I have had some experience lugging small planes through airports and general luggage. For the last couple years I have been going down south to fly in the 1/2A Reedie Races put on by the Carolina Crew.

I have done it a couple ways. First I bought a cheap pistol case (yes pistol) at Wal Mart for about $8 and carried my transmitter in it along with my batteries. I take it as a carry on and it works great. I have thrown a label on it just in case "Fragile Radio Equipment".

The planes I have done two ways. The first is a big plastic 'steamer trunk' again from Wal Mart for about $20 and packed up to three planes in it with bubble wrap. I labeled it Fragile as well. The only trouble I had was carrying the darn thing. I took a luggage cart with me but the whole thing was just a pain. Last time I got smart and put the planes in my hardside golf bag case. It had wheels on it and seemed even more durable.

Never had I been questioned going through security with my transmitter, and never have I had a broken plane. I always drained fuel tanks and despite my best attempts with 409 cleaner there was probably fuel residue everywhere! However I never had luggage detained. It was inspected once that I remember.

I'm confident that if you are flying electrics and pack carefully, AND are willing to lug around the extra luggage you should be ok. From my experience TSA wont give you a second look.