I guess by now OP realizes they are not getting any sympathy here. I never, ever check a bag unless I am traveling with my family or international, and when going international SW is usually not involved. Second strategy is I never pay more than $100 for luggage, you can get a heck of a deal at Tuesday Morning or Home Goods on a bag that will hold your stuff. If you take a good look at the checked baggage journey and process and think hard on it you will probably think damage should happen more. If I were really concerned a lot about my bag and stuff I would look into one of those private shipping services that sends you bag separate......