I've always felt it's wise to keep valuables like camera's and laptops in my hand baggage for two reasons, firstly so that it is more dificult to steal them, but secondly so that if the baggage handlers decide to play football with my bag that they won't get broken.Originally Posted by Doc Alan
Thanks for the prompt advice guysI'm opting for a modest size back pack ( " Europak ", bought last time in Philippines because my original one was falling apart, inexpensive - can't remember exact cost, 50 X 40 X 25 cm ), and a decent sized check-in case ( " Tripp ", £ 50 from Debenhams, 75 X 50 X 35 cm, 5 kilograms empty ). The case does have a zip - guess the consensus is not to use the padlock, and put valuables, camera, travel documents etc in the back pack.
Personally, I would always use a padlock or combination lock on my hold baggage. I realise that a hardened criminal could still break in quite easily if they wanted to, but my logic is that if it takes them an extra minute to break into my case, they might pick an easier target which isn't locked
The case you're referring sounds about right, I bought a similar sized, priced and weight roller case from M&S last year. I've only used it once though as 5kg goes a long way into the 10 or 15 kg allowance you get with PAL and Cebu Pac on internal flights. My holdal is about 2kg and my new back pack is 3kg including the daysac, which will obviously not count as that is my hand baggage. If you're flying to Caticlan (Boracay) your allowance is only 10 kg, it is 15 kg to most other places and you are given the option to up your baggage allowance for a fee when you book your flights.
