Get a hard plastic case. I bought one a few years ago and I've hauled my bikes back and forth between Europe and the US several times without damage. I think it is worth it to have your bike there when you land and not having to worry about it being delivered late or not arriving at all. The last time I looked into shipping via UPS or FedEx it was not any cheaper. With as much use as I've got out of that case, it has paid for itself.