Hardi carried on a violin with these words: "Do you want to be responsible for this (antique, valuable, etc.) instrument or shall I carry it on?" The flight crew usually has a last-resort space on board they can direct you to if they like you, for skis, guitar cases, other odd items. *G*

If you MUST check it, carry it to the gate and let them check it right from there, last thing before buttoning up the baggage area. They will offload it at the destination gate and hand it right over as you get off the plane, at the gate. Thus you have available at least ONE of the people who just handled it, to look it over with you, to see if it's all OK.

Other good ideas in threads about flying with fiddles.

~Susan