This thread gives me a great idea. You should always pack a bottle of wine in your checked luggage. If you don't lose it, you will have something to celebrate the occasion with.

I travel a good deal but I've only had bags lost twice. The last time was a few weeks ago - Air France into Florence via a tight connection in Paris. Came into the airport within 10 hrs or so but then had trouble getting the Italian guy who was delivering my bag to me to get it to my apartment!

@ bdjtbenson

I DON'T recommend the bottle of wine in your checked bag idea at all. I used to work in a bag room for United Airlines and every few days I would have to place a leaky checked bag in a plastic bag to contain the leaking wine or other liquor.

Your checked bag may get to the appropriate area for your flight via a system of conveyor belts that have equipment called kickers and pushers. If these don't break any bottles in your bags, then the ramp agent could possibly drop your bag, or accidentally run over it while delivering it to or from your flight.

I always felt bad for the poor customer service personnel on the other end that had to deal with the complaints from other passengers that had Merlot stained bags and clothes.