Jim , your right the baggage handlers have a reputation for being very tough on cases - I was loaned a aluminum gun case to go to South Dakota - and sure enough it was beat to death , on its maiden voyage - I was told you only get so many trips out of a case before its time to replace it -
I am thinking of a compact one like this because it is smaller and less likely to get left behind due to not being bulky - Several times I have heard of hunting trips partially ruined due to bulky bow or gun cases being left behind - I am also looking to dodge oversize airline charges
I hope this case is durable , if it is I will buy a couple of them