Can backpacks be checked on flights?

[Rajah]

As you see by my sig, we're leaving for the UK tomorrow night. I've got my main bag packed, and have a rolling bag I want to use as my carry-on (with cameras, medicine, etc), but I'm trying to figure out how to add one more small bag to our list. For ease of movement once we arrive, ideally I would have a normal backpack that I could wear once we arrive since I can clip my rolling carry-on to my rolling suitcase. But I don't want to take the backpack as carry-on because my camera stuff (and tablet PC and such) gets heavy.

So, there's my question -- can backpacks be checked? I know straps are a concern, and that's why I wonder.

 

[LukenDC]

I have seen lots of people check backpacks on planes.

 

[toto2]

Yeah ! Lucky you !

I know that when I travel to Europe, I can put my Backpack in a big plastic bag provided by the airline !

 

[Rajah]

Now that would be a thought, Toto. Thanks!!

 

[hercamore]

DS traveled to UK and other parts of euorpe for 3 weeks last year. He took a big backpack (lots of straps) that he checked with no problems..

If you're worried about straps, ziplock makes those huge baggies that you can put big items in. (sleeping bag size). Available at Walmart or Target.

herc.

 

[PlaneJoy1]

But I don't want to take the backpack as carry-on because my camera stuff (and tablet PC and such) gets heavy.

So, there's my question -- can backpacks be checked? I know straps are a concern, and that's why I wonder.

Are you considering putting you camera stuff in your backpack or is that what is in the rolling bag? I would not check anything valuable such as camera equipment if that was your thought.

If you want to check your back pack, I would put it in a plain brown box with your name and details on it. A box can be checked as luggage as well. This would keep it straps safe from the conveyors and tight spaced it will be in.

Just my thoughts! Have fun!

 

[Rajah]

No, backpack would have things like my toiletries and extra shoes, coat, etc. The camera stuff is in my rolling carryon.

Thanks!!

 

[Jillpie]

Just curious, how do they tag something in a big ziplock bag?

 

[hercamore]

jillpie, these ziplocs have handles you can put a tag on. I'd also put a tag on the actual backpack itself itself and I'd probably use strapping tape to keep the bag extra securely shut.

herc.