WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. -- With the arrival of the holiday season, many not-so-frequent fliers are finding themselves making mistakes when it comes to what to put in checked luggage and what to carry on board.

Leo Canty told Eyewitness News that he was unaware that most airlines won't accept liability for lost, stolen or strayed electronics.

"I figured, why not just make my life a little easier, so I put the laptop and camera into my suitcase, and checked it," he said.

Canty said when his luggage arrived, the computer and camera were missing. He said he is now wading through paperwork to determine who should take responsibility for the loss.

Channel 3 Eyewitness News reporter Dan Kain reported that most airlines will not accept liability for a host of items in checked luggage, including money, keys, jewelry, spirits, silverware, furs, fine arts and electronics.

Airlines advised travelers that when in doubt about a valuable, it is probably best to carry it on.

"It's hard for me to admit that I did a stupid thing like putting equipment in a suitcase, so I'm hoping I can warn everyone else -- don't take that chance," Canty said.

Airlines also recommended that those traveling for the holidays wrap gifts after arriving at their destination, because wrapped presents often have difficulty making it through airport security.

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