If the airlines would station a representative to watch the TSA underneath it all where they are checking luggage, I would feel so much better. That is the only thing I don't enjoy about checking my bags, is not knowing who is going through all of my things.

Luckily, I never carry anything valuable that they would really want though, so if they want to steal boxers, undershirts, or even a shirt, go for it... I'll notice it gone instantly when I arrive, and will report the theft right away to the police. I highly doubt the TSA idiots would waste their time on small items like that though, when they have news cameras to steal and what not

Yeah, I've had my bag delayed or damaged a few times, but that comes with the territory, it is far less hassle to just check it in, and the majority of the time pick it up on the other end, then to deal with taking it through TSA, which sometimes decides my legal items aren't legal and wants me to check anyways...

It would be nice to see the baggage guys get a raise though, maybe make them appreciate their work more and not trash the bags so much, but handling nice doesn't give you speed, so will never really happen...

If I have to buy a new garment bag once a year, that isn't that pricey to begin with, I just chalk it up to the cost of flying. I don't have that many connecting flights though, so for my situation, just going one place to another, checking baggage works just fine for me. I do my small part to keep the bins less crowded. To each their own though...