Last February I took my guitar on a trip and tried to get it "checked at the gate" so as to minimize the banging around. Outbound they wouldn't let me do it because "it won't fit through the security scanner." Going home they said I could, but when it didn't go through the security scanner I had to go through quite a hassle. Not worth it, I think.

Quite aside from the strength of the case, the nature of the padding, and how and by whom it is handled, there are a couple of other suggestions I have heard (perhaps even read in this very forum) about flying with a guitar:
(1) loosen the strings so they don't tighten up too much in the cold baggage compartment and either break or warp the guitar neck, and
(2) when you arrive, resist the temptation to open the case and check it out right away. As long as it doesn't rattle, keep the case closed so the guitar can come up to room temperature slowly. If it's been really cold in baggage, and is suddenly exposed to warm air, the finish can crack and "craze." Happened to a friend of mine.

I really like Christine Lavin's suggestion about packing your clothes in a gig bag! Gotta get me a gig bag!

Cheers, Nancy