Last updated on August 5th, 2022 at 08:22 am
How to Protect Backpack When Checked
as Luggage in 10 Proven Ways
We all want to make the most of our travels. Whether it’s a family vacation or getting away for a long weekend, you want to make sure that your backpack is protected while traveling.
If you travel a lot by air, then you know how difficult it can be to protect your backpack when checked as luggage. Airline baggage handlers can handle the contents of a pack roughly. The average bag encounters harsh handling from loading to unloading, and even more so in between.
The airlines will not reimburse you for any damage to your bag under any circumstances. Therefore, you must take precautions to ensure that your backpack survives the rigors of air travel.
Read this comprehensive guide to know How to Protect Backpack When Checked as Luggage. It gives detailed information about various ways one can adopt to protect the pack when placed in the cargo.
Table of Contents
How to Protect Backpack When Checked as Luggage
Suitcases are considered best for checked luggage or traveling by plane for being strong and durable. However, the ability of backpacks to carry different types of loads is one of the reasons why they are preferred by many travelers.
We all know that our luggage gets thrown around at the airports, but what can we do to protect it and ensure that it will make the journey safely? The first step is to pack orderly.
First Things First: Pack Smartly
Preparing a bag for a checked luggage can be a challenge; particularly if you want to make sure your backpack remains safe and also stays within an airline’s weight limits. Here are some tips on how to set a backpack in the most efficient and organized manner!
- The first thing that you should do is lay out everything that you need to take with you on the bed or floor. Evaluate each item and ask yourself whether it’s essential or just extra stuff that can easily be left at home.
- Mark the pack with your name and address.
- Roll up your clothes.
- Pack lightweight items in the front pouch.
- Keep clothing, underwear, and toiletries in the inner layers.
- Pack all of your fragile items at the bottom of the bag under other stuff. This minimizes the number of things that can damage your other belongings. Use protective cases to store delicate items, but if they’re not available, wrap them up with clothes before putting them in your backpack.
- The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has banned passengers from carrying fuel in their checked baggage for camping stoves and portable grills, besides insect repellants and other flammable items.
- You should also not keep any liquids that you might be taking with you in the checked baggage.
Where to Keep Electronics?
Most airlines allow passengers to carry electronic devices in their checked luggage. However, some airlines have a maximum weight limit for these items and others require you to wrap your electronics in a protective case or material so they don’t get damaged. Before packing any electronic device in your bag, check the airline’s website for its policy.
More importantly, when compared to a suitcase a checked backpack is not recommended for storing electronic items. Baggage handlers will treat the bag roughly, and they can break or damage your devices. So it’s best to keep them in carry-on luggage.
Protect Your Pack with Zip Ties
There are a lot of ways to secure your bag, but zip ties are one of the most effective. A backpack cable tie is a single strap, usually made of plastic. They are readily available in most of the retail shops and can be easily installed by anyone.
The main purpose behind using zip ties is to hold the bag shut to prevent your stuff from falling off or theft.
The great thing about these cables is that they’re cheap and easy to use, so there’s no excuse not to lock up your belongings!
Secure Your Backpack Straps
Check all straps before you leave the house, there should be no gaps between the bag and strap. If you can fit more than two fingers between the strap and your bag, it’s not tight enough.
These belts should be secured firmly to keep the load stable and avoid any damage to your items in the bag when it gets thrown around in transit. Also, a loose strap can easily get caught in something and tear the pack open, so it’s vital to take good care of them.
Finally, don’t forget to tie any unnecessary straps (if any) of your pack together. This will keep the strips from dangling around.
Reverse Wrap Your Bag
Reverse wrapping means that the waist strap of your backpack is wrapped around your luggage and then clipped to itself. This method will keep everything contained in a neat, little bundle which is nice when you’re trying to squeeze multiple pieces of luggage into a small space.
It will also prevent your pack from potential harm by keeping the straps from getting caught in something during transit.
Tie Shoulder Straps Together
Make the best use of your backpack’s shoulder straps when not in use. The idea is to protect your bag in every possible manner.
You can tie the straps together to prevent them from dangling and getting stuck in things during the cargo process.
Use Poly Bag as a Shield
Another good idea is to use a plastic bag to protect your checked luggage. Put it inside a polybag that should be large enough to cover the backpack. Fold the top twice to keep out moisture and seal it with a stapler or some packing tape.
This will not only secure the straps but will also help protect the pack from dirt and damage, as well as prevent any leaks if something gets wet or is spilled inside.
Utilize Packing Tape
In case you are not satisfied with the plastic bag idea, you can make use of packing tape to secure your checked baggage.
Just put tape over the top and bottom seams of the backpack, as well as on all straps and zippers. This will protect your belongings from getting damaged by the rough treatment of luggage handlers at airports.
Consider Buying a Cover
It is always a useful idea to protect your backpack with a sleeve or cover, especially if you are checking it. This way the bag will remain safe from all of the wear and tear that comes with traveling on an airplane, as well as any spills or other accidents that may occur at the airport.
It will also allow the airline staff to more easily locate your bag before loading it onto the plane. So do think about purchasing one, particularly if you don’t want to apply other methods discussed above.
What About Employing an Old Blanket
This is rather a funny way of protecting checked baggage, but it is useful. You just need an old blanket to cover by simply wrapping it around the backpack and fastening it with any type of cord.
It will keep the contents from falling off if the bag gets bumped or jostled. The blanket will absorb moisture and debris and also guard the exterior of your bag from scratching and nicks.
Invest in Travel Backpack
Invest in a good travel backpack to ensure that it remains safe when checked as luggage. A quality travel pack should have a hard, rigid frame and a zipper that can be locked.
Such bags are made with materials to withstand the stresses of being transported at high speed through airports and on planes without being damaged. You can find these at an outdoor or camping store or online.
Also Read: How to Pack a Suit in a Backpack
Conclusion
We all know that torn or damaged luggage can be a headache to deal with in addition to the costly repairs or replacement, which is why you should always make sure your backpack is properly protected. Whether it’s a full-size pack or a duffel bag, there are plenty of ways to confirm your pack arrives at its destination safely and securely.
There are a few things you can do in this regard. First and foremost, be sure not to overfill your bag because this will increase the chance that it gets damaged in transit. Additionally, it’s important to check for loose straps or buckles as these could easily get snagged during cargo handling.
We hope that our tips have helped you come up with a strategy that works best for you and you are now completely aware of How to Protect Backpack When Checked as Luggage. If you want to learn more, also read our article on Taking Two Backpacks as Carry-on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a backpack count as luggage?
Airlines are always changing their luggage rules, but if you’re a frequent traveler, it can be hard to keep up. The truth is, every airline is different and has different restrictions on baggage, carry-on items, and more.
There are a few rules of thumb that you can follow to make sure you never have any issues with the airlines. A carry-on backpack that fits in the overhead bin should be considered your personal item when flying domestically. If you’re flying internationally, most airlines will accept a backpack as a personal item as long as it’s not too large.
Does security look through checked bags?
Security will look through your checked bags while they do a general sweep of the cargo section. You have nothing to worry about if you packed your bags correctly and followed the rules.
Can you put backpack in checked baggage?
If you’re planning to travel with a backpack, you may be wondering if you can put it in your checked baggage. The answer is yes, you can usually put a backpack in your checked baggage. Though, there are a small number of factors to consider.
First, make sure that your backpack is not too large. Most airlines have size restrictions for checked baggage, and a backpack that is too big may not be allowed. Second, check the weight limit for checked baggage. A backpack that is too heavy may be subject to additional fees. Finally, be sure to pack your backpack carefully. Many items are not allowed in checked baggage, such as liquids, gels, and aerosols.
By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your backpack will be allowed in your checked baggage.
Is it safe to check a backpack?
The short answer is yes, it is definitely safe to check a backpack when flying. In fact, it is actually one of the safest things you can do. The TSA has very strict guidelines in place for checked baggage, and they are constantly working to improve their procedures. So rest assured knowing that your backpack will be in good hands when you check it at the airport.
Do checked in bags get searched?
The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) is responsible for the security of all air travel in the United States. Part of their job is to screen all checked bags for potential threats. However, the TSA does not open every single bag that is checked – they use a risk-based approach to bag screenings. This means that they will target bags that they believe are more likely to pose a threat.
There are a number of factors that the TSA takes into account when deciding whether or not to screen a particular bag. These include the type of bag, the airline, the passenger, and the airport. The TSA also uses advanced screening technologies to help them identify potential threats.
So, do checked in bags get searched? The answer is that it depends on several things. However, the TSA does screen all checked bags.
Can you check a large backpack?
If you are planning to bring a large backpack with you on your trip, you may be wondering if you can check it at the airport. The answer is yes, you can usually check a large backpack, but there may be some restrictions.
For example, some airlines have size limits for checked baggage, so your backpack may need to meet certain size requirements. Additionally, some airlines charge extra fees for checked baggage, so it’s important to check with your airline before you travel.
Overall, checking a large backpack is usually possible, but it’s always best to check with your airline beforehand to make sure there are no issues.
