The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word UNPACK
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
U
N
P
A
C
K
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "empty bags" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case empty bags = unpack.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does UNPACK mean?
UNPACK verb- To remove from a package or container, particularly with respect to items that had previously been arranged closely and securely in a pack.
- To empty containers that had been packed.
- To analyze a concept or a text.
- (of a segment such as a vowel) To undergo separation of its features into distinct segments.
- To decompress.