Guys,
I've been very fortunate in the past and have only ever lost one bag (not lost, really - it just went AWOL for a day). Reading through some of these posts, it just seems that some people just don't apply common sense when checking in baggage. Stuff happens. We've all looked out of the plane window and seen bags being manhandled and even dropped. Baggage system that chew things up. Increased chances of things going wrong when you travel half way around the world on maybe three connecting flights. But what are people thinking of when they check medicines into their hold baggage? Or pack three glass bottles in their suitcase- even if they wrap them in clothing? Or try and claim for lost laptops when they were negligent in leaving it on the plane in the first place? Packing expensive cameras in checked baggage Things shouldn't get broken/stolen/damaged, but it's not an ideal world. And I gather that the airlines have a tough job with fraudulent claims, so of course they'r going to be cautious.
Please.... help yourself out and pack sensibly!