here's what has worked the best for me (internationally as well). i take two cardboard bike boxes from a local shop, cut them down to meet the dimesion requirements of the airlines. one box for the frame/bars/seat, one box for the wheels. i put extra cardboard around the chainring (alot) and the axels so they don't punch holes in the box. then i stuff plastic trash bags into the empty spaces around the frame and wheels and pack my clothes into the bags. duct tape that shiat up and presto! you're ready to go.