Flix Bus - luggage queries

[beeb]

Hi, I am thinking of taking the Flixbus from Amsterdam to Berlin.

Has anyone got experience/hints as to how I can fit all my 4 Ortlieb paniers (2 front and 2 back paniers) and Ortlieb rear rack bag (about 30 litres ) into the required bag size allocation of 80 x 50 x 30 cm (which seems quite small)?

if so, what would you recommend as a bag container, to put the 5 bags in? I will only be using the bag once for the bus, so don't want anything with much weight on it.

many thanks in advance.

[PH]

Put a strap on your rack bag, then take that and one of the front panniers on as hand luggage, every coach I've been on has some overhead and under seat storage space. I don't have a rack bag, but usually carry on a bar bag and front pannier. Then the three remaining panniers ought to fit in an Ikea laundry bag (Other makes are available)
https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/dimpa-stor ... -10056770/

What you might have to do is unpack some stuff from the panniers and pack it around them in the bag to utilise all the volume. OTOH the drivers are not usually that bothered, as long as you haven't got mountains of gear, and I've seen people get away with that. Loosely strapping them together might be OK. I got told off by a driver on a Spanish coach for strapping my folding bike and luggage together, which complied with the regs, but he was shouting at me for not leaving them separate! The only thing they seem concerned about is it being packed in the right compartment for your destination.

[foxyrider]

laundry bag is the way to go, i've had 4 panniers plus in mine. They are cheap enough to dump but also light and foldable enough to sit at the bottom of a bag for reuse at a later time. it can help to use a couple of luggage straps around it - helps with identification and rigidity.

None of the Flix coaches i've used have ever measured bags but i have seen them doing so on routes heading to Eastern Europe.

[beeb]

Really appreciate your answers. Thanks for taking time to help me.

[simonhill]

If you use a laundry bag, tie the handles together so they have to be used as one.

The weak point on these bags are the handle straps that are sewn down the side, underneath and back up to be the other side's handles. More than good enough for holding the bag from above, but if the bag is grabbed by just one handle it can rip off, conveniently using all the sewing holes as perforations. Been there done it.

[ANTONISH]

I use a large stuff sack which accommodates my luggage. I has a long strap which enables me to carry the luggage on my back and leaves two hands free for handling my bike.

[Aquila]

I took a flixbus from Amsterdam to Frankfurt a couple of years ago, the bus i was travelling on had no rear cycle carrier so my bike went in the luggage space under the bus ( i had a space pre booked) no problem along with all 4 panniers, the only thing i took onboard with myself was my bar bag and a jacket.

[simonthread]

Be prepared for a lot of dirt on your bike when traveling during or after rainy time. The rear of the bus sucks up dirt from the road and covers with it the bikes hanging at the back.

And remember to lock your bike when placing it on the bus rack. In Milan my friend mounted his bike on the rack without locking it, and when the bus was leaving, he saw his bike riding away - in other direction, with other rider :/

S.