<HTML>In a message dated 7/11/01 10:11:31 AM Central Daylight Time, Tvak@AOL.COM writes: <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">That's all I'll really need in Reno, but what if I was taking the technical test and I needed my tools?  I guess I'd just have to stow them in with the baggage.</BLOCKQUOTE> I often travel by air, far and wide.  I have the large case made by Genck.  I put the cloth cover around it and tape it up with sealer tape and put it in with checked luggage.  I have insurance through American Express.  Only once was this item misrouted but was delivered to me a short time later by the airline. I wouldn't worry so much about the airline totally losing a piece of luggage like that.  That would be very rare.  If, however, it worries you that much and you can get past security with your tools, you can always do what is called "gate check" the item where it is stored in a separate hold and given back to you as you exit the aircraft, it does not go on the luggage carousel with all the other baggage. Bill Bremmer RPT Madison, Wisconsin</HTML>