checking a bag with my pre and post Camino clothing, which I plan to ship to Ivar in Santiago. I will put my poles in the checked bag. I have one of these bags from Ikea, which holds my backpack perfectly, which I can use if I want or am required to put my backpack in the hold.

 

[Toncho]

Hi Annie
It appears that you have already had some good suggestions - but I thought I would just add one of my own. I also have a 35 Litre Low Alpine rucksack (macho guy version!) and was concerned about the possible damage during transit. I have invested in a Vango Globe Travel Cover (available in the UK via Amazon for £13.99 inc P&P). My rucksack fits easily into it and it seems to be made of relatively tough material with a good, sturdy handle and a strong zip. They are made to accommodate up to a 80 Litre rucksack - so adding poles should not be an issue. However, I did think that Trecile and Mark Lee had excellent ideas regarding alternative and inexpensive bags.
Buen Camino!

 

[Charlotte Helbig]

i would appreciate some tips to ensure no damage to my 35ltr Lowe Alpine ladies pack as I need to check into luggage because of my walking poles. They are expensive pacer poles and I cannot afford to get them taken

Would anyone suggest wrapping in cling film at airport if available? I am travelling Dublin to Biarritz with Ryanair this coming April

I am afraid some of the cords/ties might get caught in other stuff or luggage roll at or

Many thanks

How about a bag that is used for checking strollers? I found one at Target.com. It is called Gate Check made by JL Childress. It says it accommodates single and double strollers so it seems to me it should accommodate a backpack. I don't know if this would work for you if you are in Dublin...perhaps you could look for something similar?

 

[Glenn Rowe]

Get an inexpensive, throwaway duffel with lock to put the pack in until you reach Biarritz, then toss it in a bin.

Agreed.