Even before 9/11 it was illegal to take any model on an airliner that had once had fuel in it. I had to fib last FJ and tell them my MiG was a display model. On the way back they wanted me to open the Jetcase, but again a little persuasion got that sidetracked. Doubt if that will work now.

Ask me sometime about the 1997 F3A World Champs trip.

Personally, I don't think you'll have any luck checking a model onto an airliner now. They for sure will want you to open the box and inspect it. If they use any sniffers you'll be out of business. A call to your airline will probably confirm this.

I haven't talked to a single person who has even tried to check a model since 9/11. Everyone ships them or has somebody who's driving take theirs. But you could be the first. Maybe somebody will let you fly their model at FJ!