Luggage on a roof rack

[cv01jw]

I am trying to find out the easiest way for me to get several family members and their luggage back from the airport in a couple of weeks and the car is not big enough.

Is it legal to strap suitcases etc directly to a set of roof bars without using a roof box etc? As far as I can see it, providing I rachet strap them down well enough they will be perfectly safe and secure.

[mikeveal]

As far as I know, and I'll be the first to say I know very little...

You can be stopped and booked for driving with an insecure load. How you secure your load is your problem.

[cv01jw]

Thanks, will have a go securing them well in advance.