I travel back and forth to Florida every three months to help care for my dad who suffers from Alzheimer's. I always bring my Singer Featherweight in its original case. I do not depend on the handle, but put a travel strap around it and carry it by holding onto that strap. Many security folks along the way have asked that I open her up so they can have a peek inside when I tell them it's a 1948 Featherweight! They sometimes respond that it's the same kind of sewing machine 'mom or grandma' used to have. I've never had a problem with taking her onboard with me - she fits perfectly, standing upright, in the overhead rack.