I have found that both canister stoves and alcohol stoves are pretty trouble free to fly with. Some airlines specifically say in their written policy that canister stoves are OK. Pop can stoves... You really can't tell a new one from a used one. They look and smell the same. I have not had a problem with either.

The problem with the canister stoves is that we have found fuel hard to find when we get to our destination. My most recent solution is to take the canister stove if I think I will find fuel for it, but hedge my bets by also taking a pop can stove. They both use the same pot and windscreen and the weight is not a big penalty since the canister stove is 3 ounces and the pop can stove is about an ounce if you include the pot stand.

There is zero chance that I would even attempt to fly with my venerable svea 123. If I really wanted to take it or another gas or multifuel stove I'd consider mailing it ahead, but doubt that I would ever bother unless maybe for winter camping.

That is all just my personal preference though.