What Not to Pack in Checked Baggage

The jewelry bag contained earrings and necklaces of silver, gold and precious gems. It was packed in the very bottom of the bag which was tightly packed. Because I had done a considerable of shopping and had a number of expensive items in the luggage -mostly antique crystal - I inquired at the counter about locking the luggage - it has a small lock. I was told it needed an approved lock and to leave it unlocked. The loss occurred between the counter check in and the loading of the baggage onto the plane. It had to happen in SFO (San Francisco) where we checked in 2 hours early. The baggage was otherwise not out of my sight and there was no delay upon arrival. It was a direct flight. Clearly an approved lock would not have prevented this loss.

Comments from AirSafe.com: The issue here is not the quality of the lock but what passengers should not put in checked baggage. Cash, financial documents, jewelery, cameras, cell phones, portable electronic devices, and other valuables should be kept on your person or in your carry-on bags. Other kinds of critical or difficult to replace items that should be in your carry-ons include things like prescription drugs, other medical items, eyeglasses, keys, passports, travel vouchers, business papers, manuscripts, heirlooms, or favorite toys. While the airline may compensate you for the loss of some items, they will not compensate you for the loss of some kinds of valuables such as money and jewelry.

For more baggage advice, visit Baggage Basics for Checked and Carry-on Items at http://www.airsafe.com/issues/baggage.htm.