That's a great idea about taking a pic of the suitcase & also about securing the camera in the suitcase.

Another option for transporting the camcorder and any other high-value items, if they can no longer be taken in the plane as carryons, would be to securely pack them and ship them over to the US via FedEx. It costs money, yes, but the package could be insured and you'd have a tracking number, so you'd be less likely to have the items go permanently missing than if you packed them into a checked suitcase.

While your checked luggage must be openable for inspection out of your sight, in the US, TSA leaves a note inside advising you that it was opened, and from my experience, such openings are very rare. I think they rely more on x-ray and chemical sniffers than on actual searches.

I think since you cannot stop a determined thief, all you can do is secure your luggage against opening during rough handling. Twist ties are sufficient, and can be removed easily. Cable ties are also good, but you have to have some way to cut them to get them off, and the pocket knife in your checked luggage won't do. A fingernail clipper will work.

For hard shell luggage, I use a nylon strap that goes around the bag and through the handle. These are sold at luggage stores and often, for far less, at general merchants. They have a buckle assembly so they are easy to remove, and given the right color, they can make it easy to spot your luggage when they unload it. In fact, my wife boards early and watches out the window to see that they load our luggage, as she worries about it getting on the wrong plane.

I hope they come up with better procedures soon. Some of the banned items, such as contact lens solution and eye and nose drops, are often needed during the flight.

Carrybean,

I thought of it after I suggested shipping the camcorder. That reminded me of when I had to send in a camera for repair - I took a photo of it at all angles, of it being packed, and of the sealed box with the mailing info. When I got notice that they wouldn't repair it under warranty, I was very nice but explained that I had done nothing to cause the problem and had photos of the camera showing its pristine condition. They repaired it under warranty for me without another word. It can really help if there's a problem.

I haven't tried the securing bit, but I will on my next trip - I may have everything tied down... cableties attaching my undies to the suitcase, etc.

I'm off to Brisbane on Sunday and am having to pack quite a few expensive household items (All-Clad pans, small electronics, etc) as we are furnishing our second home, and prices for these are way better in the US.

Anyway - I have every intention of listing each item, and recording on film my packed bag, along with a newpaper showing the date. I might even include a note stating that I have done as much.

Paranoid? You bet.
I'll be opening that bag 2 minutes off the belt.
Even with insurance, I'd rather have the documentation for my own peace of mind.

Trust, but verify.
Cheers!

Good for you, Toedtoes. That was really smart.

Carrybean, even with the photos, I never would have gotten it fixed under warranty if I hadn't been extremely polite and understanding of the company's side of things. I explained that I took the photos in case the shipping company damaged the package, not because I didn't trust the camera company. They explained that it was a courtesy repair and they wouldn't do it again and I said I completely understood.