In my experience, it depends on the airport as to whether you can gate-check items. I definitely prefer gate checking, especially if I have multiple flights. I can be sure that my hoops get from one plane to the next. It also eliminates some of the handling involved and reassures me. However, every time I go to the airport there are new rules and from Raleigh/Durham Airport, where I always fly from, I have to check my hoops in as baggage now. They have no sympathy for hoops or guitars. It really sucks. I always saran wrap my hoops and then wrap them in a long piece of cloth that I made from the pants legs of some old jeans. So far, my hoops have arrived undamaged. You can see a photo of our wrapped hoops on my profile. I stick a bunch of "fragile" stickers all over the package, say a little prayer, and let it go. I always have a bit of anxiety going out, as I don't like the idea of making hoops when I arrive. But coming back I can relax. I'm always making new hoops. Still trying to find the perfect one for me.