[AndysDaddy]

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Ever seen those baggage handlers throw stuff around? I love it when you can see them from the waiting area around the gate. LOL.

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Good job... your joke convinced me to buy a hardshell travel case. I remembered the time I sat on a plane with clear view of baggage handlers loading the cargo area. First thought in my head: "whew... good thing I don't have anything breakable in my luggage."

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I have a friend who works at Detroit Metro Airport on the luggage ramp. Pre 9/11 he and his buddies used to open golf bags for 'inspection.' This meant taking one or two top brand balls from one or two bags a day. Kept him stocked up for the season and like he said "who's going to notice one golf ball missing?"

You will be happy with your hard case, just remember you need a big trunk. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

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The hard shell won't help with the missing equipment in the post 9/11 era. If they want to open it, they will. I am always asked if the hard case is locked when I check it.

Also, no kidding on the size: It barely fits across the back seat of my Mazda 6 four door.

Also, I recommend checking at the curb if it is available - shorter line and *much* more likely to overlook a few pounds of "overweight" with just a $5-10 tip .