This guy posted to reddit and got torn to shreds. An unfortunate lesson in doing everything wrong - knock off pelican case, no insurance, check camera gear etc. Pretty much a check list of what not to do.
OMDnext wrote:
I wonder why United made him check the bag? I didn't see reason in article or did i miss it. And yeah not 15,000 worth.
No more room left in the overhead bins. Time for airlines to get more strict on carryon size limits. Everyone should be allowed one carryon. I’ve seen people bring huge suitcases on board, barely able to lift them up. That needs to stop and maybe further restrict the size limits.
chez wrote:
No more room left in the overhead bins. Time for airlines to get more strict on carryon size limits. Everyone should be allowed one carryon. I’ve seen people bring huge suitcases on board, barely able to lift them up. That needs to stop and maybe further restrict the size limits.
They just need to enforce the existing limits. A suitcase big enough to stuff a body in should NOT be brought on board!
perhaps it was priced in sentimental value. 
? I didn't see reason in article or did i miss it. And yeah not 15,000 worth.