Before buying the 'explorer' case I mentioned in an earlier post. I had taken a concertina to Canada in a soft shoulder bag, earlier in the year, with no trouble. As it happened I could have done it when going to the States. The main problem would have been -If I had taken the concertina to the states in its soft bag (which I could have done)and there was another security 'issue' whilst I was in the states -what chance for its survival if the security people had insisted it go in the hold for the return journey. I prefered to play 'safe'. Incidentally the concertina did cause a little consternation at Columbus airport,when x-rayed. The dilemma, if it is such, is that whilst the delays are really irritating I feel that being blown up would be more irritating so I will continue to put up with them I guess. But I will take precautions.
chris