United States

I don't fly. People just get all excited about my Glock in my belt, so I can't really comment. I have heard that airlines love to lose or destroy musical instruments.

Upright-bass player: I'm heading to Denali, AK again this summer and am unable to bring my bass with me. Anyone know of a place in Fairbanks or Anchorage that rents basses for the summer? I am bringing my guitar, but IT'S JUST NOT THE SAME!

Dregonfly,

I've traveled (airline) with my guitar on occasion and at the counter I always requested a "gate-check", where they let you board with the instrument and they place it in Cargo bay with baggage , but its handled with better care. The best part is that they retrieve it and hand it back to you for you as you exit the plane.
I also make sure to have a solid case... (Which I don't mind that it gets scuffed cause its protecting my instrument when it does...

Lugging around 88 keys (and amp) isn't that much easier, though the case is probably easier to manage, with wheels and hard shell and whatnot.

Learn the harmonica?