In those cases when you must check a bag and carry things that you can't afford or don't want to lose, some of these methods or combination thereof will lower the theft risk.

The secrets of theft prevention:

- inconspicuous bag (Louis Vuitton and Rimowa need not apply)
- make entry a little bit harder than an unprotected bag
- use "broken seal" method to tell if luggage was tempered with
- Include note, that says you have a list of contents and photos
- Use carry-on only!

The bag itself should be inconspicuous. My big Rimowa gets opened all the time; 50-50 chance. So far nothing was missing but I had instances where no note was left yet somebody clearly went through my stuff.

If you do get locks, get TSA approved locks with the SEARCH ALERT feature. Only few locks have that feature. It shows you when the lock has been opened. If it has been opened, you want to open your bag right away to check for the TSA notice and any missing stuff. Don't use TSA locks without this feature.

If you don't have these special locks, use COLORED cable ties instead. They will have to cut them and it is unlikely that they have the exact replacement color at hand. Thus you will notice easily.

There are also luggage straps with the Search Alert feature. The best one being the Pacsafe model.

In addition you can get so-called Tamper Tab seals. Check them out online.

Finally, you can apply tape around the zipper. This will protect the zipper from damage and from being pried open. Seal the bag, as they will likely not have the same bag on hand. It will make your bag easily recognizable. It will make entry just a little harder. it is cheap.

I also include a note that is immediately seen when one opens the suitcase. The note says: "I have a complete list of the contents and photos of the packed bag. If you opened this suitcase, please leave a note". This might be a deterrent because it means you can actually prove that a certain item was packed and is now gone. With a digicam this is easy to do and free.

Additionally, avoid packing metal boxes and cables and battery-driven devices, especially packed closely together. This might give them a reason to open your bag.

If you can, travel only with carry-on luggage. I still have some zip-ties with me for the unlikely event that i need to gate check my bag.

What are your theft prevention methods and tips?

My sincere advice is to take only what you can afford to lose. If I have any valuables and am asked to gate check, I pull out my daybag and carry on the valuables and gate check the rest. I never have to travel for business so leaving the lap top etc. at home is no problem. If you DO have to carry these things, I would figure a way to get them on the plane with me. Clothes are relatively easy to replace, a laptop isn't.

Valuables are always carried on. Only clothes and toiletries get checked.

Problem is if you have really nice clothes. I know of many people where almost no matter what they wear any given day would cost $2k. In addition, I think if you have a back-up of the computer it is easy to replace the machine. But I never found a suitable replacement for a fantastic Issey Miyake (Japanese designer) trench coat that was stolen long ago. I still get mad to this day.

I didn't give the example but one could transport an old porcelain tea pot or a piece of electronic equipment where the item either doesn't fit in hand luggage or is too heavy to carry. So getting them on the plane with you is not an option. Obviously, my advice is for the cases in which there is theft to prevent. It is self-evident, that if you don't care to lose something or it is not desirable, then theft prevention will not be an issue.