Years ago, I took my machine on an airplane trip down to florida. I didn't have a cover or hard shell case for it. I used pillow case to cover it up. BIG mistake. It did fit nicely under the seat in front of me, though. Anywho, getting it out after the flight, I broke off the thread spindle. Poor baby. Never been the same since. Tried super glue many times but no such luck with that. Now I just use a coffee mug for a thread stand.