My friend travels with her Brother (Walmart, inexpensive model) all the time. She puts it in her carry-on and it fits the airline size restrictions. I think she took the needle out and packed in her checked bag. I am not sure if that is necessary, or her idea just in case the airline wanted to take away. I have not personally travelled with my sewing machine by air. Others here will hopefully give you some more personal feedback. I do not think I would want to ship in checked baggage unless it was packed in original styrofoam type packing. It will need to adjust to temperature change too before using if it goes by checked baggage,