packing tips for metal flying with your PG

[pink_albatross]

Next time I take my PG on an airline flight with me, I need to pack it in something else. I'm missing a buckle on the pack. In hindsight, the surprising thing is that I'm ONLY missing ONE buckle. It's a bit annoying, because now i can't cinch my pack down tightly. That makes a difference when you hike it up Daniel's.

So, next time I'll have to stick my pack into another bag to protect the straps and buckles. Maybe a plastic bag or something like this: http://www.mountaingear.com/pages/produ ... 2_id/0/N/0

Found the bag on the paragliding forum (topic at: http://www.paraglidingforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=9013) which has a number of nifty tricks for flying on airlines. One would be to stick the pack into a plastic bag, then use your vacuum to suck out extra air, seal the bag with a rubber band. Apparently makes the bag a lot smaller. Also, in Europe, airline personnel knows what a PG looks like and sometimes charge extra, even if it does meet their luggage requirements for size and weight.

-- ellis

[Flying Lobster]

Last time I was in Europe, flying EasyJet from England to France my Apco bag was torn in several places and a shoulder strap buckle torn off. I filed a claim and I was assured I'd get compensation--never happened though. US Airways canceled 4 flights in a row on my mom recently--I think the airlines won't give up until they succeed in putting themselves out of business.

marc