I had to fly from Colorado to Philadelphia and back this month and decided NOT to take my guitar.

To be honest, ever since I worked as a designer for one of the companies that makes baggage handling equipment, I have NEVER checked a guitar.

If I absolutely had to, I'd pack it wrapped in clothes inside a hard case and I'd pack the hard case, also wrapped in clothes, inside another sturdy case.

Also, As Spaw mentioned I would have to be quite happy throwing it out of a second floor window or kicking it downstairs, before I would ship it.

And yep Robo, they X-rayed my shoes. There is a metal suport in some shoes which sets off the alarm and gets you a personal search. Coming back, I just took my shoes off and put them on the belt. The security guy laughed, but he was quite pleased when the next passenger's shoes set off the alarm and he was able to point out mine on the conveyor.