That makes perfect sense, and please do not think that I am challenging that. In which case (excuse the bad pun) if one flies BA from AUS (in this particular instance) - it is prudent not to check in very expensive pieces of luggage regardless of brand. I do not know about you but I have long determined that price is not an indicator of quality. However. I do think that if you give BA or any airline a piece of luggage and it is checked as such - one should have a reasonable expectation that one's luggage be delivered intact, undamaged and unopened by all and sundry, Since I long ago stopped believing in Father Christmas and the Tooth Fairy I lug my own baggage around and manage to lift it into a compartment where I can keep and eye on it.