I have flown many times with instruments...so far (luckily) without problem. I always make sure to take my instruments in the cabin and so far haven't had any problems with airlines on that including transatlantic. I wouldn't trust baggage handlers with an expensive or valued instrument having seen the tricks that many of them get up to. On occasions I have sent instruments by courier or train I have always loostened the strings and wrapped the case in bubble wrap. My best instrument has a hard shell (Carlton) case and although they are expensive I do have a much greater feeling of security with it. I tried standing on it (the case) once (100 kg) when slightly inebriated and it came through completely unscathed! Perhaps an as yet unreported hazard of sessions!

mcmoo