Always fly w/ bike.
Pack it myself.
Most airports just take it to the oversized x-ray machine. They do in Tampa and I watch them x-ray it.
I have had it "opened" before (but I think just once or twice a while back), but never really move stuff around. I ask if they are going to unpack it and then insist on going with it, stand outside if theythink the need to.
I have not had any problems.
Since I fly Southwest it is about $50 each way...so 100 total. That way I can ride it up until a few days before.
Yes, I do worry...about it. But most of the time it is really OK. I have shipped before, but I have a hard case therefore it is much more expensive.
But as you have read here, each to their own personal experience.
K