Originally Posted by
KChar
tfar, you give an excellent list of ways to prevent luggage theft. I use either a bright orange or purple suitcase that looks cheap and scuffed and put a neon green luggage strap around it. I will certainly use some of your suggestions. However, I would like to point out one thing. Having a note that says you have a complete list of contents and photos is a good idea, but unfortunately, that does not prove those things were in the suitcase at any time other than when the luggage owner shot the photos. But, it may be just enough of a deterrent.
Thanks for the appreciation.
The note is not really legal evidence, that's for sure. But it might be a deterrent and in terms of insurance claims they usually trust your word unless you tell them you checked the Hope diamond. I had an expensive watch covered by my insurance that was stolen in FRA. Didn't go through the airline.
On conspicuous luggage: I do not know if there is a correlation between the frequency of expensive luggage being pilfered or stolen and less expensive luggage. (Semantically that was not correct but you know what I mean...)
But if you just apply common sense, where do you think would you find the more valuable items more likely? In banged up cheapo luggage or in a Rimowa or Vuitton bag?
As recently as one week ago I saw a NEW Vuitton carry-all bag (bigger than a purse but still smaller than the typical weekender satchel) on the luggage belt at Austin. Flight was coming in from DFW.
I wish I could have seen the Dallas blonde stupid enough to pull this off but I had to take care of my girlfriend's luggage. I waited for the bag to come around again but on the second round it was gone. I wonder if the rightful owner took it or if she (?) learned her lesson the hard way. The thing didn't even have locks on the zippers and was so small there was no need to check it.
Till