<BR> <BR>When we last went to Italy, before the security measures, I had several things stolen from my bag. Believe it or not, among them was some underwear! The airline paid me for the loss and I didn't let it ruin my trip. <BR><BR>People are people. There are going to be those who are honest and those who are not. Pack for those who are not.

SantaChiara, how terrible to be robbed - but so predictable. What was anyone thinking that we should leave our luggage unlocked? Utter lunacy. And indeed the whole idea of this x-ray activity is pointless. Imagine all the cargo and postal packages that go on passenger planes without being x-ray, or if they are x-rayed, aren't opened because of something &quot;suspicious.&quot; And think of the damage that could be done by someone crossing a big bridge at rush hour with a bomb in the trunk of the car. Will we next have to be searched before we cross bridges? Terrorists have used airplanes because air disasters get a lot of coverage. The solution - if no one comes to their senses or finds a better way - would be to x-ray all things - all people, bags, etc., before entering the airport area, including parking. That way we can lock our suitcases after the search and before check-in. In the meantime, I'm mailing my clothing to my mother before I visit her next week. And I'll continue this ridiculous practice as long as I need to. Not because what I own is so valuable, but because it's MINE and I intend to keep it.