I think shipping it before hand via a reliable carrier with insurance is probably another Idea that I would do before putting it on an airplane ... they are nuts anymore. Try asking a question after your flight has been cancel, United is rude, will tell you to piss off and treat you like a criminal .. last month i got literally screamed at by a United flight attendant for not putting my seat back ... I showed her it didn't go back any further it was broken .. instead of an apology I just got a snub and walk away ... hate the dang airline