When ever I go home to Barbados and I am travelling with a sewing machine , I ALWAYS take it as carryon in a regular sewing bag they sell at Joanns or Walmart. The sewing bags with no wheels.No problem what soever and I put it in the overhead compartment. I have taken at least 5 different sewing machines at home to give away. Going through the screening , they usually check it out and give it back to me. NO problems. I travel American Airlines.