Flying with rack gear

[elparkirio]

What flight cases do people use to fly with their rack mounted equipment? I know some of you use those soft rack cases that you probably carry on as hand luggage but does can anyone recommend a shock mounted or foam lined case that i should be looking for?
I have some gigs abroad and i'd love to take my power and pre amp but don't want it getting trashed my ground staff.
Any help would be most welcome.

Thanks

Matt

[David Hartley]

Have a look at Gator cases....
eBay is better than new for a bargain...

[Malcolm]

Matt, I would say the soft rack as best bet IF!!! you can get away with it as hand baggage, but remember a lot of the airlines are extremely strict about size and weight,particularly the cheapo ones) as it is extra source of cash for them.Even in a ATA rated flight case as hold baggage,the risk of damage to the units would be high, remember they will be going round miles of conveyer belts, chucked on and off aircraft by gorillas , so even if they appear to be intact the internals of units could be banged about.I base my thoughts on sixteen years of Airline experience.Other option is take out of rack, put in middle of your suitcase well wrapped in towels or such, this might offer slightly more protection. Could I suggest using something like MB 200 , as it is about two pounds in weight and about size do a bag of sugar, can easily be transported in hand baggage, just need speaker cab when you get there.

[elparkirio]

Thank you chaps. I think the soft case is maybe the way to go. Taking it as hand luggage and knowing that it will be in working order at the other hand is my only option i think