And yes, Republic airlines IS, in fact, now out of business. Small consolation, though. I just talked with another passenger in the airport who had a minature Martin (that he was taking on board with him for overhead storage), and he said that he has even used one of those $800 cases that are supposed to be impervious to the most determined luggage goons, and the case showed obvious damage as if someone had done it intentionally. Perhaps they didn't, as Leenia suggests. But then again...

I wish you the best of luck, Bobert. I would not fly with an instrument that I cared about, myself. Or if I HAD to, I would use the best hard-shell case I could get, and wrap it with foam, and pack it again ina larger container, and do that again for a triple wrap.

And then I have heard about symphonic concert musicians who actually pay for another seat for their instrument.