Answer:

Apart from the added bag fees on so many airlines — some are even charging an extra fee if you check the bag at the airport instead of online, there’s the issue of just how careful is the airline with our property.

After all, it doesn’t seem likely that so many travelers check bags with a big rip in the side or popped open, does it? And even though it may be raining, it is hard to believe that the bag could get THAT wet.

There’s one West Coast airport to which I used to fly frequently that broke my hard plastic luggage tags EVERY TIME.  We’ve all heard the tales of petty pilfering; it’s one of the reasons you should never put jewelry and other valuables in checked luggage.

But I have to admit, I’ve never lost a bag permanently (knock wood) or experienced the kind of damage that this gentleman did.