calling the airline is great advice

I just flew back home to FL. from IN. with my Featherweight as my carry-on bag. I flew out of a small airport and they took the machine out of the bag I had it in to check it out really well even after going thru the x-ray. I made sure I had a case that had a handle & a carrying strap because wouldn't you know it I had to walk from one end of the airport to the other. Even though the Featherweights only weigh 11#'s they do tend to get heavy if you have to carry them any distance.

Sounds like I had better make a carry bag or get a rolling tote for her to manage the featherweight. Hmmm... I think I have some canvas and strap materials here. Best get started!

Why not just pack it up and mail it to her?

Yes, just put it in the carryon and when you get to security, just tell them you have a sewing machine in there. If you tell them, they will look at the scanner and chuckle. If you don't tell them, they will open the bag and ask you to disassemble! Flew from Dallas/Fort Worth to Salt Lake City in April. No problems when I told them what it was! Just be sure to pack all cutters, scissors, etc. in checked baggage.

I am not sure I have the skill to pack it well enough to send it through the mail. I realize others have done it, but it scares me to think of the possible tossing and dropping that packages get, and the featherweight in that context. But that is a thought.

Did your scissors come to a sharp point? If so that's why. I've taken a short blunt scissors and even showed it to them and was ok.

If you send through UPS they will help you pack it (they would actually prefer to help to make sure it is packaged correctly).

That would be nice. I didn't think to ask about that.