Since you work for an airline, can you do us all a favour and go have a chat with the guys in the baggage handling department to see what they recommend?

I've had more than one airport employee (including one cyclist with an amazing bike) recommend to me a "big clear plastic bag" as the best strategy. For many reasons, it makes sense to me, but I still haven't convinced my sweetie, so we have big soft nylon bags with some padding. I'm totally against cardboard boxes and hard cases are not suitable for the type of travel I'm going to do with my bike.

But I'd be curious to know what you gather from your guys!! (and gals, who knows)