Clear backpack bags on Icelandair
I'm taking my first trip to Europe from the US via Icelandair and will be taking a large backpack (internal frame, checked bag) rather than a suitcase. On the Icelandair website they state:
Backpacks and other luggage with loos straps and items attached on the outside of check baggage need to be wrapped in clear thick plastic bag. Proper clear thick plastic bags are available for sale at most of our departing stations.
*loose. This message appears when selecting "Backpacks" from the "Sports Equipment or Odd Size Baggage" dropdown.
I've never traveled with a backpack that wasn't just a carry-on before. I obviously get why something like this needs to be bagged, but my question is what sort of bags are allowable for this (apart from them being clear of course)? Do they need to be a certain material? I realize I can probably buy one at the airport, but if they charge an arm and a leg for it I would like to find a cheaper alternative and bring my own if possible.
Alternatively, how much should I actually expect to pay for one, if I end up needing to buy one at the airport?
Best Answer
20 years ago my backpack was packed in one such a sturdy plastic bag on the way home from a holiday, I do not remember which country but it was certainly not Iceland.
I kept that bad and have used it for a couple of trips till it got ripped while protecting by bagpack in check-in luggage.
It was of a size that covers most backpackers packs with a little bit extra space, but not much more. Very sturdy plastic, the kind that only the most expensive 'building waste' bags are made off and at the same time it did pack small enough that for a short travel I would just carry it with me.
Contact your departure airport and see if they have the kind of bag for sale, otherwise, wrapping in plastic as available on many airports will also do for the airline.
I do not think your outer bag has to be clear, it is just that they offer clear bags for sale for the purpose.
Airlines are happy to accept backpacks in duffel bags that are just big enough, or special nylon 'transport your backpack' sacks.
The bag they gave me back then was more sturdy than either cheap solution.
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Does a backpack count as a personal item Icelandair?
You may bring on board 1 small personal item such as a handbag, backpack, or laptop bag that must fit under the seat in front of you. Maximum dimensions: 15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches (40 x 30 x 15 cm). If you exceed your carry-on allowance, the bag must be checked in and an extra baggage fee will apply.Are backpacks allowed as checked luggage?
Yes \u2013 backpacks can be used as checked luggage, provided that they comply with the rules of the airlines.What clear bags can you use at airport?
"Your bag must be plastic, transparent, capable of being re-sealed and no bigger than 1 litre capacity. That's roughly 20cm x 20cm. You can only take one lilquid bag per person, and all your liquids, aerosols and gels must fit inside with the bag completely closed.Do you have to have clear bags in a carry-on?
Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes must be placed in a clear plastic 1-quart bag. You can have one of these bags per person. All of the items within these bags must be in 3.4-ounce containers or less.Cabin Bag Ryanair/WizzAir ✈️ | How to Pack a Backpack for a WEEK
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Answer 2
This answer describes an alternative solution.
The point is to contain all the 'loose' straps and what not. The material of the bag/wrapper doesn't matter so much.
If you can properly secure any loose parts, the Agent may accept it at bag check.
Check if your departure airport has a service such as Secure Wrap. I would expect to pay about $20 for the service, though I have never used it myself.
In this case, don't take the site to literally. I've never seen an actual bag to contain luggage, just the bag wraps.
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