I, too, have a hard case and agree that it's worth it. It has wheels and you just drag it along like you would your suitcase. I've only had to pay $25 or $50 (depending on the airline)--and then not even always that! If the airline allows 2 bags and the weight is under the 50 lb mark and you only have the case and 1 other bag, sometimes you can talk them into not charging you. If you've upgraded to 1st class on flyer miles, you don't pay anything for the bike case to go.