Checking your backpack on flights

[camster]

Someone told me to put my bag in a trash bag or some heavy duty bag and let the handle come through the top to attach bag infos to it before I arrive to the airport.
I was thinking it was already a service provided by the airline (sarran wrapping), for a fee.
What has been your experience with checking your backpack?

 

[C clearly]

I remove everything from outside pockets, tighten up the straps, tie the loose ends together so they don't dangle too much, and then I put my backpack on the conveyor belt or in the tray if one is provided, and watch it get taken away.

 

[dougfitz]

Someone told me to put my bag in a trash bag or some heavy duty bag and let the handle come through the top to attach bag infos to it before I arrive to the airport.
I was thinking it was already a service provided by the airline (sarran wrapping), for a fee.
What has been your experience with checking your backpack?

Not every airport provides a wrapping service, and I have never flown with an airline that does either. Over the years, I have done most things from taping and wrapping the straps so that there are not exposed loose ends, using a polypro bag that I disposed of on arrival, and using a specialist travel sack into which I put the pack and other bits and pieces. The sack then gets forwarded to Ivar in SDC with other things that I want at the end of my camino.

 

[camster]

I remove everything from outside pockets, tighten up the straps, tie the loose ends together so they don't dangle too much, and then I put my backpack on the conveyor belt or in the tray if one is provided, and watch it get taken away.

Really? No wrapping? I should be braver lol

 

[camster]

Not every airport provides a wrapping service, and I have never flown with an airline that does either. Over the years, I have done most things from taping and wrapping the straps so that there are not exposed loose ends, using a polypro bag that I disposed of on arrival, and using a specialist travel sack into which I put the pack and other bits and pieces. The sack then gets forwarded to Ivar in SDC with other things that I want at the end of my camino.

Do you happen to have a picture of the end result by any chance?
I'll look up the polypro bag. Thanks

 

[dougfitz]

Really? No wrapping? I should be braver lol

I have done this for both the camino and other pilgrimages. There has never been any difficulty doing that.

 

[dougfitz]

Do you happen to have a picture of the end result by any chance?
I'll look up the polypro bag. Thanks

Not that I recall. I normally get one at a $2 shop, although more upmarket versions are available at places like Ikea. There has been plenty of discussion in the past about this, so you might find something easily with a search.

 

[C clearly]

Really? No wrapping? I should be braver lol

No, I don't wrap it.

 

[peregrina2000]

I would never ever in a million years check my pack on the way to the camino. Yes, the odds are extremely low that it will get lost, but it happens and we have a bunch of forum members who can attest to the hassles it has caused.

On the way home, I always check my pack, and like C Clearly, I just tighten all of the straps and tie up as many loose ends as possible. I remember a number of forum members saying they got a cheap bag at Ikea, but I have always checked mine without wrapping. Never a problem. It has arrived late a couple of times, but I can live with that on the way home. Truth be told, it wouldn’t be a huge deal if it got lost on the way home, because buying all new camino gear would be kind of fun at that point.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I would never ever in a million years check my pack on the way to the camino.

Neither do I ever check mine. I also do not check it going home either; preferring not to wait for it to arrive through the conveyer belt system with everyone else.

 

[Grousedoctor]

I’m joining in with the two comments above: I NEVER check my pack when heading to the Camino. First, on any internationsl flight I have ever taken from the States, my 36L pack is smaller than most roller bags and easily fits in the overhead compartment. I’ve never had the size of my pack questioned as being too big. Second, although the odds may be low that your bag won’t arrive on your flight, it does happen. Our pole bag did NOT arrive in SdC when we did. As we were leaving immediately for Ferrol, that caused a problem. Luckily, replacing poles is much easier than replacing your full kit. I have met pilgrims whose packs did not arrive when they did. One woman was in her third day walking hoping for it to still show up. It’s hardly an inconvenience to bring it into the cabin with you. Then, if you’re moving on immediately from your debarkation airport, you have everything under your watchful eye and no worries getting started on your Camino.

 

[peregrina2000]

Our pole bag did NOT arrive in SdC when we did.

@islandwalker had this problem a few months ago. Her assessment is that if you’re going to check poles, it’s best to put them in a regular size duffel bag or other bag, rather than an odd shaped cylinder. I agree with that, because that happened to me too in 2009 or 2010, when my poles packed in a tube got lost on the way to my Vdlp. I think anything out of the norm is more likely to get lost.

 

[camster]

I'll put my bag in an osprey airporter, which is the most legit I can do. I'll be able to use the folded pouch as a pillow or seat when I take breaks on the camino.

 

[dougfitz]

I'll put my bag in an osprey airporter, which is the most legit I can do. I'll be able to use the folded pouch as a pillow or seat when I take breaks on the camino.

I have used this. It gets packed up with clothes I want after my camino as well as my pack, then when I arrive, the transporter bag, clothes etc all get sent to Ivar's baggage store in SDC.

 

[Kgaynor]

I would never risk checking my pack. Carry on all the way. I parked down my belongings until they fit a pack small enough for carry on - 34 L osprey.

 

[Dani7]

I remove everything from outside pockets, tighten up the straps, tie the loose ends together so they don't dangle too much, and then I put my backpack on the conveyor belt or in the tray if one is provided, and watch it get taken away.

Exactly what I did from Porto to Montreal.

 

[Dani7]

I would never ever in a million years check my pack on the way to the camino. Yes, the odds are extremely low that it will get lost, but it happens and we have a bunch of forum members who can attest to the hassles it has caused.

On the way home, I always check my pack, and like C Clearly, I just tighten all of the straps and tie up as many loose ends as possible. I remember a number of forum members saying they got a cheap bag at Ikea, but I have always checked mine without wrapping. Never a problem. It has arrived late a couple of times, but I can live with that on the way home. Truth be told, it wouldn’t be a huge deal if it got lost on the way home, because buying all new camino gear would be kind of fun at that point.

Did same. Worked out great.

 

[henrythedog]

I always check my bag in. I wrap it in a full roll of ‘cling film’ (food wrap) to ensure that the straps are as secure as they can be. It’s a DIY version of the overpriced wrapping service offered at many airports.

I generally try to avoid single-use plastics; but every choice has consequences.

 

[Stephan the Painter]

I would just check the size limitations from whatever airline you're flying. I was using an osprey kestrel 38, and it was too big for United.

Probably if it's only a little bigger, no one will say anything. But I would want to be prepared in case I was told I couldn't carry it on.

 

[dougfitz]

I would never risk checking my pack. Carry on all the way. I parked down my belongings until they fit a pack small enough for carry on - 34 L osprey.

If it were possible, I'm sure many of us who do have larger packs that are not suitable for carry on would take the option of just using carry on. But it isn't, and I for one accept the infinitesimally small risk that my pack will be delayed or even lost. It also means that I have to think about, at least for a moment or two, what I would need to do should that occur. So far, I have never had to do more than think about it. In over 40 years of international travel, I have never lost a checked bag. The worst has been a 24 hour delay, when my bag was delayed returning to Australia.

Will it happen? Who can tell? But I know that I am confident that I will be able to replace almost everything that is in my pack when it is checked in Spain, France or Portugal should I need to. They are not countries where I would be concerned that I couldn't find replacements for what I am carrying. Anything that cannot be readily replaced, like my CPAP machine and medications, travels with me as carry on.

 

[Kgaynor]

If it were possible, I'm sure many of us who do have larger packs that are not suitable for carry on would take the option of just using carry on. But it isn't, and I for one accept the infinitesimally small risk that my pack will be delayed or even lost. It also means that I have to think about, at least for a moment or two, what I would need to do should that occur. So far, I have never had to do more than think about it. In over 40 years of international travel, I have never lost a checked bag. The worst has been a 24 hour delay, when my bag was delayed returning to Australia.

Will it happen? Who can tell? But I know that I am confident that I will be able to replace almost everything that is in my pack when it is checked in Spain, France or Portugal should I need to. They are not countries where I would be concerned that I couldn't find replacements for what I am carrying. Anything that cannot be readily replaced, like my CPAP machine and medications, travels with me as carry on.

You are very lucky then. I’ve flew to Maui for a 2 week holiday and my bag never showed up. I flew home and it arrived a week later. Then flying out of LA, my bag was days late arriving to Rome. After that, I’ve never checked my bag again. I’ve done carry on (no matter how long I’m gone or where I go) for the last 15 years of international flight and it works for me. I travel frequently for work and checked luggage is a hassle in general. I think of it like poetry…I’m bound by the format and I have to be creative within those constraints.

 

[peregrina2000]

Obviously there is no right or wrong answer here — @dougfitz and I could be a tag team, because everytime this topic comes up, I say I would never check my pack and he says, I always check my pack.

Part of it is based on experience, like @Kgaynor points out, but part of it is also based on our own comfort level with the risks and how easy it would be for us to deal with a bad outcome. I had to replace hiking poles once on my way to the Vdlp and it taught me that there was no way I would want to have to buy a new pack and all new gear in the same time I spent buying a new pair of hiking poles! Since my pack fits easily in the overhead compartment, I can’t think of any reason in the world why I would want to check it. But that’s just me.

Cost-benefit/risk-reward, your own individual assessment is all that matters.

 

[dougfitz]

You are very lucky then. I’ve flew to Maui for a 2 week holiday and my bag never showed up. I flew home and it arrived a week later. Then flying out of LA, my bag was days late arriving to Rome.

I don't think I have been particularly lucky, but I would definitely call your experience unlucky. Unfortunately, for international travel, mishandled baggage is one of those statistics that is held behind a paywall. So unlike the US domestic market where one can get the DoT figures relatively easily, one has to rely on travel industry reporting rather than direct interpretation of the relevant facts.

That said, I have generally been able to avoid the worst performing international carriers, and I try and avoid having too many transfer points, particularly those to another airline group. That's harder to do for international flights, so I do count myself lucky that on some more complicated flights with several transfer points that my bags have never been lost.

 

[Robo]

Someone told me to put my bag in a trash bag or some heavy duty bag and let the handle come through the top to attach bag infos to it before I arrive to the airport.
I was thinking it was already a service provided by the airline (sarran wrapping), for a fee.
What has been your experience with checking your backpack?

It's one of those things that you just have to make a call on.
Your appetite for risk.

In about 60 years of flying and hundreds of flights I have never lost a bag.

But others clearly have.

Do I want to take the chance of losing all my Camino gear, that has taken years to evaluate and collect? Most of which can no longer be replaced.

My 34L bag easily fits into the overhead lockers. So I choose not to check it in.

(But I check my poles, liquids and knife in, using a mailing tube)

 

[camino07]

17 Caminos and always check my bag from Australia. Only the last couple of years since I got a new Osprey pack have I had it wrapped at the airport. I mainly want to keep it clean and now also have an airtag for security.

 

[OxfordHiker]

I always check my bag in. I wrap it in a full roll of ‘cling film’ (food wrap) to ensure that the straps are as secure as they can be. It’s a DIY version of the overpriced wrapping service offered at many airports.

I generally try to avoid single-use plastics; but every choice has consequences.

Plus one for the Cling film, works well

 

[camster]

Plus one for the Cling film, works well

Yeah, I thought about doing that. I got an airport osprey pouch. I guess it's more conventional.

 

[nilesite]

I would never ever in a million years check my pack on the way to the camino. Yes, the odds are extremely low that it will get lost, but it happens and we have a bunch of forum members who can attest to the hassles it has caused.

On the way home, I always check my pack, and like C Clearly, I just tighten all of the straps and tie up as many loose ends as possible. I remember a number of forum members saying they got a cheap bag at Ikea, but I have always checked mine without wrapping. Never a problem. It has arrived late a couple of times, but I can live with that on the way home. Truth be told, it wouldn’t be a huge deal if it got lost on the way home, because buying all new camino gear would be kind of fun at that point.

I check my backpack when I fly to/from Spain so I can bring my poles with me. It goes into an IKEA bag. Never had any issues with it. After all, it’s just stuff - nothing that couldn’t be replaced.

 

[pelerine]

I made a sack from spinnaker fabrik with a zip going round three sides, so it opens up completely for my siesta on humid ground. The fabrik is very sturdy and ultralight.

 

[DBC]

Someone told me to put my bag in a trash bag or some heavy duty bag and let the handle come through the top to attach bag infos to it before I arrive to the airport.
I was thinking it was already a service provided by the airline (sarran wrapping), for a fee.
What has been your experience with checking your backpack?

I bought an Osprey rucksack transport bag, a bit of paracord to wrap it tight and it went into the hold.

 

[Mjruiz]

Someone told me to put my bag in a trash bag or some heavy duty bag and let the handle come through the top to attach bag infos to it before I arrive to the airport.
I was thinking it was already a service provided by the airline (sarran wrapping), for a fee.
What has been your experience with checking your backpack?

I bought the 5 dollar IKEA blue bag put my trekking poles and back pack in it and checked my bag. On the way home I had room for some small extra items I purchased. Worked great, just label your bag Incase there’s other similar bags at the baggage claim.

 

[tbcan]

I have always checked my pack as the frame made it too large for carry on. On my last camino, the pack was temporarily lost and I had to skip a day's walking to allow it to catch up. I now have a smaller pack! I have used the bag wrap several times on my trip home when flying out of Bilbao.

 

[lt56ny]

I would never ever in a million years check my pack on the way to the camino.

Neither do I ever check mine. I also do not check it going home either; preferring not to wait for it to arrive through the conveyer belt system with everyone else.

I agree with @peregrina2000 to never check my bag going. I also agree with @Camino Chrissy I never check my bag going home. First, there are things that I love in that bag. Second, after walking for almost 2 months I sometimes freak out that I lost my bag if it is not on my back, forgetting that I am done. Third, I am home and don't want to stand around waiting at the baggage carousel. Fourth, if that small chance that the idiot airlines lost my bag, the thought of dealing with the wait and hassle at lost luggage and the follow up calls waiting for them to find it and then if they find it deliver my pack,............... I check it every time.

 

[Dennis Pack]

I put my rucksack with poles (and anything else that might cause a delay checking-in) in a Denali duffel bag, wrap a colourful luggage strap around it and check it in. Once I've reached my starting point I send the duffel bag and any other extras to Ivar. Only problem I've ever had was flying from Madrid to Berlin when the time between my arrival and connecting flights was too small and the bag couldn't get on the same flight.
Only time I have any concerns is flying in or out of the US, or using a US carrier (other than Alaska Airlines), which I try to avoid. The rest of the world

 

[madelinespec]

Someone told me to put my bag in a trash bag or some heavy duty bag and let the handle come through the top to attach bag infos to it before I arrive to the airport.
I was thinking it was already a service provided by the airline (sarran wrapping), for a fee.
What has been your experience with checking your backpack?

United Airlines put my backpack into a large plastic bin. No issues at all. I did shorten the straps and secured loose ends.

 

[DwainS]

I would never ever in a million years check my pack on the way to the camino. Yes, the odds are extremely low that it will get lost, but it happens and we have a bunch of forum members who can attest to the hassles it has caused.

On the way home, I always check my pack, and like C Clearly, I just tighten all of the straps and tie up as many loose ends as possible. I remember a number of forum members saying they got a cheap bag at Ikea, but I have always checked mine without wrapping. Never a problem. It has arrived late a couple of times, but I can live with that on the way home. Truth be told, it wouldn’t be a huge deal if it got lost on the way home, because buying all new camino gear would be kind of fun at that point.

I’am in Santiago now and met a gentleman from Pittsburg in Burgos. His checked bag got lost. He bought a few things in SJPP and hiked to Logrono in his sandles. That’s where the airlines sent his pack when they found it.

 

[Stephan the Painter]

The details of the pros and cons of this make interesting reading, but I would think that you would never check your bag unless the airline forces you to. Why take a chance? Right?

That said, if I am forced to check a bag, I triage what I take as a carry-on with how expensive and/or difficult or time-consuming it would be to replace.

Maybe the real question here is if there's any reason to check your bag if you're not obligated to.

 

[Robertb345]

Yeah, I thought about doing that. I got an airport osprey pouch. I guess it's more conventional.

I bought the Osprey Airporter too. Thanks for the idea of using it as a pillow or cushion.

 

[Scott Fraser]

If you search on Amazon for "shrink wrap" or "stretch film" you will find material very similar to that used luggage wrapping services in small 5" wide rolls. For $12-15 you get two rolls, which will last a lifetime of Caminos. I'm still using the first roll I bought for my first Camino in 2017.

Off topic but related to other comments: I use poles and so have to check a bag. I've never lost a pack, but earlier this month Iberia took 2 hours to deliver the final batch of luggage to the belt. I had an Apple Air Tag in the pack and so I could show Iberia Luggage Service Reps exactly where it was in the airport. You might think that would help move things along. Wrong!

 

[Hiking Joe]

Osprey airporter or a cheap Chinese water thight sack/bag, used both successfully. As for the waterproof sack, order larger as in my experience they are smaller then indicated.

And if they break, no big lose (airporter is expensive).
Also good the send you luggage ahead

 

[Sanchoxote]

Someone told me to put my bag in a trash bag or some heavy duty bag and let the handle come through the top to attach bag infos to it before I arrive to the airport.
I was thinking it was already a service provided by the airline (sarran wrapping), for a fee.
What has been your experience with checking your backpack?

Hi,
I flew Delta to NYC and Iberia to Barcelona and my backpack wasn’t an issue on either flight. (And I sure wasn’t going to check it!)
I think you’ll be fine, but call.
Good Luck and Buen Camino!

 

[camster]

The details of the pros and cons of this make interesting reading, but I would think that you would never check your bag unless the airline forces you to. Why take a chance? Right?

That said, if I am forced to check a bag, I triage what I take as a carry-on with how expensive and/or difficult or time-consuming it would be to replace.

Maybe the real question here is if there's any reason to check your bag if you're not obligated to.

My pack size is a little too big for carry on

 

[dbeatriceb]

Someone told me to put my bag in a trash bag or some heavy duty bag and let the handle come through the top to attach bag infos to it before I arrive to the airport.
I was thinking it was already a service provided by the airline (sarran wrapping), for a fee.
What has been your experience with checking your backpack?

I have always checked my backpack both going to the Camino and returning home. Despite connecting flights in the US I’ve never had a problem. Must be lucky! Recently I have used a carrier bag that is large enough to hold my poles as well. The nice thing about the carrier bag is, it’s so large there is plenty of room to bring home souvenirs. Before, I would just cinch down the pack as tight as possible and secure any dangling straps because those can get caught on conveyor belts at the airport. Next time I go I will take the added precaution of including an air tag too.

 

[Stephan the Painter]

My pack size is a little too big for carry on

I understood your initial posting, but the thread seems to have gone off on a bit of a tangent…

May your Camino go exactly as you hope for, but if it doesn't, may it be wonderful anyway.

 

[C clearly]

My pack size is a little too big for carry on

Have you checked if it is half empty, do the actual measurements exceed the requirement? (The manufacturer's measurements are for a fully-packed pack, including the top pouch.)

Many of us recommend that you unload your backpack as necessary to get within the carryon requirements. Then check those few items (which should be fairly easy-to-replace items) and any knife, etc, and carry on your main backpack with as much of the other hard-to-replace items as you can.

 

[MikeJS]

I would never ever in a million years check my pack on the way to the camino. Yes, the odds are extremely low that it will get lost, but it happens and we have a bunch of forum members who can attest to the hassles it has caused.

On the way home, I always check my pack, and like C Clearly, I just tighten all of the straps and tie up as many loose ends as possible. I remember a number of forum members saying they got a cheap bag at Ikea, but I have always checked mine without wrapping. Never a problem. It has arrived late a couple of times, but I can live with that on the way home. Truth be told, it wouldn’t be a huge deal if it got lost on the way home, because buying all new camino gear would be kind of fun at that point.

I always check my bag in as the airlines do not like my swiss army knife in the carry on baggage! I just make sure all the straps are tight and send it on its way.

 

[trecile]

I check my backpack when I fly to/from Spain so I can bring my poles with me. It goes into an IKEA bag.

I carry my backpack on - too many carefully chosen items in it! But I check a bag (free with my ticket) for my pre and post Camino travel clothes along with my hiking poles. I sent the extra items to Santiago. If my checked bag goes astray I don't have to replace my backpack and everything in it.

 

[Bellbutt]

Someone told me to put my bag in a trash bag or some heavy duty bag and let the handle come through the top to attach bag infos to it before I arrive to the airport.
I was thinking it was already a service provided by the airline (sarran wrapping), for a fee.
What has been your experience with checking your backpack?

just use the rain cover that comes with the backpack

 

[henrythedog]

This kind of exchange does differentiate this forum from many social media fora. It’s clear that there is no ‘right answer’ and even though many are firmly of their opinion whether to check, or not there is no sense of ‘I’m right; you’re wrong’ in the replies.

 

[camster]

This kind of exchange does differentiate this forum from many social media fora. It’s clear that there is no ‘right answer’ and even though many are firmly of their opinion whether to check, or not there is no sense of ‘I’m right; you’re wrong’ in the replies.

I like that I get to understand everyone's point of view on the subject and learn about their experiences so I can adjust accordingly. It's been very informative so far, indeed

 

[C clearly]

I like that I get to understand everyone's point of view on the subject and learn about their experiences so I can adjust accordingly.

Well said. I might use this wording in the future! Sometimes people get annoyed because a simple question is asked but people come along and add information/answers to questions that weren't exactly asked. It is the extra, sometimes tangential information or perspective, that can provide the broader understanding. On an internet forum, we can't tell in advance whether that unexpected information might be helpful or not.

 

[markie6]

helpful website for info only ymmv

Peli Cases UK - Airline Carry-on Luggage Size And Weights

Peli Cases UK have produced this simple luggage guide to help you avoid excess charges at the airport. We supply many carry-on waterproof cases, so it pays to check before you arrive.

www.casesuk.com

 

[trecile]

Well said. I might use this wording in the future! Sometimes people get annoyed because a simple question is asked but people come along and add information/answers to questions that weren't exactly asked. It is the extra, sometimes tangential information or perspective, that can provide the broader understanding. On an internet forum, we can't tell in advance whether that unexpected information might be helpful or not.

It can also provide helpful information to those who read the answers but may not post their own questions on the forum.

 

[hikentravel1234]

Someone told me to put my bag in a trash bag or some heavy duty bag and let the handle come through the top to attach bag infos to it before I arrive to the airport.
I was thinking it was already a service provided by the airline (sarran wrapping), for a fee.
What has been your experience with checking your backpack?

I used to always just put my bag on the conveyor belt, with my poles inside (but sticking out slightly).
Then on my 2nd or 3rd trip, I was told that I couldn't have my poles sticking out. But, the airline did not have a box to put them in. Eventually, they taped together 2 smaller boxes to use, but besides the stress and the time it took, I had to pay an additional charge for the pole box.
This year, I ordered a plastic type bag from IKEA (AFTER measuring my bag to order the right size) with handles. I then put my bag AND my poles in. This way, I was only charged for 1 piece of luggage. HOWEVER, the IKEA bag is not that strong, so it is important to not put the backpack in the polls in until right before you handover your bags at the airport. Also, we kept our IKEA bags, inside of our backpack, and use them that same way coming home. I know some people have thrown them away when they get to Spain and then buy something else, but we found them to be light, and we had enough room in our bags to carry them.
I am from the US. I travel a lot, but I don't consider bag wrapping something that's done in the US – – or if it is, it's done very in frequently by Americans. And in the airports, I usually fly out of, I have never seen a wrapping station to wrap my backpack. I have an a very cheap, lightweight bag to enclose. My backpack and poles has work well for me. I do have one handle that has broken off, but I will sew that back on, if I need it for another trip. Also, there's one area of a small ramp, but that can be taped with duct tape. If you take poles, just be sure to wrap duck tape around one of the polls, to use for a variety of rips that can occur . This year we need to do for a rip in one of our older backpacks

 

[sprinto]

Not read all above so sorry if I am repeating what has already been said
We have checked in our rucksacks and then taken them to oversize luggage , on return from sdc they just put them in the tray at check in and off they go
Never had a problem
And the big bonus oversized luggage always arrives first
Buen Camino

 

[norfolk-keith]

Someone told me to put my bag in a trash bag or some heavy duty bag and let the handle come through the top to attach bag infos to it before I arrive to the airport.
I was thinking it was already a service provided by the airline (sarran wrapping), for a fee.
What has been your experience with checking your backpack?

That’s exactly what I did and it worked out really well. You can get it cling film wrapped at the airport but in 2021 it was £10 for the service and a black bin bag works perfectly well saves you lugging it around the airport
Keith

 

[jsolomon44]

Someone told me to put my bag in a trash bag or some heavy duty bag and let the handle come through the top to attach bag infos to it before I arrive to the airport.
I was thinking it was already a service provided by the airline (sarran wrapping), for a fee.
What has been your experience with checking your backpack?

I have just sent my pack from Madrid through 2 US airports with no issue. I also tie up the straps and make sure nothing is loose. You can wrap with plastic wrap that you can buy for moving, but I didn’t find that necessary. It may just make you feel better. You can also just use packing tape to secure the straps. Ultreia!

 

[Jammy/Didi]

I'll put my bag in an osprey airporter, which is the most legit I can do. I'll be able to use the folded pouch as a pillow or seat when I take breaks on the camino.

While the Osprey Airporter is quite nice, the same result came be achieved using an Ikea Frakta Storage Bag, essentially a zip duffle bag for $6 in the US. My wife and I have both used these on several Caminos and many other trips when checking our packs from the US to Europe. The bonus is you can throw your trekking poles in there also. They fold down nicely and slip into our packs while walking

 

[Anthony Rocco]

Someone told me to put my bag in a trash bag or some heavy duty bag and let the handle come through the top to attach bag infos to it before I arrive to the airport.
I was thinking it was already a service provided by the airline (sarran wrapping), for a fee.
What has been your experience with checking your backpack?

On our flight to Spain we didn't check our backpacks. On our flight back from Madrid, i decided to do so since we weren't in a hurry and since my wife was checking the hiking pole she bought in SJPDP. The young man at the check-in counter put my pack in a large, plastic bag and also carefully wrapped the hiking pole, walking with us to the end of the terminal where there is a luggage chute that goes straight down, no turns, to the luggage area. I sooo regret we didn't get the young man's name. Both checked items arrived quickly at our destination airport. No charge for the wrapping.

 

[Scott54]

I checked my pack since I also had hiking poles. My airline had free large, clear plastic bags for enclosing infant car seats - perfect for protecting my pack and the straps on conveyor belts etc. The bag was resilient enough that I saved it for the trip home!

 

[Anthony18]

Someone told me to put my bag in a trash bag or some heavy duty bag and let the handle come through the top to attach bag infos to it before I arrive to the airport.
I was thinking it was already a service provided by the airline (sarran wrapping), for a fee.
What has been your experience with checking your backpack?

I heard a few horror stories regarding checking in backpacks. Most people don't have issues, but one person posted a picture of their backpack which got totally destroyed/shredded. That was enough for me to decide that I'd carry it on instead. I folded and packed my empty backpack, and all my camino gear into a carry-on suitcase to avoid checking it in. When I got to my airbnb in SJPP, I unpacked my backpack, loaded all my gear into it and went next door to Express Bourricot where I left my empty suitcase for them to shuttle it to an SDC hotel. They had a deal going on with an SDC hotel and they'd offer pilgrim's a discount if they stayed at that particular one. I took the discounted deal and 35 days later, I arrived in SDC, went to my hotel and my suitcase was there wating for me. Worked out perfectly! The only gear I didn't take from home were hiking poles which I ended up buying a pair at SJPP's pilgrim shop. I mailed my hiking poles home from SDC Correos/Spain's post office. Hope this helps. Buen camino.

 

[dick bird]

Please do not shrink wrap your backpack. It is a shocking waste of plastic. Use a very large, lightweight drysac if you want to protect your backpack. You can then roll it up and when you stay in an albergue, put your backpack in it and hang it from the frame of your bunk. But make sure the check in clerk affixes the baggage tag to the handle, not adhered to the outside because if they do that it will fall off.

 

[camster]

Not read all above so sorry if I am repeating what has already been said
We have checked in our rucksacks and then taken them to oversize luggage , on return from sdc they just put them in the tray at check in and off they go
Never had a problem
And the big bonus oversized luggage always arrives first
Buen Camino

Haha great idea. Do you pay an extra fee for "oversized luggage"?

 

[C clearly]

Not read all above so sorry if I am repeating what has already been said
We have checked in our rucksacks and then taken them to oversize luggage , on return from sdc they just put them in the tray at check in and off they go
Never had a problem
And the big bonus oversized luggage always arrives first

Post #12 suggests that there are more issues with the special luggage.

 

[Cherylan]

Someone told me to put my bag in a trash bag or some heavy duty bag and let the handle come through the top to attach bag infos to it before I arrive to the airport.
I was thinking it was already a service provided by the airline (sarran wrapping), for a fee.
What has been your experience with checking your backpack?

From New Zealand I got my back pack wrapped for $15 NZ all international airports have a luggage wrapping service for a fee. Also added benefit that clearly shows if your luggage has been tampered with from airport to destination. Happy travels!

 

[sprinto]

Haha great idea. Do you pay an extra fee for "oversized luggage

 

[sprinto]

Our packs are 45l and so are just too big for carry on
We just tie up all the loose ends and take it to oversize luggage
for Free
Maybe we are just lucky but have had no problems on the 2 camino’s we have been on

 

[SMOM Pilgrim]

I remove everything from outside pockets, tighten up the straps, tie the loose ends together so they don't dangle too much, and then I put my backpack on the conveyor belt or in the tray if one is provided, and watch it get taken away.

I do all those things to make sure it looks small and in the past it was allowed as carryon. Just got back from another Camino, this time I had an Osprey carry bag around the pack and made some alterations that made it tight around the pack…was allowed as a carryon. I work hard to keep my pack with me.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I also work hard to keep my backpack within the dimensions allowed as carryon. It is an Osprey Sirrus 36L with a trampoline back so I include that when measuring. The "brain" if filled full could be questionable so I put nothing in it until I arrive at my destination. I bring a simple string bag for under the seat allowance, then pack it away as they weigh next to nothing.

 

[CarolamS]

I fly from the UK and check in my pack with poles inside. I tighten the straps and invert them over to the front of the pack. I clip up the chest strap and hip belt then use a line to tie these together. My pack came with a line for attaching things to the bottom so I use that. It then can be a washing line if I'm not in an albergue.


In May I flew to Porto and it didn't arrive on the conveyor belt. I found it in 'Large Luggage' with pushchairs and other odd items. First time that's happened but now I know to look there if it doesn't show up!
I do carry my shoes and prescription meds with me as those would be hardest to replace.

 

[Scott Sweeney]

Someone told me to put my bag in a trash bag or some heavy duty bag and let the handle come through the top to attach bag infos to it before I arrive to the airport.
I was thinking it was already a service provided by the airline (sarran wrapping), for a fee.
What has been your experience with checking your backpack?

Our backpacks go on the plane with us we don't check them.

 

[David with new Kit!]

Osprey airporter or a cheap Chinese water thight sack/bag, used both successfully. As for the waterproof sack, order larger as in my experience they are smaller then indicated.

And if they break, no big lose (airporter is expensive).
Also good the send you luggage ahead

I also use cheap Chinese rollbags, but after collecting my rucksack I then put the rollbag inside my rucksack and use it as a waterproof liner to keep everything dry (yes, I also have a rucksack cover for additional protection)

 

[TomasWS]

Someone told me to put my bag in a trash bag or some heavy duty bag and let the handle come through the top to attach bag infos to it before I arrive to the airport.
I was thinking it was already a service provided by the airline (sarran wrapping), for a fee.
What has been your experience with checking your backpack?

I always check my backpack when flying. I have a special bag that I bought at a sporting goods store which in lightweight nylon with a zipper and handles that my large backpack fits in.

 

[JZA]

Someone told me to put my bag in a trash bag or some heavy duty bag and let the handle come through the top to attach bag infos to it before I arrive to the airport.
I was thinking it was already a service provided by the airline (sarran wrapping), for a fee.
What has been your experience with checking your backpack?

I put everything inside the bag, tidy up the straps and bind it with a length of paracord . I take 3m of bright yellow paracord for the purpose. The cord provides convenient handles for the baggage handlers so they don’t grab the straps. The paracord also gets used as a washing line and a belt for my poncho on windy wet days. It can also be used as a ridge line for a shelter but I haven’t had to do that so far.

 

[darealdeal77]

Hi, I checked both my and my wife’s backpacks. We have Osprey and they sell a travel bag for flights which we also have. I even put my hiking poles in a cardboard tube inside this bag with no problems. I don’t know what brand of backpack you have, but you can purchase the traveling bags according to the size of your bag. Another option is the wrapping at airport, just tighten all the belts and hanging straps. I hear horror stories of bags being lost, I guess we were lucky both times, never had an issue! You can always carry the bag with you, but may have to buy toiletries and etcéteras in Spain, I know I can’t cause I always carry my pocket knife. It’s not hard to find things in Spain it’s just time consuming and expensive at times, like trekking poles. Hope this helps! BUEN CAMINO

 

[ortemio]

I normally I get a big box and fold it around the backpack then tape it.
When am done it looks like a cardboard suitcase. I use a couple of tie wraps
for a handle and whalla all is well. Once I used the box from an apple monitor.
When you get to the trailhead you can unbox and use the box to ship your travel
clothes and/or return clothes to the final destination. You can use this to send
cold weather clothes to the midpoint if it is the in-between season, or a new pair of shoes.
my two cents... ;--)

 

[Rmarkob]

If it were possible, I'm sure many of us who do have larger packs that are not suitable for carry on would take the option of just using carry on. But it isn't, and I for one accept the infinitesimally small risk that my pack will be delayed or even lost. It also means that I have to think about, at least for a moment or two, what I would need to do should that occur. So far, I have never had to do more than think about it. In over 40 years of international travel, I have never lost a checked bag. The worst has been a 24 hour delay, when my bag was delayed returning to Australia.

On my first Camino in 2021 I packed my 36L Osprey Exos in one of those blue Ikea duffels from the US to Madrid due to carrying my Swiss Army knife and trekking poles. Everything arrived intact.

On my 10 day Le Puy hike last month I elected to just buy trekking poles and a knife in France, and took the same pack as carry-on. However I flew from Toulouse to Prague via Amsterdam on KLM and decided to bring the knife and poles since I would be doing more hiking with family in CZ. As others have mentioned, I tightened all straps and tried to stow loose ends and checked the pack with an Apple Airtag inside. The KLM agent put the whole pack in a clear plastic bag, tied it up, and poked a hole for the top handle and bar code tag. As I boarded my connection in Amsterdam, I could see that my Apple AirTag was on the other side of the airport and was not moving.

Upon arrival in Prague I reported the missing baggage and they were able to put it on the next flight and deliver it to me that evening with everything intact. I left the knife and trekking poles with my daughter in Prague and took my pack as carry-on for my return to the US!

 

[Lurch]

Someone told me to put my bag in a trash bag or some heavy duty bag and let the handle come through the top to attach bag infos to it before I arrive to the airport.
I was thinking it was already a service provided by the airline (sarran wrapping), for a fee.
What has been your experience with checking your backpack?

I use an IKEA bag. Amazingly sturdy, lightweight enough that I put it in my pack while hiking and reuse for the return trip. Plus cheap!

 

[WGroleau]

Someone told me to put my bag in a trash bag or some heavy duty bag and let the handle come through the top to attach bag infos to it before I arrive to the airport.
I was thinking it was already a service provided by the airline (sarran wrapping), for a fee.
What has been your experience with checking your backpack?

I have never wrapped a bag. If the wrapping service is outside of security, TSA might¹ unwrap it. In more than a hundred flights, I've never seen anyone with a wrapped bag on board or in a waiting-to-board area, and almost none at checkin. I never check a bag unless I have to, and in dozens of visits to baggage claim (when I couldn't avoid it), I have seen very few wrapped bags.

Why check a backpack? Won't it fit in the overhead?

¹They will, if there’s a laptop or tablet inside, or anything that looks suspicious on x-ray. One of those was my folding bicycle, which came out with several holes in the plastic and some minor damage.

 

[Kobe]

@islandwalker had this problem a few months ago. Her assessment is that if you’re going to check poles, it’s best to put them in a regular size duffel bag or other bag, rather than an odd shaped cylinder. I agree with that, because that happened to me too in 2009 or 2010, when my poles packed in a tube got lost on the way to my Vdlp. I think anything out of the norm is more likely to get lost.

If you do happen to pack your poles in an odd shaped cylinder be sure to look for them at the "errant luggage" counter at CDG rather than waiting an hour or so at the luggage carousel. ;-)

 

[AussieWayne]

Not every airport provides a wrapping service, and I have never flown with an airline that does either. Over the years, I have done most things from taping and wrapping the straps so that there are not exposed loose ends, using a polypro bag that I disposed of on arrival, and using a specialist travel sack into which I put the pack and other bits and pieces. The sack then gets forwarded to Ivar in SDC with other things that I want at the end of my camino.

Great idea. Must remember it - thanks
Wayne

 

[Mycroft]

Someone told me to put my bag in a trash bag or some heavy duty bag and let the handle come through the top to attach bag infos to it before I arrive to the airport.
I was thinking it was already a service provided by the airline (sarran wrapping), for a fee.
What has been your experience with checking your backpack?

Many many years ago I heard a travel expert say There are two kinds of luggage: "Carry-on and lost."
I only carry on my pack and my 'one personal item,' which is just a small bag for a book, snacks (AKA, chocolate), pen, foldable water bottle, toothbrush/paste, kleenex, a couple of hand-wipes (and my iPod before someone disappeared it last March). If I am on a puddle-jumper that says only one bag, the personal item will fit into my pack.

 

[AlwynWellington]

What has been your experience with checking your backpack?

No difficulty since 2010

put my bag in an osprey airporter

I do something similar. My principal big gear supplier is zPacks. They sell a waterproof pack liner that is slightly oversize and has a carry handle on the long side..

I remove everything from the pack and place it in the pack liner.
Then repack:

• inside pack - bigger items such as tent, sleeping bag, kitchen sink with small and awkward items
• between liner and pack - poles (broken down to fit) and softer items (clothing etc) as padding
• close pack liner
• apply a "strap" to keep together - easiest colour to pick out at the carousel.
• label

If first arriving at an intermediate (eg London) then a trolley suitcase for the overhead locker with street clothes etc to leave with family/friends and collect on the return journey.

En route, I use a shoulder bag for necessary items.
With passports etc, this stays with me 24/7.
It has connectors to clip onto the shoulder straps when walking.

My pack size is a little too big for carry on

I believe mine is also. But the focus is on the awkward items that best suit check-in.

As the focus is on difficult things, poles and sharps, this is not a worry as my package is destined for the hold.

At about 7-8kg I am well within any weight limits.

 

[HappyValerie]

On my previous two Caminos, I've taken my backpack as hand luggage. I feel secure knowing it's right with me. I dismantled my poles, and had rubber stoppers in the pointy ends. They fitted completely in my backpack.
Everything was fine until Madrid airport flying home. They decided to confiscate my poles! I knew that was a possibility, but now I'm hesitant about next time. Should I wait & get poles in SJPP ? What if they don't have any? I REALLY need poles for Day 1. I'm hoping maybe to leave SJPP mid March, so they shouldn't be sold out. Is it worth the risk?

 

[tpmchugh]

Someone told me to put my bag in a trash bag or some heavy duty bag and let the handle come through the top to attach bag infos to it before I arrive to the airport.
I was thinking it was already a service provided by the airline (sarran wrapping), for a fee.
What has been your experience with checking your backpack?

Always check mine in but I was using a special sack for putting it in. Realised that great as the sack was, it weighed almost 1kg. Someone suggested wrapping it in a blue IKEA bag which I did. Used two luggage straps to close it and it worked perfectly. Was even able to spot my bag being loaded. Got to St Jean and the hospitalera in Beilari was quite happy to take it off my hands. Just tied up all straps securely and completed with the two luggage straps for the flight home. Checking pack means I have no problems with walking poles or my knife.

 

[KJFSophie]

Someone told me to put my bag in a trash bag or some heavy duty bag and let the handle come through the top to attach bag infos to it before I arrive to the airport.
I was thinking it was already a service provided by the airline (sarran wrapping), for a fee.
What has been your experience with checking your backpack?

I think if you've one got direct flight from A to B without connections, a checked bag wouldn't be an issue. I, however, do not live in a place where that is possible. My upcoming Camino has 4 flights on two different airlines to get from A to B. There is no way I will be checking my backpack. I do have a medical reason for keeping one hiking pole with me, and both are usually allowed with a doctor's note. I break them down and wrap them in cling wrap nonetheless.
I do bundle up and cover my backpack to put in overhead...bring the hip pockets and waist strap across to the back of the pack, pull in all should straps and cover with an inexpensive pack cover with elasticized edge and adjustable straps to hold everything in place. I did see a pack at an airport once that was fit with a pack cover/rainfly and secured by duck tape .

 

[camster]

I think if you've one got direct flight from A to B without connections, a checked bag wouldn't be an issue. I, however, do not live in a place where that is possible. My upcoming Camino has 4 flights on two different airlines to get from A to B. There is no way I will be checking my backpack. I do have a medical reason for keeping one hiking pole with me, and both are usually allowed with a doctor's note. I break them down and wrap them in cling wrap nonetheless.
I do bundle up and cover my backpack to put in overhead...bring the hip pockets and waist strap across to the back of the pack, pull in all should straps and cover with an inexpensive pack cover with elasticized edge and adjustable straps to hold everything in place. I did see a pack at an airport once that was fit with a pack cover/rainfly and secured by duck tape .View attachment 150210

Yes, I have a direct flight. I can't believe all the travel you have to do before you start! Nice bundle you made with your bag, good idea.

 

[gittiharre]

Someone told me to put my bag in a trash bag or some heavy duty bag and let the handle come through the top to attach bag infos to it before I arrive to the airport.
I was thinking it was already a service provided by the airline (sarran wrapping), for a fee.
What has been your experience with checking your backpack?

I never ever check my backpack in. Too much luggage getting lost. Not worth the risk.

 

[WGroleau]

Many many years ago I heard a travel expert say There are two kinds of luggage: "Carry-on and lost."
I only carry on my pack and my 'one personal item,' which is just a small bag for a book, snacks (AKA, chocolate), pen, foldable water bottle, toothbrush/paste, kleenex, a couple of hand-wipes (and my iPod before someone disappeared it last March). If I am on a puddle-jumper that says only one bag, the personal item will fit into my pack.

Lost baggage is much less of a problem now that they have all these bar-code scanners and automated tracking databases. But it somehow still happens occasionally.

When I am packing for a trip, I keep in mind that anywhere an airport can be found, the only thing I can't buy there is the files on my electronic devices.

 

[KJFSophie]

Just arrived in Santiago July 7… my poles were in my backpack and not questioned on any flight. My travel companion was made to check her poles by British Air and the airlines lost her pokes, only finally delivered to us four days in to a 6 day walk from Ferrol