I have seen more posts asking how to handle panniers and other small parts carried on the bike when going by air/bus/train.

By air itīs a natural question, because more than 2 items normally cost money.
By bus, car or train I think itīs an issue of easy handling and to be sure you are getting all your stuff at the end station.

My way, I know they love it all of them, bus drivers and handling staffs. I have for two years been a bus driver myself, so I know what it means when people take care of their luggage. From my last trip to New Zealand I learned from busdrivers down there, that they were very annoyed of bicycle tourists just trowing there bicycle and panniers along the bus and then donīt care further about it. That’s why they charge a fee. Doing it my way, I got it for free.

My travelling so far is two years bicycling in Asia and Australia and 2 months resently in New Zealand and then of course more tours in Europe. It means no camping gear – itīs light touring with 2 rear panniers and above 1 bag with photoequipment and other valuables and then in front 1 handlebarbag. From the very beginning I have used the same plastic bag to collect my panniers and small items. The plastic bag is strong and normally used for garbage. To strengthen it I have put an extra plastic bag inside. Folded together itīs easy to carry along the trip.

Now Iīm planning to go camping too (US) and it means I need a plastic bag a bit higher. But itīs impossible to get for money, so I cut out the buttom of one plastic bag and folded it and fixed it to the top of the old plastic bag with gaffa tape or semilar. In that way I have increased the hight from 105 Centimeter to 125 Centimeter. The circumference is 140 Centimeter. Okay – in one unit it now can hold all I carry on the bike except the bag with my most important valuables.

To close the bag itīs important and most practical to learn how to make a "Larks head" – itīs effective and easy to pull up for unpacking. Remember handling of luggage sometimes are carried out in a hurry and in a very tough way, thatīs why you also need to put an address label on the panniers in the plastic bag. How to do a "Dobbelt halvstik"? Look here:
http://www.soulconnected.dk/k.htm

I hope some of you will use the system and make life easier both for yourself and the handling personel. Anyway itīs my way.

Best regards
Per