I would NEVER let something that valuable out of my site at an airline. I don't know if you saw all of the television shows a few years ago where they had hidden cameras showing airline employees going thru and stealing items out of checked luggage. Last time I left AC I had 300-350 chips in my carry-on bag and the security guys almost strip searched me thinking it was explosives or something. But I did get through without major difficulity when I explained what was in my bag. Carry those chips in your breifcase and keep an eye on them !