Along these lines I was thinking it might be safer to ship these items using FedEx/UPS/DHL/etc. although it does cost some bucks. For myself I'm thinking more about my photographic equipment along with my mp3, etc. These are all HPIs (Highly Pilferable Items) and I would rather spend money to ship them home if I have to rather than taking a chance on checking them into my baggage. Is this feasable? Or are the logistics such that I should just leave them at home and invest in some type of flying Mickey Finn for myself and forget the vacation pics? Is theft insurance available for these items? I think the airlines coverage probably wouldn't even cover the memory chips. I've got a trip to Paris coming up and as of today this is not an issue for me but if the UK carryon rules spread to France it would be an issue if the rules change while I'm enroute.