A strapping apparatus for packages, comprising: a frame-like strapping channel including an upper and a lower channel section connected by a first and a second vertical section (18, 20); a first diverting device which connects the first vertical section to the lower channel section; a second diverting device which connects the lower channel section to the second vertical section; a bayonet which can be inserted along a movement path alternative to the lower channel section into the strapping channel, wherein the insertion movement is directed from the first to the second diverting device (21, 22), wherein the first diverting device is mounted on a pivot axle that is positioned underneath the bayonet, wherein the first diverting device has a vertically oriented back part and a horizontally oriented base part and wherein the diverting device is arranged in the movement path of the bayonet when it is situated in the normal position, so that the front end of the bayonet strikes the back part of the first diverting device during insertion movement of the bayonet such that the insertion movement of the bayonet causes the first diverting device to pivot from a normal position, in which the first diverting device connects the first vertical section and the lower channel section, into a deflected position, in which the first diverting device does not connect the first vertical section and the lower channel section; wherein the pivot axle is directed parallel to the packing table and transversely with respect to the movement path of the bayonet, and the pivoting movement is directed downward in the direction of gravitational force, wherein the pivot axle couples the first diverting device to a support component; and a guide element is arranged on an end of the bayonet which is averted from a bayonet tip, which guide element connects the first vertical section to a channel section formed by the bayonet. a frame-like strapping channel including an upper and a lower channel section connected by a first and a second vertical section (18, 20); a first diverting device which connects the first vertical section to the lower channel section; a second diverting device which connects the lower channel section to the second vertical section; a bayonet which can be inserted along a movement path alternative to the lower channel section into the strapping channel, wherein the insertion movement is directed from the first to the second diverting device (21, 22), wherein the first diverting device is mounted on a pivot axle that is positioned underneath the bayonet, wherein the first diverting device has a vertically oriented back part and a horizontally oriented base part and wherein the diverting device is arranged in the movement path of the bayonet when it is situated in the normal position, so that the front end of the bayonet strikes the back part of the first diverting device during insertion movement of the bayonet such that the insertion movement of the bayonet causes the first diverting device to pivot from a normal position, in which the first diverting device connects the first vertical section and the lower channel section, into a deflected position, in which the first diverting device does not connect the first vertical section and the lower channel section; wherein the pivot axle is directed parallel to the packing table and transversely with respect to the movement path of the bayonet, and the pivoting movement is directed downward in the direction of gravitational force, wherein the pivot axle couples the first diverting device to a support component; and a guide element is arranged on an end of the bayonet which is averted from a bayonet tip, which guide element connects the first vertical section to a channel section formed by the bayonet.