I've shipped my bike probably 10 times by FedEx. It's a HUGE convenience not to have to schlep 50# around the airport (bike boxes don't usually have very serviceable wheels, either). Touch wood, but no problems yet. Always ship express - IME express parcels get better care than ground - and insure it for replacement value, just in case. I've always reassembled it myself, and packed it myself every time but one (when I left it with a shop so they could do some service before shipping it on to me).

I do own a hard case. But if this is going to be a one-time thing for you, very likely either one of your LBSs or a large local club has a bike box or two for rent, or maybe a club member has one you could borrow.