Abstract: Stacks (2) of flat articles supplied in a serial stack stream are wrapped with a film (3) in a first packing step so the film (3) covers the top, bottom and two vertical sides of each stack and projects beyond both sides of the covered stack sides. Packing of the film-wrapped stacks (2.3, 2.4) is finished in a second packing step at a strapping/welding position. Depending on the stack height (d.1, d.2), stacks (2.3) having a height (d.1) greater than a predetermined limit stack height are strapped and stacks (2.4), whose height (d.2) is equal to or smaller than the limit stack height, film areas (3.1) projecting beyond the top and bottom of the stack are welded together, strapping being suppressed or performed simultaneously with the welding operation.