Backpacks on Planes
 

My daughter and I will be 'walking' in Northumbria in a few weeks, carrying backpacks. We're not sure how to deal with the backpacks on the planes. The Delta site site doesn't seem to have any special info. We would prefer to carry them on, but in case we can't ...? What have other people done? If you have to check them, are there bags you can buy to put them in? If so, where do you buy them?

We would be grateful for any info.

Thank you. Judy

When we check our car seat on the plane it is wrapped in a big clear plastic bag provided by the airline. Maybe that would work for your backpacks? I'd call the airline and ask.

You should be able to carry them on if they meet the dimension and weight criteria for Delta. I've checked backpacks w/o putting them in something else. Years ago you could ask for the airline to "envelope" bags meaning wrap them in thick plastic but I haven't asked for this to be done in quite a while so I don't know if this service is still available.

I would call Delta for their take on backpacks as I'm sure every airline has a different view.

DH uses a backpack with a day bag - he separates the two
and carries them on w/o any problem. The big one fits into
the overhead and the daypack under his seat. No enveloping
over the bag.

He takes the pack off his back so he doesn't broadside anyone.

We use BA and he has carried on his pack in Economy, Economy+
and BClass.

hi judy

are they very big? bulky? most airlines tell you what you're allowed as hand-luggage now - both weight and dimensions.

regards, ann

hi again,

i just googled delta, and found this link to the carry-one regulations.

http://www.delta.com/traveling_check...ex.jsp#carryon

there is no specific mention of rucksacs, so i can't see why you couldn't carry them on, as long as they comply.

Thanks for the replies. Actually, it's Northumberland, of course. My daughter has the packs, but I'm sure they are too big for the dimensions listed on the site. My fear is that we'll arrive at the desk or gate and be told they are too big and then what? With all the straps, etc., I'm afraid they would get damaged if we have to check them.

Does your airport offer the clear shrink wrap I often see in international airports? Or consider purchasing your own plastic bags to wrap them. We have used some big heavy black plastic bags purchased from Home Depot called "contractors bags" used for construction trash. With a little duck tape you should be fine. They would also be handy if you get caught out in the rain. I would wait until you are about to put them in the Xray at the airport to wrap them though in case you get selected for inspection.

This answers the question about wrapping in plastic. Delta no longer offers the service.

http://www.delta.com/traveling_check...ging/index.jsp

You need to know the dimensions. Are they larger than a 21 inch rollaboard suitcase?

Many packs meet the requirements -- but not if they are the huge ones w/ a large frame.

In addition to the bags at home depot mentioned above, ziplock or hefty (I forget which) makes these gigantic ziplock bags called XXL. You can find them in the grocery store. I bet they would fit a very big backpack. I use them for duvets, pillows, linens (all in the same bag!).

Backpacks suitable for more than a day or so's trip are unfortunately normally too long to fit within the carry-on dimensions specified by airlins. I have a large 75 litre pack and there's no way this would ever meet the carry-on dimensions limit. I've occasionally used the "shrink-wrapping" services mentioned by Laurie-Ann which you find at many airports. BTW in my experience this service is offered by independent companies at the airport, not by the airlines themselves and typically costs less than $10.

However considering your going to Northumberland, I've another - dual purpose - suggestion for you. See if your local camping store sells a waterproof backpack cover with a drawstring, like this one:- http://tinyurl.com/ko468n
With this bit of kit you can securely cover your pack for the flight enclosing all the pesky straps and dangly bits, AND have a waterproof cover to keep all your stuff dry when it chucks it down in Northumberland! The cover I have has paid for itself several times over on several trips to India, Nepal and Africa without incident.

Grrrr... the link doesn't work properly. Try this one:-
http://store.everestgear.com/a322147.html

My son regularly flies with a big rucksack. He puts it in a waterproof cover (similar to the one in Gordon_R's link) which holds it all together, and checks it. It then gets put in a special tray at the airport, in which it remains until he collects it at the other end.
One time Easy Jet managed to damage it, luckily on the return journey. They accepted responsibility and gave him a new one, which in fact is much better than the old one he had.

Thanks Gordon_R for your solution! We'll look locally for the raincover. If not available here, I'll give the Ohio store a call.
Hetismij, I'm sure I've seen the trays you mentioned. I'll ask Delta if they provide them.
I appreciate all the responses.
Thanks so much.