That's the question on my mind right now. I'm supposed to go to the US for work reasons (Foo Camp) which is undoubtedly (almost?) a once in a lifetime opportunity, but does it outweigh the concerns I have over the fact that I'll have to check in my laptop into the hold ? (having had one data recovery experience this year, I don't want to risk a second) More importantly does it outweight the concerns my family have for my well being - that is they don't want me blown up ? That I really don't know right now. I do know that I'd planned on flying on one of the airlines that had apparently been targeted, which doesn't really inspire me.

The restrictions on what you can take on board for a long term flight (ie nothing) would probably also drive me barmy, and for EuroFoo and EuroOSCON I'm probably going to get the train - under 2.5 hours from Waterloo!

As you can probably tell, I'm rather undecided what to do right now. I've got about a week to consider though. Taking any longer and it wouldn't really be possible for Tim & co to re-allocate my space to someone else (something I'd like them to do if I can't make it to foo). Ironically, whilst my families biggest fear right now is of me being blown up, mine revolve around losing my data. I've already had that hell once this year and really could do without it a second time :-(

Any experience anyone else has had with laptops stowed in the hold would be encouraging to hear. (Even if my response is a little delayed...)