I fly a lot. I have had a lot of damage to luggage (I use rolling duffel bags now, they last longer, hard side get destroyed quickly) but never lost or anything stolen. I have had things broken. My baggage almost always gets searched, likely because of the stuff I carry (survival gear, field gear, electronics). I have begun to Fedex Pelican cases to myself with my more expensive or sensitive stuff. It is reliable and safe, and there is insurance, so an incentive to actually get it there unharmed. My company has a Fedex account, so it is easy. Since my travel is for work, I don't have to pay out of my pocket for shipping. Most hotels are pretty good about receiving shipments like that.