serbring wrote:I was thinking to connect the two rear panniers with cable ties and wrap them together at the airport. Is it a good idea?
I've zip-tied a pair of Ortlieb back-rollers together, back to back, a few times with no problems and no extra wrapping.
Mine (fairly old, pre-dating hook inserts) have a suitable hole in each end of the reinforcement along the bottom, and it's possible to thread a tie in through the end of the hook slot and out between hook rail and pannier. I used 4 ties, probably 8 or 10 inches long, put the shoulder straps inside, and clipped the rolled ends together over the top and snugged down with the over-the-top strap. It makes quite a handy package as the two lifting loops can just be grabbed in one hand.
Make sure you've an adequate supply of zip ties for the return journey, and something to cut them with at the other end packed at the top where you can find it easily.
When I've also taken front panniers, I've repacked so that one empty front pannier goes into one of the rears, and the other is used as hand luggage. I generally take either 2 front panniers or a bar bag, not both.