deanfromoz
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Frances - October 2019
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The rule of thumb I have heard here many times is that if your pack is too big to carry-on, it’s too big to carry on the Camino. I would have to agree with that, so my unsolicited advice would be to start tossing things out of your pack!Hi all,
I'm curious about experiences relating to the security of items in your backpack when it needs to be checked in for flights.
My backpack will be too big to carry as hand luggage, not to mention some items not permitted as carry-on luggage. Has anyone experienced items being removed from their backpack in these circumstances?
I'm flying Qatar Airways, Perth to Paris CDG (via Doha), then easyJet to Biarritz. Given that I'm planning to arrive with pretty much everything I need, I'd hate to discover that things have gone missing in the 30 hours that I don't see my bag.
Gracias
A checked bag is a checked bag; mind the standard advice about not putting anything valuable or irreplaceable (documents, medicines, electronics) in it. Sharps and disassembled poles will need to go in the checked bag though.security of items in your backpack when it needs to be checked in for flights.
Peregrina2000, very good advice.The rule of thumb I have heard here many times is that if your pack is too big to carry-on, it’s too big to carry on the Camino. I would have to agree with that, so my unsolicited advice would be to start tossing things out of your pack!
I have related before how I flew into a city the day before the start of a month long thru-hike in the Rockies. Because of all the backpacking I do, my gear is ultralight and lightweight and while expensive, is used far more in one year, than most weekend backpackers would use theirs over a ten year period of time.Hi all,
I'm curious about experiences relating to the security of items in your backpack when it needs to be checked in for flights.
My backpack will be too big to carry as hand luggage, not to mention some items not permitted as carry-on luggage. Has anyone experienced items being removed from their backpack in these circumstances?
I'm flying Qatar Airways, Perth to Paris CDG (via Doha), then easyJet to Biarritz. Given that I'm planning to arrive with pretty much everything I need, I'd hate to discover that things have gone missing in the 30 hours that I don't see my bag.
Gracias
Hi all, I'm curious about experiences relating to the security of items in your backpack when it needs to be checked in for flights.
My backpack will be too big to carry as hand luggage, not to mention some items not permitted as carry-on luggage. Has anyone experienced items being removed from their backpack in these circumstances?
I'm flying Qatar... I'd hate to discover that things have gone missing in the 30 hours that I don't see my bag.
Gracias
Pilferage is a common threat though. I recall watching ramp workers opening luggage while we were helpless to stop it, being inside the Dubai terminal, 15 years ago. And there were rings of workers pilfering here in the US a few years back. Maybe things have changed, but you are wise to take precautions. The best bet is to use a bag-wrapping service, or the DIY method with a roll of cling film.
Peregrina2000, very good advice.
My pack weight is within the 10 percent of my own body weight, so the weight isn't a problem for me, and having done some walking with a fully loaded pack, it is comfortable. My main concern is that it may exceed the permitted cabin baggage sizes, though if I move the sleeping bag from the bottom compartment to inside the pack itself, I may be able to get it through.
Then there's the matter of removing items that may be problematic as far as cabin baggage is concerned, though for the most part these can be purchased on arrival.
I fly Qatar from Melbourne each Camino, and lately I’ve taken to a kind of reverse checking plan. I bought a $6 yoga mat bag from Kmart, put my poles, toiletry liquids, Swiss Army knife etc in it, and plastic wrap it (at home or airport). This bag gets checked, and they tend to mark it “fragile”, meaning it doesn’t come out on the conveyor at baggage claim, but is instead waiting for me when I get there, on a separate stand next to the conveyor at Paris CDG. Worst case scenario: I replace easily replaceable stuff while my pack stays with me.Hi all,
I'm curious about experiences relating to the security of items in your backpack when it needs to be checked in for flights.
My backpack will be too big to carry as hand luggage, not to mention some items not permitted as carry-on luggage. Has anyone experienced items being removed from their backpack in these circumstances?
I'm flying Qatar Airways, Perth to Paris CDG (via Doha), then easyJet to Biarritz. Given that I'm planning to arrive with pretty much everything I need, I'd hate to discover that things have gone missing in the 30 hours that I don't see my bag.
Gracias
Hi all,
I'm curious about experiences relating to the security of items in your backpack when it needs to be checked in for flights.
My backpack will be too big to carry as hand luggage, not to mention some items not permitted as carry-on luggage. Has anyone experienced items being removed from their backpack in these circumstances?
I'm flying Qatar Airways, Perth to Paris CDG (via Doha), then easyJet to Biarritz. Given that I'm planning to arrive with pretty much everything I need, I'd hate to discover that things have gone missing in the 30 hours that I don't see my bag.
Gracias
As long as you don’t put any explosives in your backpack, you will be fine.Hi all,
I'm curious about experiences relating to the security of items in your backpack when it needs to be checked in for flights.
My backpack will be too big to carry as hand luggage, not to mention some items not permitted as carry-on luggage. Has anyone experienced items being removed from their backpack in these circumstances?
I'm flying Qatar Airways, Perth to Paris CDG (via Doha), then easyJet to Biarritz. Given that I'm planning to arrive with pretty much everything I need, I'd hate to discover that things have gone missing in the 30 hours that I don't see my bag.
Gracias
Pretty much my thought. We've placed our backpacks in canvas duffel bags when flying somewhere where we will rent a car and laundry bags otherwise. That keeps straps from being ripped, things falling out and some deterrence from pilferage. Never lost anything.Cling wrap is a good idea. While it wont stop your gear going missing, theft by airport staff is usually on an opportunistic basis and if your stuff is too hard to get to they will look for an easier mark.
Your story should be the cut and pasted to every post that is similar to this one about checking backpacks! So sorry to hear that story.I have related before how I flew into a city the day before the start of a month long thru-hike in the Rockies. Because of all the backpacking I do, my gear is ultralight and lightweight and while expensive, is used far more in one year, than most weekend backpackers would use theirs over a ten year period of time.
So here I am less than 24 hours before a 4 week backpacking trip with my gear missing. All of my gear plus the first 10 days supply of freeze dried food. As the minutes go by while watching and waiting for my backpack to appear on the luggage carousel, that sinking feeling and anxiety level just kept rising.
Finally, dealing with the fact that it wasn't showing up, I went to the baggage claim office, filled out the paper work, and headed out to my hotel room. But while I should have been able to relax and decompress from the trip, I had to scramble to replace every single item of gear and food.
Because much of my gear is manufactured by cottage gear makers, and requires online purchases, I had to head to the local REI and do the best I could to substitute what I had with something else to make do.
Stove, mattress, tent, sleeping quilt, poncho, clothing, water storage and filtration, cooking mug, and on and on. Then having to pick through the limited selections of freeze dried food to make up my meal inventory.
for 10 days. Fortunately, I was wearing my trail runners and one pair of the socks I use so at least I didn't have to replace those. And the REI didn't even carry what I wore, anyway.
What REI didn't have, I finally found at two other outdoor stores.
So, no, it isn't just an issue of needing to be more relaxed or meditative; it is a matter of security and actually being assured that you will have your stuff when you arrive.
BTW, it ended up that the airlines believed my gear had been stolen by someone working at the departure airport as there was no record of my backpacked having been scanned upon arrival.
Oh, and despite providing proof of each item and its value, I was reimbursed only 25% of its actual value.
I fly Qatar from Melbourne each Camino, and lately I’ve taken to a kind of reverse checking plan. I bought a $6 yoga mat bag from Kmart, put my poles, toiletry liquids, Swiss Army knife etc in it, and plastic wrap it (at home or airport). This bag gets checked, and they tend to mark it “fragile”, meaning it doesn’t come out on the conveyor at baggage claim, but is instead waiting for me when I get there, on a separate stand next to the conveyor at Paris CDG. Worst case scenario: I replace easily replaceable stuff while my pack stays with me.
The yoga bag weighs next to nothing and goes in the bottom of my pack, coming out occasionally as a laundry bag. If needed, I could also fill it with clothes and use it as a pillow if I needed...
As many have said I would bet anything that your bag is too heavy. The 10% rule often doesn't make a lot of sense. As a first time pilgrim there is about a 103% chance you have unnecessary gear.Everyone does. Another thing I would tell you is you can't recreate what will happen on the Camino no matter what you do at home. On my first Camino I was walking as far or further the last few weeks than I was walking most days and I felt great. A week into the camino I had pains in places I didn't know I had places. If you already have bought poles and maybe a pocket knife or some other things you say may not get through carry on, put those in a bag and check them. If they don't get through you can probably get whatever you need quickly in Biarritz or SJPP. CARRY YOUR BAG WITH YOU!!!!Hi all,
I'm curious about experiences relating to the security of items in your backpack when it needs to be checked in for flights.
My backpack will be too big to carry as hand luggage, not to mention some items not permitted as carry-on luggage. Has anyone experienced items being removed from their backpack in these circumstances?
I'm flying Qatar Airways, Perth to Paris CDG (via Doha), then easyJet to Biarritz. Given that I'm planning to arrive with pretty much everything I need, I'd hate to discover that things have gone missing in the 30 hours that I don't see my bag.
Gracias
. The 10% rule often doesn't make a lot of sense.
. . . .
CARRY YOUR BAG WITH YOU!!!!
As I said I now put my poles and my Swiss Army Knife in a small bag and check it. If it doesn't arrive no problem. The last time I moved the old house ate both my poles and the knife so this year I will fly to Madrid and stay a couple of days. I got a great flight from Madrid to Pamplona, almost the exact price of a bus ticket and I will arrive at 9:00AM. So I will take a local bus to the Decathlon and buy some poles and a knife. If they don't have them I already scoped out a couple of Cuchillerías to go to. It gives me plenty of time to get what I need have some lunch and take the afternoon bus to SJPP.Totally agree with both of these gems. I remember one forum member who joked that he was going to gain a few kilos before leaving home so he could carry more weight in his pack. I carry a pack in the 19-20 pound range and that is quite a bit more than 10% of my body weight, but I am in pretty good shape and it has never been an issue for me. (Having said that, though, I am going to lighten things up a bit for next year when I hit 70). My son in law takes long thru hikes with 50 lbs. in his bag and suffers no ill, though he has gotten with the lightweight gear program some. So I think this 10% rule is a lot of bunk.
Though my gear would not be as hard to replace as in the nightmare that @davebugg recounted, it would be an awful way to start a camino. I had a taste of it about 10 years ago when my hiking poles did not arrive in Madrid. I really had to scramble to get some replacements before my AVE to Sevilla, and though it wasn’t the end of the world it was very stressful. And I speak good Spanish and know the Madrid metro system, so for many others it would have been terrible. Since then I have successfully carried on my poles, collapsed in my pack, but I am not suggesting we start that debate again.
For me, the bottom line is that though the chances of having a pack get lost are low, it does happen (you can see old threads here recounting it). I do not want to be one of those people. I would never ever check my pack.
Just a heads up for anyone who may not know, Decathlon now has three center city stores in Madrid. No more schlepping out to the industrial park necessary.As I said I now put my poles and my Swiss Army Knife in a small bag and check it. If it doesn't arrive no problem. The last time I moved the old house ate both my poles and the knife so this year I will fly to Madrid and stay a couple of days. I got a great flight from Madrid to Pamplona, almost the exact price of a bus ticket and I will arrive at 9:00AM. So I will take a local bus to the Decathlon and buy some poles and a knife. If they don't have them I already scoped out a couple of Cuchillerías to go to. It gives me plenty of time to get what I need have some lunch and take the afternoon bus to SJPP.
Thanks but I don't want to check my poles at the airport in Madrid. I will just sit and space out on the bus haha.Just a heads up for anyone who may not know, Decathlon now has three center city stores in Madrid. No more schlepping out to the industrial park necessary.
Oh, right, you are FLYING from Madrid to Pamplona! That would create the same issue you are trying to avoid by buying poles in Spain.Thanks but I don't want to check my poles at the airport in Madrid. I will just sit and space out on the bus haha.
I am staying within walking distance of a Decathlon in Madrid haha!Oh, right, you are FLYING from Madrid to Pamplona! That would create the same issue you are trying to avoid by buying poles in Spain.
Hi all,
I'm curious about experiences relating to the security of items in your backpack when it needs to be checked in for flights...
.Gracias
Hi Dean, on my last Camino I knew my pack wasn’t gonna work as a carry-on, so I used a zip over bag I bought from REI made to fit up to a 65 L pack and then put a lock on it. Of course, that’s no protection from your bag getting lost in transit. At the very least, wear your hiking boots/trail runners in transit and carry-on high value items and hope for the best. Buen Camino
Unfortunately some budget airlines have been making their carry-on sizes smaller and smaller, Ryanair now only allow a bag 40x25x20cms which is pretty small. It's certainly worth checking carefully before you arrive at the airport.The rule of thumb I have heard here many times is that if your pack is too big to carry-on, it’s too big to carry on the Camino. I would have to agree with that, so my unsolicited advice would be to start tossing things out of your pack!
However for most pilgrims who are not seasoned walkers, 10% is not a bad guide as a place to start. Even as a lifelong walker I always hated carrying any more than I absolutely have to, I can't imagine carrying 50 pounds. The pack I carried to walk Offa's Dyke a few years ago weighed 21 pounds including full camping kit, 2 litres of water and 2 days of food and that was more than enough.Totally agree with both of these gems. I remember one forum member who joked that he was going to gain a few kilos before leaving home so he could carry more weight in his pack. I carry a pack in the 19-20 pound range and that is quite a bit more than 10% of my body weight, but I am in pretty good shape and it has never been an issue for me. (Having said that, though, I am going to lighten things up a bit for next year when I hit 70). My son in law takes long thru hikes with 50 lbs. in his bag and suffers no ill, though he has gotten with the lightweight gear program some. So I think this 10% rule is a lot of bunk.
Your story should be the cut and pasted to every post that is similar to this one about checking backpacks! So sorry to hear that story.
I've checked in big backpacks for years and I never had anything stolen from it. Of course I never put any valuables in it, always take them as carry-on luggage. Locks and wraps are things from recent years. When I travelled the world 20-30 years ago you hardly saw any.I'm curious about experiences relating to the security of items in your backpack when it needs to be checked in for flights.
My backpack will be too big to carry as hand luggage, not to mention some items not permitted as carry-on luggage. Has anyone experienced items being removed from their backpack in these circumstances?
Some airports/ airlines won't allow it. I saw a couple in Portugal being refused their plastic wrapped bags because they had not been wrapped by a service in the airport. It makes sense to try, but not a given.I purchase a small roll of saran wrap and rap completely the pack. Never lost anything.
Instead of paying 15 $ and more you just do iT.
Travelers pay to protect luggage with plastic wrap
For about $15 per bag, luggage-wrapping companies encase suitcases in multiple layers of Saran Wrap-like plastic to protect travelers' valuables.www.cnbc.com
I placed my entire pack and poles in a big IKEA storage bag. I taped it with masking tape a few times around and added a security lock to the zipper. It arrived intact, nothing missing. On a second attempt doing this, the tape had been cut and lock removed, but contents seemed okay. I don't think there are any guarantees. If airport personnel want to get into your pack, they will.Hi all,
I'm curious about experiences relating to the security of items in your backpack when it needs to be checked in for flights.
My backpack will be too big to carry as hand luggage, not to mention some items not permitted as carry-on luggage. Has anyone experienced items being removed from their backpack in these circumstances?
I'm flying Qatar Airways, Perth to Paris CDG (via Doha), then easyJet to Biarritz. Given that I'm planning to arrive with pretty much everything I need, I'd hate to discover that things have gone missing in the 30 hours that I don't see my bag.
Gracias
But what about my precious Pacer Poles?The rule of thumb I have heard here many times is that if your pack is too big to carry-on, it’s too big to carry on the Camino. I would have to agree with that, so my unsolicited advice would be to start tossing things out of your pack!
Amen to that...my other adage is...there are 2 kinds of luggage carry on and lostThe rule of thumb I have heard here many times is that if your pack is too big to carry-on, it’s too big to carry on the Camino. I would have to agree with that, so my unsolicited advice would be to start tossing things out of your pack!
To all who might be intimidated by the avalanche of opinion that says you must/should/it would be stupid not to carry on your pack, don't worry. Some of us always check our packs. In my case there's no way around that, but I have never had a problem (over the years flying Aer Lingis, Iberia, KLM, Swiss Air, or Air France).Amen to that...my other adage is...there are 2 kinds of luggage carry on and lost
Hi all,
I'm curious about experiences relating to the security of items in your backpack when it needs to be checked in for flights.
My backpack will be too big to carry as hand luggage, not to mention some items not permitted as carry-on luggage. Has anyone experienced items being removed from their backpack in these circumstances?
I'm flying Qatar Airways, Perth to Paris CDG (via Doha), then easyJet to Biarritz. Given that I'm planning to arrive with pretty much everything I need, I'd hate to discover that things have gone missing in the 30 hours that I don't see my bag.
Gracias
So ...
Some say ‘check it’, others say ‘never let it out of your sight’, most say ‘never lost anything’ a few say ‘I was robbed’.
That’s what you would expect surely?
What have you decided to do?
I fly out in 2 and a half weeks. Will update with how I go.Thanks for replying -we like closure on here!
A checked bag is a checked bag; mind the standard advice about not putting anything valuable or irreplaceable (documents, medicines, electronics) in it. Sharps and disassembled poles will need to go in the checked bag though.
Pilferage is a common threat though. I recall watching ramp workers opening luggage while we were helpless to stop it, being inside the Dubai terminal, 15 years ago. And there were rings of workers pilfering here in the US a few years back. Maybe things have changed, but you are wise to take precautions. The best bet is to use a bag-wrapping service, or the DIY method with a roll of cling film.
I have a lockable zipper bag (very light weight) made to hold a fairly large backpack). I think most shops that sell backpacks also sell these bags. However, I wear my hiking shoes on the plane because of their weight. Medications, documents, etc. I put in my carry on "sack". I've never had a problem.Hi all,
I'm curious about experiences relating to the security of items in your backpack when it needs to be checked in for flights.
My backpack will be too big to carry as hand luggage, not to mention some items not permitted as carry-on luggage. Has anyone experienced items being removed from their backpack in these circumstances?
I'm flying Qatar Airways, Perth to Paris CDG (via Doha), then easyJet to Biarritz. Given that I'm planning to arrive with pretty much everything I need, I'd hate to discover that things have gone missing in the 30 hours that I don't see my bag.
Gracias
My plan exactly!I wear my hiking shoes on the plane because of their weight. Medications, documents, etc. I put in my carry on "sack". I've never had a problem.
What are you doing about your hiking poles, sharp items, and other things that cannot be brought into the cabin? Just curious.
I can understand your concern about your pack getting lost if checked. However, it's hard for me to picture that there should be anything in your pack that would be worth stealing. Basically all you have is a change of clothes and some toiletries. Surely there are suitcases on your flight that would have a lot more attractive items to steal.
That is assuming that backpacks and luggage are sifted through and contents examined PRIOR to a theft. Then there is luggage that is lost and takes a time to recover and return. . time which can significantly delay a Camino start if one is waiting around for a recovery and return.. And a good quality backpack is worth money by itself..
Well this is the OP's question, "Has anyone experienced items being removed from their backpack in these circumstances? "
Surprisingly for a forum with its fair share of pedants (myself included) nobody’s pointed out that one’s bags will be as safe as they can possibly be during the flights.
It’s when they’re on the ground that you have a problem.
Anyway, the OP has asked for advice, got it, considered his plan and declared his intent. Let’s leave him be!
I won't be using hiking poles, and won't be taking any sharp items (from what I can see this only includes safety pins). Any restricted cabin baggage items can be purchased upon my arrival in France.What are you doing about your hiking poles, sharp items, and other things that cannot be brought into the cabin? Just curious.
I also use the Kestrel 38, and have always checked my bags. In six Camino trips I have never had a problem.
This has always worked for me,. But I am curious about how you can carry-on a 38 liter pack, yet transport cabin-restricted items.
This might be so for full service airlines, but easyJet have a single cabin bag allowance. This is not uncommon, so do Ryanair. You may still find your bag sent to the hold, although it is always possible to pay extra for a fare that increases the allowance.I'll repeat what I posted before, Dean: If the backpack is all you're taking on board, you might consider adding a professional- looking bag (briefcase, etc.) into which you can stuff extras. An airline like Qatar, I'm sure, allows this. I see such bags in Goodwill & consignment shops all the time, and upon arrival you can, if you like, either trash or donate it. The only time an agent for a (small) airline balked - and this was for excessive weight - was when flying out of Ushuaia, but all I had to say was "camera equipment." She just waved me on without even looking.
I'll repeat what I posted before, Dean: If the backpack is all you're taking on board, you might consider adding a professional- looking bag (briefcase, etc.) into which you can stuff extras. An airline like Qatar, I'm sure, allows this. I see such bags in Goodwill & consignment shops all the time, and upon arrival you can, if you like, either trash or donate it. The only time an agent for a (small) airline balked - and this was for excessive weight - was when flying out of Ushuaia, but all I had to say was "camera equipment." She just waved me on without even looking.
I just flew from Vamcouver Canada to gate wick London and connected flight to Porto to do the Portugese Camino . I had everything except my poles as that is no longer aloud . They went through my backpack and asked many questions , I think more about where I was going and how to go about it as I think the security guard wants to do the walk as well . Lol . I had a tiny pair of nail scissors which they were going to take but she let me keep them . In London I had the same thing , nail scissors are a no no .Hi all,
I'm curious about experiences relating to the security of items in your backpack when it needs to be checked in for flights.
My backpack will be too big to carry as hand luggage, not to mention some items not permitted as carry-on luggage. Has anyone experienced items being removed from their backpack in these circumstances?
I'm flying Qatar Airways, Perth to Paris CDG (via Doha), then easyJet to Biarritz. Given that I'm planning to arrive with pretty much everything I need, I'd hate to discover that things have gone missing in the 30 hours that I don't see my bag.
Gracias
NOOOOOOOOO— you promised!
Not more than a few weeks ago you said: “I am done with this issue.”
Having spent 15 years in the aviation industry in Australia, I'm pretty familiar with the likelihood of bags being searched or tampered with in this region. However, having not been to Europe yet, there's an unknown that I'm yet to experience.That is assuming that backpacks and luggage are sifted through and contents examined PRIOR to a theft. Then there is luggage that is lost and takes a time to recover and return.
They didn't just fall out of the side pockets and get displaced from the pack?My cheap training shoes stolen from my backpack side pockets by luggage handlers flying from Morocco to Lisbon in April this year.
It was my assumption that desirable items are identified as the bags go through xrays.That is assuming that backpacks and luggage are sifted through and contents examined PRIOR to a theft.
I agree that there should not be any valuables in the checked pack.it's hard for me to picture that there should be anything in your pack that would be worth stealing."
This opportunity should also be minimized by securely closing everything inside the main compartment. That also avoids risk of falling out, as Dougfitz points out.opportunistic grab
No, they were firmly tightened in each pocket, It was a deliberate extraction.They didn't just fall out of the side pockets and get displaced from the pack?
In my experience most baggage handlers are genuinely hard working and not interested in pilfering items from baggage. However, those that will are opportunistic, and where the traveller makes it harder for them to casually inspect baggage for potential pilferage the opportunity doesn't arise. The traveller is advised to think ahead and consider the risks.Now I use an oversize rain cover for my backpack which tightens over whole pack leaving only the top handle. You could add lock.
Makes it more complicated for philpherers to make an opportunistic grab.
I've checked my pack every year for 7 years and never had a problem. I didn't want the hassle of lugging it around departure and arrival terminals going and coming home and lay overs.Hi all,
I'm curious about experiences relating to the security of items in your backpack when it needs to be checked in for flights.
My backpack will be too big to carry as hand luggage, not to mention some items not permitted as carry-on luggage. Has anyone experienced items being removed from their backpack in these circumstances?
I'm flying Qatar Airways, Perth to Paris CDG (via Doha), then easyJet to Biarritz. Given that I'm planning to arrive with pretty much everything I need, I'd hate to discover that things have gone missing in the 30 hours that I don't see my bag.
Gracias
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