[HG] Transporting a HG as checked luggage

[Arle Lommel]

Hi all,

I know that the answer will be to NOT do what I need to do, but  
setting aside the "correct" answer, I need some practical advice. I  
may be transporting a severely damaged HG (the sound board is in  
several pieces) to Hungary for its owner when I go. It will need to be  
checked baggage in this case (no, I don't think I'll be able to hand  
carry it). I will be flying on KLM, so I'm subject to Northwest's  
luggage policy ( http://www.nwa.com/travel/luggage/checked.html ) and  
they are the strictest of the airlines about luggage as far as I can  
tell. According to those restrictions, I will be limited to a total of  
62 inches combined height, width, and length. I am concerned about  
whether the instrument can fit in those dimensions with packing  
materials. If it doesn't fit, I can't take it as the over-size charges  
are insane.

Now, assuming I can make it fit, how would you pack a HG knowing it  
would go through the hell of the luggage processing system. Is there  
any way to be reasonably sure that it would make it? The owner is  
going to take it to the UPS store to see what they can do within the  
needed guidelines, but anything you could tell about the best way to  
pack it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Arle