I’ve always checked my pack and the only time it was ever a problem (actually not my pack) was when my wife’s pack didn’t make our flight from JFK to Paris.  We were delayed getting into JFK, missed our original JFK-CDG flight, and the flight we ended up on didn’t leave much time for our bags to get transferred.  I can see the advantages of carrying on – not having checked luggage would’ve made this delay almost a non-issue and you don’t have to wait at baggage claim on arrival.  However, I’m not an ultra-light packer and will most likely always be checking my pack.  I still prefer a backpack to a suitcase for ease of carrying the pack, etc.    

Do you know how big your pack is?

I’ve traveled with packs ranging from 55 to 90 (yikes!) liters.

I always check my bag too. Just make sure to wrap up the loose straps really well. A backpack is made to be thrown around, so you shouldn’t have a problem.

Ask the people at the checking desk for a trashbag (they will have one) to put your backpack in so none of the straps get caught on anything.

I’ve thought about only using a carry-on, but then you aren’t able to take any items with you that are banned in carry-ons. If you can live without a pocket knife, nail clippers, larger size liquids, etc. than it may be an option.

I try to always do carry-on. I have only been made to check my pack once, coming home, when BA told me it was too “heavy” to carry on. I don’t care so much about coming home, but going out, I really like to have it with me.
Once, years ago, United did misplace my baggage on a domestic flight—it just really puts a damper on a trip.
Yes, I had to give up the pocket knife etc but at least I have my bag.

I always check my bags. So I can bring my pocket knife and stuff that is not allowed in the carry on bag. Also I like to walk around in the airports, while waiting for the next flight and then I am really glad when I don’t have to carry all my stuff around. Of course in the end you have to wait at the baggage claim, but it is still more convenient for me.

Can anyone suggest a good carry-on size pack for a girl? Thanks.

I think the maximum carry on size on most airlines works out to a roughly 40 liter pack, at least it was according to Eagle Creek when I bought one of their 40L packs a few years ago. Here are two candidates: The first one might be a little big, but people get away with carrying on all kinds of things. The second one might be a little small, guess it depends on how light you pack.
http://www.rei.com/o…
http://www.rei.com/o…

I have a 40L bag, and i’m thinking of checking it. How should i duct tape all the straps and such before checking it if i decide to do so?

Some airports allow you to put your pack in a big plastic bag. For the rest, you can just tie the straps to each other, make sure everything is buckled and tuck the rest in. If you want to use tape, I suggest something other than duct tape as it can leave residue everywhere.

I generally travel light using a 40 l backpack. Most travel packs now come with a lining that you pull out and zip around your pack thereby encasing your shoulder straps and other dangling bits (no more need to wrap your pack in a garbage bag). When my pack is zipped up it looks like a soft suitcase…I find some airlines discriminate against backpackers and try to force us into checking our bags. Provided your 40L pack isn’t bulky you will be able to take it on as carry on, thereby avoiding the hassles of lost luggage or waiting for hours at the luggage carousel.

If you plan on taking a larger size pack (i.e. bigger than 40 litres) make sure you get one with a detachable day pack…that way you can check you main bag and take your day bag as carry-on luggage. In your carry-on, pack some essentials, that way if your checked bag is lost, at least you’ll have a change of clothes,,toiletries, etc to get you thru a few days until they locate your luggage (hopefully)