収束ゾーンでのライフ: Life in the Convergence Zone

The biggest thing that I've encountered when flying with the "large, ominous box" is that getting there way early helps, and asking at the ticketing counter if you can check it in the secure area of baggage. You could also contact the airline ahead of time and find out what their policy is on musical instruments. I'm pretty sure that a hard case will wind up in the cargo area, but still...ask for fragile stickers from the airlines.

With firearms, I use a similar sized case, which has to be opened and inspected. They used to inspect it with me standing there, but now they don't let just anyone into the secure areas, and I make sure that I get the key back. Hope this rambling helps.