Thanks for the replies!
Though I like the last idea posted it seems too large and heavy for a flight to Europe.
The solution I think I will go with is to buy ,from a package container business, some bike boxes. Also some heavy duty cardboard sheeting. I will "line" the interior to obtain a bit more thickness. Also I will fabricate some "spacers/supports" that will go side to side.
Then lots of packing tape. The kind with the string/fiber. Also some integrated handles so maybe the baggage handlers will be a bit more kind!