Having just been through Perth International on a flight to Singapore recently - and having been compelled to visit every stall in the fair as far as security checks went - I am conscious now of safety and security of photo gear while in transit.
It is no longer sufficient to just wrap Neville the live python around your camera bag and tell everyone to stand back. You need to lock it. To that end the Pelican people have incorporated a set of metal re-inforcements for their waterproof cases and you can order brass combination locks that have a long steel loop to slide into the holes.
The zippers on Lowepro bags are closed with runners that have matching metal loops - butt them together and put a little padlock in there. Or a nut and bolt, if you want to be cheap.
Finally, you might as well I.D. your bag with something that they can't tear off - the Think Tank ID tag has a metal cable attachment and metal tag. Engrave it yourself badly or get someone else to do it neatly and it will save you arguing with someone at the luggage carousel.
Nothing will save you, however from the moment when the load finally exceeds the limits of the bag and it bursts like a bombshell. Even Neville has his limits.
