OK so I have padlocked my suitcase, my stuff is safe now

Todd Lambert wrote in post #11052752
Ship it via insured, FedEX to your destination and back?

Best alternative. We ship audio gear around all the time like this. The airlines are awful.

Don't think that would work so well in Europe either. Well, inside the EU maybe but from Switzerland you would end up in a customs nightmare.

In the US if I had that much gear I would ship it because it's easier to insure it.

Ok, you locked the case, whats to keep some miscreant from just stealing the whole bag or case? When you complain about lost bags some airline people will look you in the eye and say "sorry about your luck" and "fill out this form" and "Maybe it will turn up"

seattle1 wrote in post #11052406
Pack a starter pistol with your gear and they will take better care of your luggage.

Link:
http://lifehacker.com …rom-airline-theft-or-loss

does this still work? When I fly out of Key West they always want me to check in my carry on and it's easier for them to allow me to check it all the way to California for free. I tell them I'd rather walk to California than give them my bag. I might have to try this.